Princeton NJ Libraries Announcements

October Events @Princeton Public Library
September 19, 2025

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

609.924.9529  www.princetonlibrary.org

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY OCTOBER EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Cass R. Sunstein

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.

The author presents his forthcoming title, "On Liberalism" via Zoom. Register for link.

 

Patricia Smith

Thursday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.

Poet Patricia Smith presents her new collection, "The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems." Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

 

Mariah Fredericks

Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.

The author discusses her new novel, "The Girl in the Green Dress," a historical mystery based on the real story of the unsolved deaths of Joseph Elwell and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, at this Book Brunch event. Community Room

 

Paul Nadal on Bienvenido N. Santos

Monday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.

Professor Paul Nadal leads a discussion of the celebrated author's short story "Scent of Apples" in observance of Filipino American History Month. Registration required. Newsroom

 

Sarah Prager on Queer History

Friday, Oct. 10, 4:30 p.m.

Author, historian and advocate Sarah Prager shares little-known stories from queer history and why they matter in celebration of Banned Books Week and LGBTQ+ History Month. Newsroom

 

From Family to Fiction: Unearthing Historical Narratives

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.

Author Lindsay Marie Morris shares how family history can inspire compelling historical fiction and shares techniques for weaving research and archival exploration into broader historical contexts. Register for Zoom link.

 

Beyond Words: An Evening with Mary Roach

Friday, Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m.

The New York Times best-selling author discusses her new book, "Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy," at a VIP reception and author talk at Nassau Presbyterian Church. Tickets are limited for this annual fundraising event hosted by the Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library.

 

Christopher Eisgruber

Monday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.

Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber discusses his book, "Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right," at this in-person and livestreamed event. Registration required. Community Room

 

Rhacel Salazar Parreñas

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

Rhacel Salazar Parreñas, in conversation with Martina Vandenberg, presents her book "The Trafficker Next Door: How Household Employers Exploit Domestic Workers." Registration requested, not required. Community Room

 

Workshop with Patricia Smith

Thursdays, Oct. 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 4:30 p.m.

Poet Patricia Smith leads a four-week workshop on the art of poetry, offered in celebration of her recent publication, "The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems." Registration requested. Newsroom

 

Presentation: Eric Mintel Investigates

Sunday, Oct, 26, 4 p.m.

Paranormal investigator Eric Mintel gives a multimedia presentation about his findings including ghost encounters, UFO sightings, mysterious cryptid activity and more. Community Room

Eric Heinze

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.

Eric Heinze, joined in conversation by Shamus Khan, presents his new book, "Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left." Registration requested, not required. Community Room

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Journaling Club

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 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.

We'll read an essay from the book to use as a writing prompt and discuss our results. Participants do not have to have read the book. Quiet Room

 

 

Unruly Sounds Festival

Saturday, Oct. 4, noon-5 p.m.

An afternoon of original music by local composers showcasing local bands and musicians and featuring rising talents in the Princeton University graduate composition program. 

 

Workshop Series: Digital Oral History

Learn the foundations of digital oral history from library staff involved with the Voices of Princeton initiative. Each workshop is offered in two sessions, and may be taken individually or as part of the series. Workshops may be attended in-person or virtually. Technology Center

Part 1: Designing the Project

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.

Part 2: Collecting Interviews

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Part 3: Processing Interviews and Creating Access

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

 

‘Gilmore Girls’ 25^th Anniversary Party

Sunday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m.

Celebrate 25 years of "Gilmore Girls" with a screening of the pilot episode, themed snacks, a trivia contest with prizes, and a take-home craft. Open to fans of all ages. Registration encouraged. Community Room

 

Lecture: Executive Function Skills for ADHD

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Eric Deibler from The Center for Emotional Health shares information about ADHD and executive function strategies for teens and families. Newsroom

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Thursdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 7 p.m.

The People & Stories/Genty y Cuentos program of literature, discussion and writing in Spanish continues. Registration required. Conference Room

 

Voter Registration

Thursday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The YWCA of Princeton assists with voter registration and provides electoral resources. Lobby

 

Friends & Foundation Annual Book Sale

Friday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., preview sale with admission fee, 9 a.m.to noon; no admission fee noon to 5:30 p.m. or for the remainder of the sale

Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Friends & Foundation hold their annual fundraising sale featuring thousands of gently used books in a wide range of categories for readers of all ages and interests, most priced $3 and below with some categories priced higher. Community Room

 

‘Dragon Masters’ Party with Tracey West

Saturday, Oct. 11, 3 p.m.

