Princeton NJ Libraries Announcements

January Events at Princeton Public Library
December 29, 2025

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

609.924.9529

www.princetonlibrary.org

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY JANUARY EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Julie Doar

Sunday, Jan. 11, 3 p.m.

The author is joined by writer/editor Ken Jaworowski to discuss her debut murder mystery "The Gallagher Place," selected as the December 2025 Top Pick by LibraryReads. Community Room

 

Edith Mirante

Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.

The author reads from and discusses "Where the Mithuns Are: Essays on War, Art and Beasts" her new book of inspiring essays. Community Room

 

Noor Zaidi and Mahjabeen Dhala

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

The authors explore two influential women in Islamic history, Lady Fatima and Lady Zaynab, and demonstrate how they embodied courage, spiritual clarity and resistance against injustice. Community Room

 

 

Marilyn Aronberg Lavin

Saturday, Jan. 24, 3 p.m.

The author, a noted scholar and professor of art history, discusses her recently released memoir "One Life for Two: The Autobiography of Irving and Marilyn Lavin." Community Room

 

Miriam Leonard

Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m.

The author and classicist, joined in conversation by Joshua Billings, presents her new book "Revolution: Modern Uprisings in Ancient Time." On Zoom; register for link.

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

New Jersey Tolkien Society

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m.

The newly formed Mercer Oakenshield Fellowship invites all Tolkien fans of the Princeton area to its inaugural New Jersey Tolkien Society meeting. Conference Room

 

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.

 

Open Acoustic Jam

Sunday, Jan. 4, 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

 

Movie: “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”

Monday, Jan. 5, 3:30 p.m.

In the final film of the "Downton Abbey" trilogy, the Crawleys face a public scandal and financial trouble as they enter the 1930s. PG. 2 hours, 4 minutes. Community Room

 

 

 

Library Reads

Monday, Jan. 12, 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, Jan. 6, 7 p.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, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 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

 

Genealogical Research in Other Countries

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Genealogist Katherine Willson shares resources for genealogical research outside of the U.S. and expert strategies for navigating name variations, shifting borders and international records. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Journaling Club

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 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 new journaling club. Quiet Room

 

Agatha Christie on Screen Movie Series

Refreshments beginning at 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 8, 3:30 p.m., “Crooked House”

Jan. 15, 3:30 p.m., “And Then There Were None”

Jan. 22, 3:30 p.m., “Witness for the Prosecution”

Jan. 29, 3:30 p.m. “Murder on the Orient Express”

 

Stitch Club Princeton

Thursday, Jan. 8, 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

 

Drop-in Digital Download Hour

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m.

Assistance with downloading content from our e-Library will be provided at this drop-in session. Technology Center

 

Workshop: Create a Family Vision Board

Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m.

Youth (8 and up) and adults work together to create a family vision board for 2026 at this workshop led by collage artist Kara DeJesus. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. Community Room

 

Workshop: Create a 2026 Vision Board

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2 p.m.

Create a visual representation of your goals and dreams for 2026 using paper, magazines, stickers and more at this workshop led by collage artist Kara DeJesus. Community Room

 

Writers Room Poets

Monday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

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

 

Catherine Project Book Discussion Series

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4 p.m.

This book discussion series examines fundamental texts in political theory, focusing on the theme of revolution. Meets weekly through April 21 online and in person in the Tower Room

 

Princeton Sketchers

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 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

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses "The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. All are welcome. On Google Meet; see calendar for link.

 

Presentation: “Einstein’s Gift: How Albert Einstein Saved My Family and Why History Matters”

Monday, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Karen Glinert Carlson discusses how she learned that Albert Einstein was her cousin, how he saved her mother and grandparents during World War II, and the importance of family history. Community Room

 

Presentation: “Steeped in Secrecy: The Boston Tea Party 250 Years Later”

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Claire Evans and genealogist Debra Dudek discuss the political problems tea presented in history and share how to trace participants in the Boston Tea Party. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Beyond the Concert Book Group

“Hard by a Great Forest”

Thursday, Jan. 22, noon

Library staff lead a hybrid book discussion of "Hard by a Great Forest" by Leo Vardiashvili in advance of Princeton University Concerts' event with Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili. Conference Room

 

J Lab Certificate Course

Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.

?This eight-session course teaches participants the basic news-writing and reporting skills needed to cover issues of concern to their community. All materials are provided. Registration required. Newsroom

 

Movie: “Heightened Scrutiny”

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.

This documentary follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he fights a legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. 1 hour, 25 minutes. Community Room

 

 

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

 

Introduction to Python Programming

Monday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Mastering Google Docs

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Getting Started with Google Drive

Thursday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Microsoft Excel for Beginners Part 1

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Microsoft Excel for Beginners Part 2

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

 

 

 

January Events at Princeton Public Library
December 30, 2023

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY JANUARY EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Book Brunch Featuring Amy Jo Burns

Sunday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m.

