Princeton NJ Libraries Announcements

September Events @Princeton Public Library

August 23, 2025

65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ  08542

609.924.9529    www.princetonlibrary.org

 

AUTHORS

 

Dan-el Padilla Peralta with Kate Meng Brassel - Library Live at Labyrinth

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m.

Dan-el Padilla Peralta presents his new book "Classicism and Other Phobias," a provocative case for why immortalizing Greek and Roman culture as “classical” marginalizes and devalues Black life. Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

 

Peniel E. Joseph - In Conversation with Laurence Ralph

Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m.

Historian Peniel E. Joseph, joined in conversation by Laurence Ralph, presents "Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution." Registration requested, not required. Community Room

 

Ken Jaworowski - A Book Brunch Event

Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.

 

 

The author discusses "What About the Bodies," his follow up to "Small Town Sins." Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for coffee and pastries. The talk begins at 11 a.m. followed by a book signing.

 

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

Monday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

The author is joined by Brian Herrera to discuss "Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist," the recently released biography of the creator of "Hamilton" and "In the Heights." Community Room

 

Michael Gordin

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.

The author discusses his book, "On the Fringe: When Science Meets Pseudoscience," the Princeton University Pre-read for the Class of '29. Free books for registrants available while supply lasts. Community Room

 

Henry Grabar

Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.

The author discusses his book "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World." Community Room

 

Abigail Hing Wen

Friday, Sept. 19, 4 p.m.

YA author Abigail Hing Wen presents her debut middle grade book "The Vale" and screens a short film based on the book, "The Vale - Origins." Community Room

 

Allison Daminger 

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.

The author is joined by Nancy Reddy for a conversation about her recently published book "What’s on Her Mind: The Mental Workload of Family Life." Community Room

 

An Evening with Jane Hamilton - Library Live at Labyrinth

Thursday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m.

The author will be in conversation with Laura Spence-Ash as they discuss her new novel, "The Phoebe Variations," at this book launch event. Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

 

Karen Russell and Jericho Brown - The Althea Ward Clark Reading Series

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m.

Karen Russell, author of "Swamplandia!" and Jericho Brown, poet and author of "The Tradition," read from their works and interact with the audience at Labyrinth Books.

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Listen Local: The Professors

Sunday, Sept. 14, 4 p.m.

Close out our 15th anniversary season of Listen Local as The Professors return to Hinds Plaza to perform a concert featuring well-known rock songs as well as some of their originals. Hinds Plaza, weather permitting, or Community Room

 

Library Reads

Monday, Sept. 8, 1 p.m.

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

 

Workshop: Writers Room

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.; Sept. 15, 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

 

English Conversation on Google Meet

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, 4 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 7 p.m.

Practice your English-speaking skills with others during conversation facilitated by a volunteer on Google Meet. Registration required.

 

English Conversation

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 10:30 a.m.

Practice your English-speaking skills in-person with others during conversation facilitated by a volunteer. Quiet Room

 

Virtual Presentation: How Gilded Age American Heiresses Invaded the Aristocracy

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

As the release of the final "Downton Abbey" movie approaches, Claire Evans explores the world of Gilded Age socialites and their connection to the British aristocracy. Register for Zoom link.

 

Princeton Health Department: Preventative Health Awareness

Thursday, Sept. 4, 11:30 a.m.

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

 

Movie: “Downton Abbey”

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m.

In the first movie based on the British period drama, the Crawley family copes with the upheaval caused by an official royal visit to their Yorkshire estate in 1927. PG. 2 hours, 2 minutes. Community Room

 

Movie: “Downton Abbey: A New Era”

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

In the second film in the "Downton Abbey" trilogy, the Crawley family travels to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. PG. 2 hours, 6 minutes. Community Room

 

All Access Book Discussion Group at Firestone Library

Thursday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m.

Join us at Firestone Library to discuss "I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai and examine items from the collection tied to themes from the book. Registration required.

 

Talk: How Oswald Veblen Quietly Created Einstein’s Princeton

Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.

Historian Cindy Srnka and naturalist Steve Hiltner present new research about Oswald Veblen, the mathematician and visionary who laid the groundwork for so much of what Princeton is today. Community Room

 

Performance: “Einstein’s Begonia”

Sunday, Sept. 7, 3 p.m.

Musicians and singers showcase the new musical's eclectic, original songs in this staged concert performance. Community Room

 

Continuing Conversations on Race

Monday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.

Laura Zhang-Choi and Dr. Karen Gaffney share their experiences and examine questions about privilege, responsibility and action. Community Room and on Zoom.

 

Black Voices Book Group

Thursday, Sept. 11, 7:15 p.m.

The group discusses "Caucasia" by Danzy Senna. All are welcome. Tower Room and on Google Meet

 

Workshop: Writers Room Poets

Monday, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m.

The group discusses “Headshot” by Rita Bullwinkel. Conference Room

 

Community Cultural Exchange

Friday, Sept. 12, 4 p.m.

All are invited to participate in an afternoon of cultural celebration and community connection featuring cultural displays, arts & crafts and activities for children. Part of National Welcoming Week. Hinds Plaza

 

Workshop: Writers Room Online

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 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.

 

Dancing Under the Stars

Friday, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Members of Central Jersey Dance Society demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds on Hinds Plaza, weather permitting, or Community Room

 

Newcomers Evening

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.

Newcomers to Princeton are invited to gather for light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the mayor, representatives from local organizations and community members. Learn about the library with scavenger hunts for all ages. Part of Welcoming Week. Community Room

 

Introduction to Finding Grant Funding

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Business librarian Leigh Clark from the New Jersey State Library presents on finding grant opportunities for your organization, accessing grant research tools, and researching funders. On Zoom; register for link.

 

Workshop: “Business Class”

Saturday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m.

"Business Class" is an interactive experience, set aboard a mock airplane, that sparks conversation and explores what truly matters at 37,000 feet. Limited space, registration required. Community Room

 

Open Acoustic Jam

Sunday, Sept. 21, 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

 

Tumble Dinotastic Show

Thursday, Sept. 25, 4 p.m.

Learn all about dinosaurs and paleontology with Marshall from Tumble Science Podcast for Kids. Community Room

 

Green House Tour Video Screening and Discussion

Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.

Three videos featuring sustainable homes on Princeton’s 2025 Green House Tour will be screened, followed by a panel discussion with the homeowners and several experts in green building. Community Room

 

Festival Cultural Latino

Sunday, Sept. 28, 1-5 p.m.

The rich cultural life of Princeton's Latino community is celebrated with an afternoon of music, dance, food and crafts on both Hinds Plaza and Palmer Square. Part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

Grow Your Small Business with NJEDA Grants and Loans

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Kathy Guzman from the Small Business Team at the NJ Economic Development Authority shares information about grant and loan programs for small businesses, nonprofits, and community partners.  On Zoom; register for link

 

 

TECH CLASSES

 

Introduction to Mac Computers

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Adobe After Effects Part 1

Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Adobe After Effects Part 2

Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Scheduling with Google Calendar

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Demystifying AI

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

iCloud

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m.

Registration required. Technology Center

 

Google Slides

Monday, Sept. 29, 1 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