As we begin the summer month of July, Mercer County Library System (MCLS) is preparing for a month of community events. Throughout July, MCLS is offering 13 different virtual and outdoor programs for both adults and children highlighting a wide range of topics from beekeeping, kitchen spices, magic, fossils and more. Below outlines MCLS’s event schedule for the month of July:
Virtual Adult Programs – July 2021:
Writers’ Group: Submit-A-Thon
Thursday, July 8, 1:00 p.m.
The monthly writers’ group invites writers of all genres and forms to join a creative community. The group alternates between discussion-based informative sessions and generative writing sessions, and is led by librarian and fiction writer, Corina Bardoff. Rather than a workshop focused on critique, the group aims to be an inspiring and affirming support for writers at any stage of their writing life.
This month: Submitting your writing can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone! The session will begin with a review of resources that list places to submit, whether you want to place a story in a magazine, find an agent, or place a manuscript. Then we’ll all get to work submitting and supporting one another. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
An Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping
Monday, July 12, 7:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to know more about honey bees? Is beekeeping for you? If you like to learn more, join local beekeeper, Curtis Crowell in this virtual introduction to the unique biology of the honey bee, how they organize their colony and make honey, and what tools beekeepers use to manage the bees’ hives. Sponsored by the Hightstown Library Association. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
The People’s Books: The Story of the Lawrence Library
Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 p.m.
Today Lawrence is home to the largest branch in the Mercer County Library System, which also serves as the system’s headquarters. On its long journey to becoming the community resource that it is today, the library has survived fires, floods, a tornado, political shenanigans, and now a pandemic. Join to hear the many stories that should remind us never to take our library for granted. Presented by Dennis P. Waters, Mercer County Library Commissioner and former Lawrence Township Historian. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
The Secret History of the Jersey Devil
Thursday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
The story of the Jersey Devil is one of the most popular myths of New Jersey history, but there is a lot more underlying elements to the mythical creature you may not know. Join Dr. Brian Regal, professor at Kean University and author of The Secret History of the Jersey Devil (2018), as he shares the complex story behind the genesis of the Jersey Devil, as well as the unique role it’s played in American history. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library and the Hightstown Memorial Library Association. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
Howell Farm: Its History and Heritage
Thursday, July 29, 7:00 p.m.
Larry Kidder, farm historian and long-time farm volunteer, provides the historical back story to Howell Living History Farm, a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. Mr. Kidder’s talk will include the farm’s rural history and heritage, including its evolution to its current mission. Join to learn more about the Howell Living History Farm and its unique role in preserving the past and educating our future. This event is co-sponsored with the Mercer County Parks Commission. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
Virtual Children’s Programs – July 2021:
Stories of Sweden’s Wild Animals
Thursday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.
Children ages 5-12 will learn about the wild animals who call Sweden their home; from the Dala horses and enchanted animals to the moose (Sweden’s national animal). Learn about these wild animals through Scandinavian folk art, tales and traditions. Then create your own animal craft with a kit provided by the American Swedish Historical Museum. Please note: Craft kits will be available for pick up beginning Thursday, July 8. After you register, we will contact you to coordinate the pick-up of your kit(s). Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
Outdoor Adult Programs – July 2021:
Spice Club: Paprika and Coriander
Mondays, July 12 & 26, 6:30 p.m.
Twin Rivers Branch
276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor, NJ
609-443-1880
Stop by the library during the weeks of July 5-10 (paprika) and July 19-24 (coriander) to pick up a packet of spice, recipes, and information about the history of that spice to try in the convenience of your own kitchen. On July 12 and 26, meet to discuss thoughts and experiences with that week’s spice offering. Each Spice Club event focuses on a different spice.
Outdoor Book Discussion: The Stoic Challenge by William B. Irvine
Monday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.
Twin Rivers Branch
276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor, NJ
609-443-1880
The Stoic Challenge is the ultimate guide to improving your quality of life through tactics developed by ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Epictetus. Join us outside for a night of idea sharing and discussion. All are welcome.
An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe
Monday, July 26, 7:00 p.m.
Hickory Corner Branch
138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, NJ
609-448-1330
Uncle Aloysius, the Master Storyteller (Hollis Donaldson), will mesmerize you as he performs several of Edgar Allan Poe’s most riveting works. Join us in the Hickory Corner Branch parking lot, weather permitting; rain date is Wednesday, July 28, 7:00-8:00 pm.
Registration is required at www.mcl.org, or contact Hickory Corner Branch at 609-448-0957 or hcprogs@mcl.org.
Outdoor Children’s Programs – July 2021:
Stories & Songs in the Sun (ages 5-under)
Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10:30 a.m.
Hightstown Memorial Branch
114 Franklin St.
Hightstown, NJ 08520
609-448-1474
Enjoy songs, stories, rhymes and a take-home craft with Miss Liz.
In case of inclement weather, this program will be cancelled.
Registration required at www.mcl.org.
Fossil Dig
Wednesday, July 7, 2:00 p.m.
Hollowbrook Branch
320 Hollowbrook Drive
Ewing, NJ 08638
609-883-5914
For ages 5-12. Learn interesting facts about prehistoric animals, do a craft and sift for real fossils. Registration is required at www.mcl.org and space is limited.
Swashbuckling Adventure Stories with Flynn Rider (ages 3-10)
Saturday, July 10, 10:30 a.m.
Hightstown Memorial Branch
114 Franklin St.
Hightstown, NJ 08520
609-448-1474
Children can see the famous adventurer, Flynn Rider, from the movie Tangled as he reads daring tales of action and adventure.
Rain date is Saturday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Registration required at www.mcl.org.
Magic Show with Dennis the Magician
Wednesday, July 14, 2:00 p.m.
Hollowbrook Branch
320 Hollowbrook Drive
Ewing, NJ 08638
609-883-5914
For the whole family. Join us for an outdoor magic show. Please bring chairs to sit on. Rain date will be Thursday, July 15 at 2:00 pm. Registration is required at www.mcl.org and space is limited.