The author is joined by Anica Mrose Rissi to discuss and sign her novel "Mercury" at this book launch event. The talk begins at 11 a.m. with doors opening at 10:45 a.m. for coffee and pastries.

 

William R. Fernekes in Conversation with Ingrid Reed

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.

The author and educator discusses his new book, "Clifford Case and the Challenge of Liberal Republicanism," with policy analyst Ingrid Reed. Community Room

 

An Evening with Alix Strauss

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.

In this Friends and Foundation fundraiser, The New York Times columnist discusses the 20th anniversary edition of her novel "The Joy of Funerals." Tickets are $30; $75 with a copy of the book. Newsroom

 

Sam Daley-Harris

Sunday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m.

Activist and author Sam Daley-Harris discusses the revised and updated version of his book "Reclaiming Our Democracy." Community Room

 

 

 

MOVIES

 

“Oppenheimer”

Friday, Jan. 5, 3 p.m.

The biopic of American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his role in the development of the atomic bomb will be screened with a 15 minute break. Community Room

 

“The 39 Steps”

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 3 p.m.

Part of the Best of British Cinema series. 1 hour, 26 minutes. Community Room

 

“Great Expectations”

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 3 p.m. Part of the Best of British Cinema series. 1 hour, 58 minutes. Community Room

 

“Kind Hearts and Coronets”

Wedesday, Jan. 17, 3 p.m.

Part of the Best of British Cinema series. 1 hour, 46 minutes. Community Room

 

“Kes”

Part of the Best of British Cinema series. 1 hour, 50 minutes. Community Room

 

“The Third Man”

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 3 p.m.

Part of the Best of British Cinema series. 1 hour, 44 minutes. Community Room

 

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Panel Discussion: Local Conservation Issues

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 12:30 p.m.

Panelists whose work focuses on the environment and sustainability discuss pressing local conservation issues and how others can help. Presented by the Garden Club of Princeton.

 

 

Continuing Conversations on Race

Monday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m., on Zoom

Clinical psychologist Nathalie Edmond presents "Building Racial Fluency and Agility: Solidarity in a Time of Polarization." Register for Zoom link through the events calendar at princetonlibrary.org.

 

 

Drop in and Knit

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, 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. Community Room

 

PSO Soundtracks: Meet the Composers

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Modern composers Gregory Spears and Nina Shekhar join Princeton University's Music Department Chair Dan Trueman in conversation about creative process, modern classical music and more. Community Room

 

Open Acoustic Jam

Sunday, January 14, 3 p.m.

Inclusive, open jam for local musicians. Chord charts and lyrics proviced. Community Room

 

Women of the Civil Rights Movement: Eslanda Robeson

Learn about the life and work of anthropologist, author, actress and civill rights advocate Eslanda Robeson who was also Paul Robeson's wife and business manager. Registration required. Princeton Middle School

 

Workshop on Zoom: How Do I Organize My ____?

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Professional organizer Ana Catarrivas offers strategies to organize living spaces, work spaces or whatever you want to make tidier. Register for Zoom link.

 

Exhibit Opening and Reception

A presentation and opening reception is held for “Anhropomorphic,” an exhibit by photographer Darren Sussman on view through March 15. Community Room

 

Neurodiverse Crafting Circle

Thursday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m.

Neurodivergent individuals 17 and older who would like to connect with others are invited to attend a craft session to work on creative projects brought from home. STEAM Studio

 

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament

Saturday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m.

Complete a jigsaw puzzle with friends and family in a fun tournament to celebrate National Puzzle Day. Community Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

 

Introduction to Python Programming

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Library of Things Pop-up

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2:30-5 p.m.

Items that are part of our Library of Things will be displayed for visitors to learn about and explore.

 

 

 

KIDS AND TEENS

 

Song Circle

Saturday, Jan. 13, 3:30 p.m.

Children 6 and older with caregivers are invited to join an intergeneration song circle. Story Room

 

 

Parent and Baby Support Group

Friday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.

Early childhood experts Krista Gervon and Jillian Best Adler lead an informal discussion and support group for parents of infants and toddlers. Story Room

 

Chemistry for Kids

Sunday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m.

Princeton University chemistry graduate students give demonstrations and lead hands-on experiments for kids 8 and up. STEAM Studio

 

Origami Circle for All Ages

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m.

Open to all ages and experience levels. Quiet Room

 

Writers Circle

Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19, 4:30 p.m.

Six-week workshop for aspiring writers in fifth to eighth grade. Registration encouraged, not required. STEAM Studio