Library branches across the Mercer County Library System are hosting dozens of programs this October, offering a wide variety of in-person and virtual events for adults, teens, children, and families.
From technology workshops and historic lectures to Halloween storytimes and music concerts, the calendar reflects the diversity of the community and the system’s commitment to lifelong learning.
Virtual events
The library’s featured adult virtual programs begin on Tuesday, October 7, with “Queer History in New Jersey,” a 7 p.m. presentation by Rutgers professor Kristyn Scorsone in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month.
On Thursday, October 16, at 6:30 p.m., psychologist Dr. Kara Buda will present “Caring for the Whole Self,” a discussion about managing emotional well-being while living with chronic illness.
A session on senior living options, “Finding the Right Fit,” will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 2 p.m., followed by “Literary Figures in Princeton,” a program led by Eve Mandel of the Historical Society of Princeton on Wednesday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m.
Ewing
At the Ewing Branch, families are invited to celebrate Diwali with a candleholder craft on Sunday, Oct. 5, with sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Adults can explore the paranormal with a presentation by South Jersey Ghost Paranormal Research on Monday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2:30 p.m., Duck Donuts will lead a Halloween donut decorating event for adults.
Kids can enjoy a Halloween Parade with musician Tim Hoh on Friday, Oct. 31, at 11:30 a.m. For those 8 to 12 years old, Halloween Slime Time will be held at 3:30 p.m. that same day at the Hollowbrook Branch.
The Hollowbrook Branch in Ewing also offers a robust selection of October programs. Weekly “Hooked-on Yarn” crafting sessions are held every Thursday at 10 a.m., and guided meditation meets Thursdays at noon. On Monday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., adults can make a Halloween candy jar during a craft night.
A second opportunity to complete the craft will be offered during the “Midday Masterpieces” session on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 p.m. Later in the month, the Hollowbrook Branch will host a Halloween Storytime for children on Friday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m., followed by a Halloween Slime Time event at 3:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12.
Hightstown
The Hightstown Memorial Branch is hosting weekly Guided Meditation every Thursday at noon and citizenship exam prep classes on Wednesdays and Saturday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m.
Baby Time for ages 0-18 months continues on Fridays at 10 a.m., while a Kids’ Concert with Miss Kim will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.
Lawrence
Lawrence Headquarters Branch will host a Led Zeppelin film screening and discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m., and a performance by the OnStage Seniors Ensemble on Friday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m.
A Diwali dance celebration by Shishya Dancing School is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Youth events include a Halloween Parade and concert with Miss Kim on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m., a youth re-enactment of “The War of the Worlds” on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., and a glow-in-the-dark trick-or-treat bag craft on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m.
West Windsor
At the West Windsor Branch, a Medicare seminar will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m., followed by guided meditation at 7 p.m. A Rule of Three Reading Group will meet Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. C
hildren can enjoy a Diwali storytime and craft with author Prarthana Gururaj on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., a Silent Book Club for ages 6-11 on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m., and a Boo Bash preschool concert and parade on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m.
For ages 6 to 11, the Halloween Fright Fun Party is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6:15 p.m.
Twin Rivers
The Twin Rivers Branch will offer a Halloween craft session on Monday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m., a Diamond Paint-by-Number Bookmark craft on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 p.m., and a No Pressure Book Club on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. Their month concludes with a Murder Mystery Night on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.
Robbinsville
Robbinsville Branch will host a Senior Series workshop on aging in place on Friday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m., followed by an unclaimed property event with a representative from the NJ Treasury on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 p.m. Passport Day, led by Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Hopewell
The Hopewell Branch will host the Artists’ Choice Art Show opening on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m., and a senior moving workshop titled “New Beginnings” on Friday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m.
Hickory Corner
Chess for Adults continues at the Hickory Corner Branch every Thursday evening in October, and a photo contest reception will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. Chris Roselle of the band Rave On! will perform classic rock hits on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.
Most events are free but require advance registration. To register or browse the full calendar, visit www.mcl.org.