The author shares her latest book series, "Dragon Hill: Ember the Fire Dragon" at a "Dragon Masters" party featuring crafts and games. Third Floor

 

Princeton History Walks: Tigers of Princeton

Monday, Oct. 13, 12:30 p.m.

Library staff lead a walk highlighting the history of some of the notable tigers that can be found on Princeton's campus. Meet in the lobby, and the walk will depart at 12:30 p.m. Rain date Oct. 15.

 

Princeton Sketchers

Tuesday, Oct. 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

 

Panel Discussion: The New Jersey Quantum Ecosystem

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m.

Representatives of Nokia Bell Labs and Quantum Computing discuss their quantum activities followed by a panel discussion about the opportunity to grow the New Jersey quantum ecosystem. Community Room

 

5th Annual Munsee Language and History Symposium

Thursday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The symposium begins with a day at Princeton Public Library focusing on “Lunaape Books” and “Local Histories." Registration required for in person and virtual attendance. See calendar for details. Community Room

 

Film: “Vincent and Theo”

Friday, Oct. 17, 3 p.m.

Biopic about Vincent van Gogh and his relationship with his brother, Theo. Community Room

 

Film: “35,000 Watts”

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m.

A screening of the documentary exploring community radio pioneers, the culture of college radio and its impact on music history and culture. Panel discussion with WPRB and The Bronc to follow. Community Room

 

Film: “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project”

Saturday, Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m.

A screening of the documentary about the life of poet, Nikki Giovanni and the revolutionary historical periods through which she lived. Poet group No River Twice performs following the screening. Community Room

 

No River Twice

Saturday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m.

The group of poets, No River Twice, develops an interactive community performance in response to the screening of "Going to Mars: the Nikki Giovanni Project." Community Room

 

Film: “Quartet”

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m.

A screening of the British musical comedy, based on the play "Quartet" by Ronald Harwood and directed by Dustin Hoffman, is followed by a discussion. PG-13. 1 hour, 38 minutes. Community Room

 

Library of Things Pop-up

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m.

Items that are part of our Library of Things, including our new Story Collecting Kits will be displayed for visitors to learn about and explore. Lobby

 

PSO Soundtracks: Orpheus and Eurydice Retold

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.

Storyteller Maria LoBiondo offers a retelling of the classic myth and invites you to explore its meaning as a preview to PSO's upcoming performance of Dobrinka Tabakova's "Orpheus' Comet." Community Room

 

Performance: An Evening of Neapolitan Songs

Thursday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Mara Adler-O'Kelly performs famous and not-so-famous songs from Naples and discusses their history, meaning and connections to American history and culture. Community Room

 

Film: “Thelma”

Friday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m.

When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson she embarks on a journey, along with a friend and his motorized scooter, to reclaim what was taken from her. PG-13, 1 hour, 39 minutes. Refreshments starting at 2:45 p.m. Community Roo

 

Special Storytime with Margery Cuyler

Saturday, Oct 25, 10:30 a.m.

Children’s book author, Margery Cuyler, shares her latest book, "Stompie the Zombie," among other favorite titles. Story Room

 

World of Materials Science Day

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.

In this family-oriented multilingual program, explore materials science with Princeton University researchers. Community Room and Hinds Plaza

 

Fandom Challenge: A Social Media Escape Room Experience

Sunday, Oct. 26, 12:30 p.m.

An interactive, game-based escape room for ages 14 and up. Registration is required. See calendar for details. Community Room

 

Lecture at Princeton University: Hettie Judah on Art and Motherhood

Monday, Oct. 27, 4:30 p.m.

Writer and curator Hettie Judah discusses her research for the Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition "Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood." In person at Princeton University, East Pyne 010, and livestreamed.

 

Workshop: Writers Room

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 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. Tower Room

 

Drop In and Knit

Wednesdays through Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

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

 

Princeton Health Department: Preventative Health Awareness

Thursday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Princeton Health Department shares information about local preventative health and well-being resources, distributes educational materials and answers questions. Lobby

 

All Access Book Discussion Group at Firestone Library

Thursday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.

Join us at Firestone Library to discuss "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix and examine items from the collection tied to themes from the book. Registration required.

 

Black Voices Book Group

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

The group discusses "Wilmington's Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1896 and the Rise of White Supremacy" by David Zucchino. All are welcome. See calendar for Google Meet link.

 

Workshop: Writers Room Poets

Monday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

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

 

Fiction Book Group

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

The group discusses "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden. Conference Room

 

From Family to Fiction: Unearthing Historical Narratives

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., on Zoom

Author Lindsay Marie Morris shares how family history can inspire compelling historical fiction and shares techniques for weaving research and archival exploration into broader historical contexts.

