PRINCETON NJ LINK

March Events at Princeton Public Library
February 20, 2026

Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ  08542

609.924.9529

www.princetonlibrary.org

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY MARCH EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Sharon Kurtzman

Sunday, March 1, 11 a.m.

The author discusses "The Lost Baker of Vienna," a sweeping saga about survival, loss, love and the reverberating effects of war inspired by her family's experiences after the Holocaust. A Book Brunch event. Community Room

 

Misty L. Heggeness

Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.

Economist Misty Heggeness discusses her book, "Swiftynomics" which views pop culture through a feminist lens and illuminates how women influence and shape the economy. Community Room

 

Emily Nemens

Tuesday, March 3, 6 p.m.

The author is joined by Jack Livings to discuss her recently published novel "Clutch." Book signing to follow. Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

Andrew David Edwards

Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m.

Historian Andrew David Edwards presents his new book, "Money and the Making of the American Revolution." Registration requested, but not required. Community Room

 

Amy Jo Burns in Conversation with Anica Mrose Rissi

Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m.

The author presents and discusses her novel "Wait for Me." Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for coffee, pastries and live music by The Roly-Polys. The conversation begins at 11 a.m. Book signing to follow. Community Room

 

Tom Griffiths

Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.

Tom Griffiths, head of Princeton’s AI Lab, discusses his new book "The Laws of Thought: The Quest for a Mathematical Theory of the Mind." Book signing to follow. Community Room

 

Benyamin Cohen

Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.

Author and journalist Benyamin Cohen discusses his book, "The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds." Community Room

 

Curtis Dozier

Monday, March 23, 6 p.m.

The classicist and author presents his book "The White Pedestal: How White Nationalists Use Ancient Greece and Rome to Justify Hate," a critical account of far-right appropriations of the classics. Community Room

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

AARP Tax Assistance by Appointment

Mondays through April 13, 8:45 a.m.

AARP volunteers prepare and electronically file Federal and N.J. individual, non-complex income tax returns for seniors and people of low and moderate income. Call (609) 924-9529, ext. 1220, or visit the Welcome Desk.

 

Library Reads

Monday, March 2, 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.

 

Writers Room

Monday, March 16, 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

 

Drop in and Knit

Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 a.m.

Bring your knitting and/or crochet project (and your own supplies) to these drop-in social gatherings. Sessions will not include instruction. Quiet Room

 

PSO Soundtracks: From Score to Stage

Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m.

Composer Julian Grant and renowned harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani discuss the upcoming world premiere of Grant's "Vaudeville in Teal," and what it means to take new music from the score to the stage. Community Room

 

Journaling Club

Wednesday, March 4, 18, 5 p.m.

Anyone motivated by "The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life" by Suleika Jaouad is invited to join this journaling club. Quiet Room

 

Open Mic Night

Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.

Students in Princeton-area high schools are invited to perform at this teens-only event. Community Room

 

Lecture Recitals from the New School of Music

“A Journey Through Chinese Piano Music”

Saturday, March 7, 3 p.m., Community Room

“Impressions of Childhood”

Saturday, March 14, 3 p.m., Community Room

“American Voices: Celebrating Heritage and Women in Music”

Saturday, March 21, 3 p.m., Community Room

 

Performance: The Cook College Ramblers

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m.

The band presents an Irish folk music as a lead-up to St. Patrick's Day. Community Room

 

Open Acoustic Jam

Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m.

At this inclusive and open jam for local musicians, chord charts and lyrics for songs will be provided. Bring your acoustic guitar, uke, violin, resonator, tambourine or your voice to join the fun. Community Room

 

Writers Room Poets

Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.

Poets read from works in progress and receive constructive peer feedback at these virtual sessions. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Princeton Sketchers

Tuesday, March 10, 10:30 a.m.

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

 

Financial Empowerment Program

Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m.

This eight-session monthly program for Princeton residents with low to moderate income gives an overview of financial basics including credit, debt management, investment, taxes, insurance and more and includes one-on-on coaching. Community Room

 

Poetry Craft Lab for Advanced Poets

Wednesday, March 11, 10 a.m.

Poet Dara-Lyn Shrager leads this eight-week workshop designed for experienced poets seeking feedback on a work in progress. Registration required as space is limited. Conference Room

 

Opening Reception for “Shaped by Earth, Moved by Water”

Wednesday, March 11, 6 p.m.

Meet the artists exhibiting in the Princeton Environmental Film Festival's art show "Shaped by Earth, Moved by Water," on view in the Reading Room through April 26 and the photographers whose works are part of Stony Brook Garden Club’s "The Poetry of Nature" photography exhibit on view through March 14. Community Room and Newsroom

 

Film at the Princeton Garden Theatre: “Porcelain War”

Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.

