PRINCETON NJ Announcement

July Events at Princeton Public Library

June 22, 2026

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY JULY EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Summer Reading Soiree featuring Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.

The authors discuss and sign copies of "A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams" at this annual event featuring refreshments, giveaways and more. Tickets are $20 and include a copy of the book. Morven Museum & Garden

 

Matthew Quick in Conversation with Amy Jo Burns

Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m.

The author discusses his new memoir "Dad, Love Me" with Amy Jo Burns followed by a book signing. Community Room

 

Brooke Barbier

Friday, July 31, 5 p.m.

A happy hour featuring craft cocktails and ciders from Ironbound Farm sets the stage for Brooke Barbier's presentation of "Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicated History of the American Revolution." Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Nassau Inn

 

MOVIES

 

“1776”

Friday, July 3, 1 p.m.

This 1972 historical musical drama, based on the Broadway musical of the same name, is a fictionalized account of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Community Room

 

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”

Tuesday, July 14, 3 p.m.

(1945, PG, 2 hours, 8 minutes): Based on the bestselling novel by Betty Smith, this film follows Francie Nolan as she grows up in a struggling family in early 20th-century Brooklyn, navigating poverty, family dynamics, and the challenges of adolescence. Community Room

 

“The Age of Innocence”

Tuesday, July 21, 3 p.m.

(1993, PG, 2 hours, 19 minutes): Adapted from the novel by Edith Wharton, this film centers on a New York lawyer whose engagement to a prominent socialite is complicated by his attraction to her independent-minded cousin, revealing the rigid social codes of Gilded Age New York.

 

“The Shawshank Redemption”

Tuesday, July 28, 3 p.m.

(1994, R, 2 hours, 22 minutes): Drawn from a novella by Stephen King, this film follows a banker sentenced to life in prison who forms an enduring friendship with a fellow inmate while navigating decades behind bars. Community Room

 

“The Lion King” at Princeton Garden Theatre

Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.

This Disney animated musical drama follows Simba, a young lion prince, forced into exile by his deceitful Uncle Scar. (1994) G. 1 hour, 28 minutes. Part of the Family Matinee Series. Limited free tickets available from the library. See theater website for regular priced tickets.

 

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

 

Catherine Project Weekly Book Discussion Series

Tuesday, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 4 p.m.

This weekly book discussion series examines fundamental texts in philosophy, political theory and literature, focusing on the theme of revolution.

This summer, the group will focus on the 12 books of John Milton's "Paradise Lost" (1674 edition). Tower Room and online Registration required.

 

Listen to This! Adult Summer Reading Podcast Group

Thursday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.

"Unearth a Story" by listening to and discussing a short story from The New Yorker's "Fiction" podcast. Quiet Room

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, July 9, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses "African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan" by Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard. All are welcome. See calendar for Google Meet link.

 

Library Reads

Monday, July 6, 1 p.m.

Library staff members share notable new titles to add to your to-be-read list at these monthly sessions. Register for Zoom link.

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Listen Local Series: Loose Bricks

Sunday, July 12, 3 p.m.

Loose Bricks kicks off the 2026 Listen Local series with an afternoon of classic rock, blues and dance favorites from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. Hinds Plaza

 

Teens: Code the Wild Series

Monday, July 13, 2 p.m.

Rising ninth and 10th graders explore the intersection of biology, coding and artificial intelligence in this weeklong series. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab

 

Meet the Human Services Department

Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community members are invited to meet staff from Princeton Human Services Department and partner organizations during these "open office" hours on the third Wednesday of each month. Lobby

 

Paws to Read

Wednesday, July 22, 3 p.m.

Children ages 5 and up, with an adult caregiver, are invited to practice reading to Maisey, a certified therapy dog. Story Room

 

Owen Lake and The Tragic Loves Album Release Party

Saturday, July 25, noon

Celebrate the release of “Bury Deep My Heart” the second full-length record of electro-country band Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, and its first of all original songs. Community Room/Hinds Plaza

 

Listen Local Series: The Rebound

Sunday, July 26, 3 p.m.

The Princeton-based band presents an eclectic mix of rock and pop favorites spanning the 1960s through the 2000s. Hinds Plaza

 

Diorama Design Studio: “Places We Shop: Princeton”

Monday, July 27, 2 p.m.

Kids in grades 3-5 imagine an original shop inspired by artist Barbara DiLorenzo's "Places We Shop - Princeton" series, then build it over three sessions as a detailed diorama. Registration required. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab

 

Cooks + Books: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”

Wednesday, July 29, 3 p.m.

A reading from "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" followed by a fun cooking class featuring recipes related to the book. For kids in kindergarten through second grade. Registration required.

 

Princeton Student Film Festival

Wednesday, July 29, 5:30 p.m.

Teens and adults are invited to view screenings of original short films by filmmakers ages 14-25. Filmmakers who attend will participate in post-screening Q&A sessions. Community Room

 

 

 

Writers Room

Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m.

Monday, July 20, 10 a.m.

Writers receive constructive feedback at these twice-monthly group sessions during which participants read passages from a work in progress and members offer suggestions. Registration required. Tower Room

 

Princeton Sketchers

Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m.

Sketchers of all abilities and experience levels meet to sketch, draw and paint together in this social art group. Conference Room

 

Outdoor Storytime at Princeton Shopping Center

Tuesday, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m.

This interactive event features books, songs, rhymes and movement for kids 18 months and older, accompanied by an adult. Please bring a blanket. Registration not required. Check calendar for updates.

 

“Dinosaurs Before Dark: Magic Tree House” Party

Friday, July 10, 2:30 p.m.

Activities and crafts inspired by Mary Pope Osborne's popular "Magic Tree House" series are presented by teen volunteers with staff supervision. For ages 7 and up. Community Room

 

So Percussion Summer Institute

Saturday, July 18, noon

Musicians and composers present collaborative and original percussion compositions developed during the S? Percussion Summer Institute. Community Room

 

Writers Room Online

Tuesday, July 21, 7 p.m.

Writers receive constructive feedback at these monthly online group sessions during which participants read passages from a work in progress and members offer suggestions. On Zoom; register for link

 

Tiny T. Rex Party with Jonathan Stutzman

Friday, July 24, 10 a.m.

Author Jonathan Stutzman shares and signs favorite "Tiny T. Rex" books followed by fun crafts and activities led by our teen volunteers with staff supervision. Community Room

 

Chemistry Saturdays

Saturday, July 25, 2 p.m.

Kids in third through fifth grade learn the basics of chemistry through fun, simple, hands-on experiments supervised by Princeton University graduate students. Registration required. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

Chat GPT and the AI Revolution

Tuesday, July 7, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Introduction to Adobe InDesign

Thursday, July 9, 5:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Microsoft Excel for Beginners Part 1

Monday, July 13, 1 p.m.

Microsoft Excel for

 

Tech Help from Bloomberg

Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m.

Volunteers from Bloomberg offer personalized tech assistance. Drop in at any time during the session.

 

Tech Help for Seniors

Monday, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 9 a.m.

Assistance with technology issues is provided by volunteers from AmeriCorps. Drop in at any time during the 3.5-hour session. Technology Center

 

Getting Started with Google Drive

Wednesday, July 15, 1 p.m.

Registration required, Technology Center

 

iCloud

Thursday, July 16, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Ask the Mac Pros

Tuesday, July 21, 1-3 p.m.

Members of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group help resolve questions about Apple devices. Drop in at any time during this session.