 

Workshop: Writers Room Online

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

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

 

 

TECH CLASSES

 

Using Genealogy Databases

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Adobe Photoshop for Beginners

Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Tech Help with Bloomberg

Thursday, Oct. 16, 3-5 p.m.

Drop-in session where members of Bloomberg’s Women in Technology group offer personalized tech assistance. Technology Center

 

Advanced Adobe Photoshop

Thursday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Ask the Mac Pros

Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drop-in program for assistance with Apple devices. Technology Center

 

October Events @Princeton Public Library
September 27, 2024

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY OCTOBER EVENTS

 

AUTHORS

 

Sheila Vakharia

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.

The author discusses her book, "The Harm Reduction Gap" as part of the Mayors Wellness Campaign. On Zoom.

 

Author: Daniel Chandler in Conversation with Angus Deaton

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.

Economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler discusses his recently released book "Free and Equal: A Manifesto for a Just Society" with Princeton University professor emeritus Angus Deaton. Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St., Princeton

 

Diana Weymar

Thursday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.

The artist and activist, creator and curator of the public art projects Interwoven Stories and Tiny Pricks Project, discusses her book "Crafting a Better World: Inspiration and DIY Projects for Craftivists." 

 

Sara Bronin

Monday, Oct. 14, 3 p.m.

Sara Bronin, author, professor and founder of the National Zoning Atlas, discusses her book "Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World." Moderated discussion about what Princeton can Learn from other towns follows. Community Room

 

John Grisham and Jim McCloskey in Conversation with Jim McCloskey

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.

The authors discuss their book “Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions” with David A. Davis, senior pastor of Nassau Presbyterian Church. Free tickets, limited to two per person. Registration required. At Nassau Presbyterian Church.

 

Elizabeth C. Hamblet

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.

The learning disabilities specialist and author of “Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities” discusses preparing students for a successful transition to college. Newsroom

 

Helene van Rossum and Daniel J. Linke

Thursday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.

The authors discuss their “The Princeton University Trivia Book” and share their favorite Princeton University trivia. Audience will have a chance to participate. Community Room

 

Peter R. Grand and Rosemary Grant

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.

The Princeton University evolutionary ecology husband and wife team, renowned for their work with Darwin's finches in the Galápagos archipelago, each discuss their recently released memoirs. Community Room

 

Ben Yagoda

Sunday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m.

The author discusses and signs copies of his new book "Gobsmacked!: The British Invasion of American English."  Community Room

 

Glenn Frankel with Andrew Russell

Monday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.

The author discusses the updated edition of "Rivonia's Children: Nelson Mandela's White Comrades and Their Legacy," first published in 1999 and republished in 2024, with Andrew Russell. Community Room

 

Varun Gauri in Conversation with Laura Spence-Ash

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.

The author, an economist and lecturer at Princeton University, discusses his award-winning debut novel "For the Blessings of Jupiter and Venus" with Laura Spence-Ash. Community Room

 

MOVIES

 

“All the King’s Men”

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m.

1 hour, 50 minutes. Community Room

 

“Fish War”

Monday, Oct 14, 6:30 p.m.

Feature length documentary about the violent struggle faced by Indigenous nations to exercise their treaty-protected right to harvest salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Registration requested. Community Room

 

“The Last Hurrah”

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 3 p.m.

2 hours. Community Room

 

“The Manchurian Candidate”

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m.

2 hours, 6 minutes. Community Room

 

“All the President’s Men”

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m.

2 hours, 18 minutes. Community Room

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Drop in and Knit

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 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

 

Continuing Conversations on Race

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.

Nathalie Edmond discusses strategies for centering racial justice and balancing compassion with accountability highlighted in her book "Mindful Race Talk: Building Literacy, Fluency and Agility." Register for link to attend virtually. Newsroom

 

PSO Soundtracks: “Picture Perfect: Music and the Movies”

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.

Radio host and music journalist Ross Amico discusses the role of music in film, sharing personal interactions with some of his favorite film scores and observations on the evolution of movie music. Newsroom

 

“Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home” Discussion Series

Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 23; Nov. 6, 20, 6 p.m.

Poets Enriqueta Carrington and Carlos Hernández Peña host four discussions based on the "Places We Call Home" Project Reader, highlighting themes and traditions informing Latino poetry. Conference Room and on Zoom

 

Lecture: Tao L. Dumas: “What is Law?”

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.