The documentary about three Ukrainian creatives who choose to fight not only with weapons, but with their art—painting, sculpting, and dreaming amid destruction, is screened at the Garden Theatre. Limited free tickets for library cardholders available at the Information Desk starting March 11 at noon.

 

Library of Things Pop-Up

Thursday, March 19, 11 a.m.

Items that are part of our Library of Things will be displayed for visitors to learn about and explore. Sustainable Princeton will also display items from their Lending Library. Lobby

 

Stitch Club Princeton

Thursday, March 19, 5:30 p.m.

All are invited to bring their needlework to this drop-in social gathering. Session does not include instruction. Beginners, high school age and up, are welcome. Tower Room

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, March 12 12, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together" by Heather McGhee. All are welcome. On Google Meet; see calendar for link.

 

Workshop: Digital Oral History

Part 1: Sunday, March 22, 12:30 p.m.

Part 2: Sunday, March 22, 1:45 p.m.

Part 3: Sunday, March 22, 3:15 p.m.

Learn the foundations of digital oral history from library staff involved with the Voices of Princeton initiative. For beginners and experienced participants. Technology Center

 

Nerdy Nook

Monday, March 16, 6 p.m.

Local scientists, engineers, historians, anthropologists and others discuss the remarkable histories behind their areas of expertise, as well as the work they do in the lab. Newsroom

 

Movie: “Waking Ned Devine”

Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m.

The classic comedy, set in a tiny Irish village, is screened in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Community Room

 

Songwriters Circle and Open Mic

Tuesday, March 17, 6 p.m.

The Princeton Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association provides feedback and tips to help songwriters improve at this event that also includes an acoustic open mic. Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Community Room

 

Pysanky Decorating and History

Wednesday, March 18, 4 p.m.

Artist Jenny Santa Maria demonstrates how to create pysanky, eggs decorated using the centuries-old Ukrainian method using beeswax and richly layered dyes. Registration required; space is limited. Community Room

 

Annual Phyllis Marchand Leadership Lecture

Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.

Princeton University astrophysicist Jenny Greene gives a talk following a performance by the Princeton Girlchoir. The Women’s History Month event is held in honor of Phyllis Marchand, Princeton Township’s longest serving mayor and community leader for five decades.

 

Friends of Princeton Open Space Nature Book Club

Friday, March 27, 10:30 a.m.

Join us at Mountain Lakes House to discuss "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. The discussion will include an indoor study of plant pressings, with the opportunity to create one. Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Ave.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

Preventing Digital Theft

Monday, March 2, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Tech Help from Bloomberg

Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m.

Members of Bloomberg’s Women in Technology group offer personalized tech assistance. Drop in at any time during the session.

 

Using the Apple Watch

Monday, March 16, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Ask the Mac Pros

Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m.

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

 

Tiger Tech Help

Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.

Drop-in, one-on-one assistance from Princeton University technology students is provided on a first-come, first served basis. Technology Center

 

Finding Health Information Online

Wednesday, March 25, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

 

Financial Empowerment Program @Princeton Public Library - 8 Week Session
January 25, 2026

Financial Empowerment Program, Princeton Public Library

6 - 7:30pm.

This eight-session program gives an overview of financial basics including credit, debt management, investment, taxes, insurance and more and includes one-on-on coaching. This eight-session, monthly program focuses on credit mastery and debt management; homeownership and investment guidance; tax and legal planning; and insurance essentials. Participants must be 18 years of age or older, have Princeton residency and have low to moderate income. Complete this form to indicate interest.

Sessions will be: Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, and Sept. 15.

 

Click here for more information

February Events @Princeton Public Library
January 25, 2026

Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street,  Princeton, NJ 08542  609.924.9529  www.princetonlibrary.org

 

AUTHORS

 

Sanyu Mojola

Monday, Feb. 2, 6 p..m.

Sociologist Sanyu Mojola, joined in conversation by Tukufu Zuberi and Waverly Duck, presents her new book, "Death by Design: Producing Racial Health Inequality in the Shadow of the Capitol." Community Room

 

Daniel Heller-Roazen

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m.

The author, joined in conversation by Michael Wood, discusses his new book "Far Calls: On Omens, Slips, & Epiphanies." Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

 

D. Vance Smith

Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m.

The author, joined in conversation by Simon Gikandi, presents his new book “Atlas’s Bones: The African Foundations of Europe.” Reception to follow. Registration requested. Livestreamed to YouTube. Community Room

 

Radha Lin Chaddah in Conversation with Amy Jo Burns

Sunday, Feb. 8, 10:45 a.m.

The author presents and discusses her novel "And the Ancestors Sing" at this Book Brunch event. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for coffee and pastries. The conversation begins at 11 a.m. Book signing to follow. Community Room

 

Pooja Makijani

Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m.

