Mercer County’s public libraries are offering a full slate of programs this December as branches prepare for a busy holiday season.
Families will find story times, craft sessions, science programs, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus across multiple locations.
Adults can take part in seasonal workshops, book discussions, technology classes, concerts, meditation sessions, and community service projects. Each branch has scheduled activities designed to support learning, creativity, and connection during one of the county’s most active months.
The following roundup provides a branch-by-branch look at what’s happening throughout December. Visit events.mcl.org for more information and to verify dates and times.
East Windsor – Hickory Corner Branch
At the Hickory Corner Branch, Dec. programming begins with the Caregiver Support Group on Tuesday, Dec. 9, a bilingual session led by Kat Verdi that offers caregivers a safe environment to share experiences, discuss stress, and learn about resources available in both English and Spanish.
The branch then highlights its digital learning tools with Free Coding Resources on Tuesday, Dec. 16, where participants can explore programs such as Fiero Code, LinkedIn Learning, and Amazon Web Services Training Center at their own pace. Later in the month, the branch supports community wellness by hosting a Free Eye Screening on Thursday, Dec. 18, conducted by a certified screener and an eye doctor through the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
East Windsor – Twin Rivers Branch
The Twin Rivers Branch offers a full month of crafting and community events, beginning with Adult Craft: Holiday Greeting Cards on Monday, Dec. 1, where participants can design festive cards using stamps, stencils, markers, and other supplies. Mid-month, the library welcomes beginners to learn basic crochet skills on Wednesday, Dec. 10, while more experienced crafters are invited to bring their works in progress.
On Thursday, Dec. 11, residents can enjoy a lively Bingo night with the chance to win small prizes. Creativity continues with Adult Craft: Diamond Coasters on Thursday, Dec. 18, inviting participants to make shimmering sea-themed coasters using diamond-painting kits. The month concludes with Adult Craft: Painted Wood Block Snow Men on Monday, Dec. 22, offering a hands-on way to craft cheerful wooden snowmen.
Ewing – Ewing Branch
The Ewing Branch features a rich mix of creative, educational, and family-friendly programs. The month opens with The American Revolution in Ewing on Wednesday, Dec. 3, where children ages 7 and up can learn about the township’s colonial history from representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution. On Friday, Dec. 5, paper artist Alicia Vincelette leads a Holiday Card Making Class that introduces participants to stamping, folding, and other crafting techniques.
The Non-Fiction Book Club meets on Tuesday, Dec. 9 to discuss Valiant Women by Lena S. Andrews, examining overlooked stories of American servicewomen in World War II. Winter crafting follows with Adult Craft: Beaded Snowflake Ornament on Thursday, Dec. 11, and the season finishes with a festive Photo Op with The Grinch on Sunday, Dec. 14, complete with candy canes and holiday cheer.
Ewing – Hollowbrook Branch
Hollowbrook Branch programming begins with a relaxing crafting session on Monday, Dec. 8, when adults can create festive mini pipe-cleaner wreaths during Adult Craft: Mini Pipe Cleaner Wreath. Those who miss the evening program can return for Midday Masterpieces on Tuesday, Dec. 9 to complete the same project.
The branch embraces seasonal celebrations with a Winter Holiday Storytime on Friday, Dec. 12, featuring stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, along with songs and a craft. Younger patrons can enjoy Baby Storytime on Wednesday, Dec. 17, while yarn enthusiasts gather for Hooked on Yarn on Thursday, Dec. 18. Children ages 9 and up can cap off the month with a sweet and colorful Gingerbread House Decoration activity on Monday, Dec. 22.
Hightstown Memorial Branch
The Hightstown Memorial Branch promotes mindfulness and creativity beginning with Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Crafts for ages 8–12 on Wednesday, Dec. 3, followed by another session on Saturday, Dec. 13, each featuring a different upcycling project led by Girl Scout Silver Award candidates. Weekly Guided Meditation sessions take place on Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, offering participants a calm space to refocus and rejuvenate under the guidance of longtime Rajyoga practitioner Leena.
Children ages 2–5 can enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus on Tuesday, Dec. 16, including a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, a craft, and a photo opportunity. Hands-on learners ages 5–10 can explore chemistry during Hands-On Chemistry Experiments with Princeton University on Monday, Dec. 29, where messy, kid-led experiments take center stage.
Hopewell Branch
The Hopewell Branch begins its holiday offerings with Snow Much Fun Cookie Decorating on Wednesday, Dec. 3, giving participants the chance to decorate cookies using sprinkles, frosting, and other festive toppings. Later in the month, community members can take advantage of quiet Gift Wrapping Stations on Monday, Dec. 15, Saturday, Dec. 20, and Monday, Dec. 22, where they can wrap gifts using paper, ribbon, and tape supplied by the library—an ideal opportunity for keeping presents a secret from family members.
Lawrence Headquarters Branch
Dec. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch begins with two programs on Thursday, Dec. 4: Sustainable Holidays, a discussion led by Librarian Shanna about reducing waste during holiday celebrations, and an evening Winter Concert featuring Rhythm N’ Sound performing classic standards and Christmas favorites.
On Monday, Dec. 8, participants may join a cozy Holiday Gift Wrap session led by Librarian Jenna. Families are invited to Storytime with Mrs. Claus on Wednesday, Dec. 10, followed by a creative writing experience on Wednesday, Dec. 17 during Artful Writing: An Ekphrastic Workshop with author Barbara Krasner.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Gingerbread Man/Woman Candy Cane Holders will be featured. Participants will sew a felt gingerbread man or woman, decorate it, and insert candy canes inside as holders. Recommended for children ages 8 and up.
Technology classes are offered across the month, including Mouse Basics, PC Basics, Internet Basics, Typing Lab, Gmail, Google Tools, and Mail Merge on Dec. 1, 3, 10, 11, 20, 22, 29, and 30.
West Windsor Branch
At the West Windsor Branch, English language learners can participate in the ESL Conversation Group on Mondays—Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Meditation enthusiasts can unwind during Breathe, Relax, & Focus on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and film lovers can enjoy the Wednesday Film Festival: Denzel Washington on Dec. 3, 10, and 17.
Crafters meet during Knitting, Crochet, Et Cetera! on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19, while poetry fans gather for the Poetry Reading Group on Saturday, Dec. 13. Families can meet Santa during Storytime with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 20, and children can enjoy winter break science fun at Mad Science Shows! on Saturday, Dec. 27, offered at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. The year concludes with the lively Countdown to Noon Preschool Party! on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Robbinsville Branch
Robbinsville Branch begins its celebrations with Chanukah Storytime on Thursday, Dec. 11, where children of all ages can enjoy a holiday story and craft presented by local Jewish organizations. On Thursday, Dec. 18, the branch hosts a New York Blood Center Blood Drive, giving community members the opportunity to support critical blood supplies.
Quiet readers can gather on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Silent Book Club, where participants enjoy independent reading with light refreshments. The month closes with a Mercer County Vaccine Clinic on Monday, Dec. 29, offering free childhood vaccines for eligible families.
Featured Adult Virtual Programs (Online)
Dec.’s virtual lineup begins with Through the Eyes of the Artist: Norman Rockwell on Thursday, Dec. 4, followed by “One More for My Baby”: The Hollywood Songbook of Frank Sinatra on Monday, Dec. 8.
The series concludes on Wednesday, Dec. 17 with Charles M. Schulz: An American Cartoonist, marking the 75th anniversary of Peanuts. All programs require online registration to receive the event link.
This article was created by an member of editorial staff with the assistance of AI.