Tao L. Dumas of The College of New Jersey offers the fourth lecture in the So You Think You Know Civics? series. At Morven Museum & Garden and on Zoom. 

 

English Language Learning

Thursday, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30 a.m.

Practice English speaking skills with others during conversations facilitated by a volunteer on Google Meet. Register in advance.

 

Community Newsroom with Princeton Chief of Police Chris Nash

Thursday, Oct 3, 4 p.m.

Newsroom

 

Panel: House Genealogy

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.

Discover the various ways to learn about the history of your home, from its foundations to its former residents using both physical clues and historical records. Representatives from the library, the Historical Society of Princeton and the Princeton Historic Preservation Committee will discuss the resources that are available through their organizations and what can be learned from them. Community Room

 

Beyond the Concert Keynote: Deborah Amos and Dalia Sofer

Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

Deborah Amos and Dalia Sofer discuss Sofer's novel "The Septembers of Shiraz" in advance of the Feb 12. "Healing with Music" performance featuring Iranian musician Kayhan Kalhor. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Walnut Lane Film Festival

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.

This event showcases a selection of short films in a range of genres created by Princeton students in grades 6 to 8, organized and curated by students from Princeton High School. Community Room

 

Open Archive: Princeton Votes

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Explore Princeton's election history at this drop-in program where the Historical Society of Princeton shares items from its collection, including original ballots, challenger permits and more. Discovery Center

 

Panel: "Treaty Agreements and Responsibilities" - Fourth Annual Munsee Language & History Symposium

Thursday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m.

Panelists discuss how treaty agreements established through wampum belts were upheld—or neglected—both on Lunaapahkiing (present-day New Jersey and surrounding region) and in the Lunaape diaspora. Community Room

 

Meet the Center for Family Services

Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the Center for Family Services will be on hand to talk about their work and volunteer opportunities including the LifeTies Mentoring program. Lobby

 

Library of Things Pop-up Exhibit

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2-5 p.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 sustainable home items to borrow through its Lending Library. Lobby

 

Poetry Reading

Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m.

Poets Hanna Fox and Michael Comiskey read from their latest collections and discuss their inspiration and writing process. Refreshments will be served. Community Room

 

Meet the Human Services Department

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9:30 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

 

2024 Green House Tour Video Screening and Panel Discussion

Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.

Three videos featuring sustainable homes on Princeton’s 2024 Green House Tour will be screened, followed by a panel discussion with the homeowners and several experts in green building. Community Room

 

Fiction Book Group

Thursday, Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m.

The group discusses "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding. Newsroom

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses "The Trayvon Generation" by Elizabeth Alexander. via Google Meet.

 

Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

Thursday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.

Master calligrapher Michael Shiue teaches the basics of Chinese calligraphy in this six-week course. Community Room

 

Beyond the Concert Book Group

Thursday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a..m.

A discussion of Dalia Sofer's bestselling novel "The Septembers of Shiraz" is held on Zoom in advance of Princeton University Concerts' Feb. 12 event with Iranian musician Kayhan Kalhor. Registration required. Conference Room

 

Feminist Book Discussion Group

Monday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.

The group will read Elena Ferrante's "In the Margins," as well as two short articles by Kristin Hunt and by M. Milks about the radical history of book clubs. Quiet Room

 

Neurodivergent Crafts and Games

Thursday, Oct. 3, 17, 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. Story Room

 

Writers Room Poets

Monday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.

Poets read from works in progress and receive constructive peer feedback at these twice-monthly sessions on Zoom. Register for link.

 

Chemistry for Kids

Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

Join Dr. Erin Stache, Princeton University Department of Chemistry, for an interactive workshop and discussion to learn about plastics and recycling. Registration required. STEAM Studio

 

2024 Beyond Words Benefit Gala – Beyond One Night

Author Talk and VIP Reception with John Grisham and Jim McCloskey at Nassau Presbyterian Church

Tuesday, Oct 15, 5:30 p.m.

Benefit Gala

Saturday, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Frick Chemistry Laboratory at Princeton University

See website for tickets and details.

 

Princeton Tech Meetup: Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor

Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30 pm.

Two of "TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI" discuss current AI topics as well as their book "AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference." Register through Princeton Tech Meetup. Community Room

 

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

 

AI and Elections: Manipulation, Misinformation and Deep Fakes

Tuesday Oct. 1, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Newsroom

 

Ask the Mac Pros

Thursday, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

 

Adobe Photoshop for Beginners

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Paperless Vacation Planning

Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Using Genealogy Databases

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.

Registration required. On Zoom

 

Google Slides

Monday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Creating with Canva

Monday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center