The author shares and signs copies of her new children’s book, “Bread is Love,” followed by a love-themed craft activity. For ages 2 and up with an adult. Story Room

 

Ani Zonneveld

Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.

The author, writer, singer/songwriter and speaker discusses her new memoir, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making my Life Count as a Muslim Feminist," and gives a musical performance. Community Room

 

Andrew S. Curran

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

The author, joined in conversation by Flora Champy and Murielle Perrier, presents his new book, "Biography of a Dangerous Idea: A New History of Race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson." Community Room

 

Shatema Threadcraft

Monday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m.

The author, joined in conversation by Reena Goldthree, presents her new book, "The Labors of Resurrection: Black Women, Necromancy, and Morrisonian Democracy." Community Room

 

Melissa Burch

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

?The author and director of the Afterlives of Conviction Project at the University of Michigan discusses her book, "The Criminal Record Complex: Risk, Race, and the Struggle for Work in America." On Zoom; register for link.

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Grand Opening: Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab

Sunday, Feb. 1, 12:15 p.m.

All are invited to attend the ribbon cutting for the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab, a new interactive STEAM learning space on the third floor. Tours of the space will be given from 12:30-2:30 p.m. STEAM demonstrations and crafts on the third floor will take place from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

 

“IMAP: To the Edge of the Sun”

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m.

Activities, demonstrations and hands-on displays and a chance to meet the scientists and engineers involved in NASA’s IMAP mission. Part of the Grand Opening of the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab. Community Room

 

AARP Tax Assistance by Appointment

Monday, Feb. 2, 8:45 a.m.

AARP volunteers prepare and electronically file Federal and N.J. individual, non-complex income tax returns for seniors and people of low and moderate income through April 13. Call (609) 924-9529, ext. 1220, or visit the Welcome Desk.

 

Winter Reading Program

Through Feb. 21

Adults are invited to participate in our Winter Reading program and read three books from Dec. 21 to Feb. 21. Pick up a bookmark at the Welcome Desk to record your selections.

 

Library Reads

Monday, Feb. 2, 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 via CMAP.

 

Writers Room

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 16, 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

 

Drop in and Knit

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 a.m.

Bring your knitting and/or crochet project (and your own supplies) to these drop-in social gatherings. Sessions will not include instruction. Quiet Room

 

PSO Soundtracks: Meet the Hardanger Fiddle

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

The Bergamot Quartet and Princeton Music Department Chair Dan Trueman explore Norway's national instrument and perform newly composed and adapted works for these unique stringed instruments. Community Room

 

Journaling Club

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 18, 6:30 p.m.

Anyone motivated by "The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life" by Suleika Jaouad is invited to join this journaling club. Quiet Room

 

Friends of Princeton Open Space Nature Book Club

Friday, Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m.

A discussion of "A Bird Came Down the Walk: Select Bird Poems" by Emily Dickinson. The discussion will include a guided bird walk with expert birder Winnie Hughes Spar. Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Ave.

 

A Cappella Night

Friday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

Vocal groups from Princeton high schools perform at this teens-only event. Community Room

 

Bling a Book

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.

Adults and teens in grades 9-12 are invited to decorate and personalize a book cover using decorative gems. Bring your own book or one will be provided. Registration required.

 

Writers Room Poets

Monday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.

Poets read from works in progress and receive constructive peer feedback at these virtual sessions. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Princeton Sketchers

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.

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

 

Financial Empowerment Program

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

This eight-session monthly program for Princeton residents with low to moderate income gives an overview of financial basics including credit, debt management, investment, taxes, insurance and more and includes one-on-on coaching. Community Room

 

Faith and Health Initiative

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.

Jonathan Lee Walton joins Suzanne Watts Henderson and Almeda Wright for a conversation exploring how faith and spirituality shape health, resilience and well-being. Registration required.

 

Fiction Book Group

Thursday, Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.

The group discusses "The Lion Women of Tehran" by Marjan Kamali. Conference Room

 

Stitch Club Princeton

Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m.

All are invited to bring their needlework to this drop-in social gathering. Session does not include instruction. Beginners, high school age and up, are welcome. Tower Room

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses the NJ Reparations Council Report by the New Jersey Reparations Council. All are welcome. On Google Meet; see calendar for link.

 

Douglass Day 2026

Friday, Feb. 13, noon

Community members are invited to participate in transcribe-a-thons at the library and other locations and to view a Special Collections Showcase at Firestone Library. Newsroom, Technology Center

 

Conversation: “Epic in Our Times”

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m.

Classicist and translator Emily Wilson is joined in conversation by Sophie Gee and Pasquale Toscano to explore how epic confronts rising populism, nation-building and authoritarian rule. Community Room

 

Workshop: Digital Oral History Part 1

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Part 2: Wednesday, Feb. 25, noon

Learn the foundations of digital oral history from library staff involved with the Voices of Princeton initiative. For beginners and experienced participants. Technology Center

 

Winter Reading Meetup

Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.

Our Winter Reading program concludes with a gathering where participants and library staff will share what they've been reading this winter. All adults are welcome. Newsroom

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

Tech Help from Bloomberg’s Women in Technology

Thursday, Feb. 5, 3-5 p.m.

Members of Bloomberg’s Women in Technology group offer personalized tech assistance. Drop in at any time during the session.

 

Windows 11

Thursday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Using Google Forms

Monday, Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

 

Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab @Princeton Public Library Opens February 1
January 21, 2026

Princeton Public Library is holding a grand opening celebration of the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab Sunday, Feb. 1, with events throughout the day. The new STEAM-learning space on the third floor features integrated technology and equipment designed to support learners in grades K-12.

 

The space features laptop and desktop computers, iPads, sewing machines, a 3-D printer bar, woodworking tools, virtual reality and gaming equipment, crafting supplies and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning kits that can accommodate class sizes of up to 16 students at a time.

 

“I’m excited that the library has created a space for kids and teens in our community to explore, learn and create,” said Head of Youth Services Marissa Warren. “We worked hard to create scaffold learning so there is an entry point for all technology whether it's 3D printing, sewing, game design, or art. Access to these types of technology outside of a school environment can be cost prohibitive and having a space in the library that offers it for free is going to open up so many possibilities.”

 

The day’s events begin with a ribbon cutting at 12:15 p.m. Tours of the space will be given from 12:30-2;30 p.m. Tours will take 15 minutes and can accommodate up to 16 people at a time. Interactive STEAM demonstrations and crafts will be held on the third floor from 12:30-2;30 p.m. Take & Make kits for a Spark Lab Matching Game craft for kids to make at home will be available while supplies last.

 

At 2:30 p.m., “IMAP: To the Edge of the Sun – A Heliophysics Discovery Day” will take place in the Community Room. The event will feature activities, demonstrations displays and a chance to meet the scientists and engineers who are part of the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, a NASA mission to study a wide range of particles and fields in the heliosphere, a bubble that surrounds our solar system. This event is presented in partnership with Space Physics at Princeton and the Center on Science and Technology at Princeton University.

 

“The creation of the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab is another step toward fulfilling our mission to provide equitable learning opportunities in our community,” said Executive Director Jennifer Podolsky. “Providing this space, where every child will have the chance to create, discover and increase their knowledge of science and technology, is a great example of how vital the library is to Princeton.”

 

The Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab was made possible by a lead donation from longtime Princeton residents Myra and Van Williams, for whom the space is named, and several other donors. The Municipality of Princeton is providing funds for tech equipment and supplies.

 

“We are deeply grateful to Myra and Van, the Municipality of Princeton and all of the generous donors who helped make this vision a reality,” said Podolsky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Hours @Princeton Public Library
January 06, 2026

The Board of Trustees of the Princeton Public Library has approved a budget that includes changes to library hours and modified access to on-demand streaming services. The principal change will be a one-hour daily reduction in library hours beginning Jan. 12.

“The library’s 2026 budget required finding cost savings that would have the least impact on service,” said Executive Director Jennifer Podolsky. “While our operating hours and streaming services will be changing, our role as a valued community resource remains the same.”

Beginning Jan. 12, the library will close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Welcome Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 

Princeton Public Library will also join other major libraries in eliminating the Kanopy on-demand video streaming service and will restrict Hoopla checkouts to three per patron per month, effective Feb. 1. Hoopla allows patrons to stream audiobooks, music, video and e-books at no charge to the user. The library will eliminate fees for DVD and video game rentals to ameliorate the impact of new limits on streaming services.

These adjustments were necessary to address a 2026 budget deficit resulting from significant increases in fixed costs, including a 36.5% increase in State-mandated staff insurance premiums. In addition, the effects of soaring costs for building maintenance and utilities and rising usage fees for the library’s digital platforms have been exacerbated by steady growth in visitor traffic. 

“Protecting the library’s long-term financial health is critical to ensuring it can remain an accessible, inclusive center for learning and cultural enrichment for all members of our community,” said Board of Trustees President Christopher Van Buren. “Princeton Public Library is a vital community asset, and preserving its ability to deliver outstanding service and world-class programming was a paramount consideration in the budget process.”

The final library budget is subject to approval of the municipal budget by the Princeton Town Council this spring.

 

Princeton Public Library

Sands Library Building

65 Witherspoon Street

Princeton, NJ  08542

(609) 924-9529

www.princetonlibrary.org

Princeton Public Library
July 21, 2010

Princeton Public Library
July 22, 2009