Library of the Chathams September 2023
Take Home Craft Statistics
Friday, September 1, 20239:00am – 10:00am
Teen Video Game Club
Friday, September 1, 20233:00pm – 5:45pm
Friday, September 8, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:45pm
Friday, September 15, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:45pm
Friday, September 22, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:45pm
Friday, September 29, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:45pm
Stop by to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart for Nintendo Switch on the big screen! We have 8 Joy-Con controllers available.
We also have an Arcade1Up arcade cabinet with Centipede, Missile Command, Crystal Castles, and Millipede, the Arcade1Up Infinity Gaming Table with digital versions of your favorite board games, and our new Marvel-themed digital pinball machine!
Library Closed September 3rd and 4th
Mahjong Club
Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Wednesday, September 20, 20231:00pm – 3:00pm
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Are you a Mahjong player and looking for a group? Our Mahjong Club meets on Wednesdays at 1 pm. No instruction is provided so you must know how to play.
Yoga Storytime
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
For preschoolers and their caregivers. No registration required
Come join Miss Jenn for Yoga Storytime! With over 17 years of teaching experience with both children and adults, Jenn has established a program that combines the creativity of imagination and movement, along with breath work. Whether it may be barking in “downward-facing dog” or meowing in “cat” position, Jenn’s class always brings along some giggles and fun!
No registration is required; however, each session will be limited to 75 participants (including children and adults) in order to ensure a quality program.
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
Children’s Book Club: Historical Fiction
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
If you are interested in reading the Ranger in Time series and making some new friends, join the Children’s Book Club! This session we will be reading Rescue on the Oregon Trail. Over the course of the four meetings, we will read together, have discussions, and complete activities.
Children will be provided with a copy of the book at the first meeting on September 7th.
Indian Film Dance Workshop
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Anybody can dance!
Come join us for a fun filled dance class inspired by Indian film music.
Learn to recognize and dance on beat, rhythm, synchronization and gain confidence while having a fun colorful time.
After 6 sessions, we will have a recital to showcase what we have learned. Please ensure that you are able to commit to all 6 classes and a recital day (October 26th).
It will be a fun experience!
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game where players create their own characters to play and embark upon imaginary adventures. A Dungeon Master or DM serves as the game’s storyteller. The D&D Club is a great place to socialize in person with no computers or electronics needed!
If you already know how to play D&D and are looking for others to play with, join our D&D Club! The club meets every Thursday.
No registration required.
Virtual Author Talk: Lidia Bastianich
Thursday, September 7, 2023, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
You’re invited to an intimate evening with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food.
Born in Pula, on the Istrian peninsula, Lidia immigrated to the United States in the late 1950’s and became one of the most revered chefs and businesswomen in the country. Heartwarming, deeply personal, and powerfully inspiring, My American Dream is the story of Lidia’s close-knit family and her dedication to and endless passion for food.
As a special bonus (and pre-release!) Lidia will preview her newest cookbook Lidia’s From Our Family Table to Yours: More Than 100 Recipes Made with Love for All Occasions: A Cookbook. In this inviting, deeply personal new cookbook, she shares the dishes she cooks for those she loves the most. It’s also a tribute to her beloved mother, Nonna, who passed away in 2021.
Learn more and register here to receive the access link.
This is part of a series of author talks in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. See all upcoming talks here.
The Author Talks series is made possible by Friends of the Library.
Lego-palooza
Friday, September 8, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Friday, September 22, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Love LEGOs?! The library does too! Help us showcase our enormous LEGO collection by building a creation of your choosing. LEGO creations will be put on display
Grades K & Up
Drop in, no registration required.
Chess Group 1
Monday, September 11, 2023, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Monday, September 18, 2023, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Monday, September 25, 2023, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Chess Expert Sean Finn will teach this class in person. Students will learn game strategy, basic checkmates, new tactical patterns, and the best questions to ask themselves when evaluating a position and creating a plan. Classes will include puzzle solving, game analysis and of course a chance to play. Dates: Mondays, September 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16.
Please note that children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver age 13 or older at all times.
Group 1 is for players who know how pieces move. Suggested ages: 6 to 8. Limit: 12 students
Sign up only if you can attend all 6 classes.
Registration required.
Due to high demand, registration is limited to Chatham Borough and Chatham Township residents only.
Sponsored by Ann L. Buesing Children’s Fund for the Library of The Chathams of the Community Foundation of NJ
Chess Group 2
Monday, September 11, 2023, 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Monday, September 18, 2023, 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Monday, September 25, 2023, 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Group 2 is for players who can finish a game with checkmate. Suggested ages: 8 and up. Limit: 16 students.
Chess Group 3
Monday, September 11, 2023, 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Monday, September 18, 2023, 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Monday, September 25, 2023, 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Group 3 is for players who have previously taken Group 2 or other similar classes. Suggested ages: 8 & Up. Limit: 16 students.
Anime/Manga Drawing Workshop with Doug Baron
Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Join comic book artist Doug Baron for this 90 minute workshop where he will teach you to draw Japanese Anime/Manga characters. Students can draw along with Doug to explore this unique style of drawing. Throughout the class, Doug will ask trivia questions where the students can earn “funny money” to win his drawings at the end of the session!
Back-to-School Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Get ready to kick-off the new school year with a deliciously cool celebration at our Back-to-School Ice Cream Social. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Join us for an afternoon of sweet treats, laughter, and community connections. We’ve got you covered with a mouthwatering assortment of ice cream flavors, an array of toppings, delectable sauces, and all the works to create your dream ice cream sundae.
Baseball Pioneers
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Our friends from the Kemmerer Library (Harding Township) are sharing this program with us.
Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Curt Flood are very different players, but each one has had a huge impact on professional baseball. After the 1919 Black Sox scandal, baseball needed a player to step up to give the game a much needed shot in the arm. Babe Ruth was that player and became one of America’s first superstar athletes. Up until 1947, Major League Baseball had a “gentleman’s agreement” in place which denied Black players a chance to play. When Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, he essentially broke the color barrier and forever changed the game. Curt Flood is not as well-known as Ruth or Robinson; however, his impact on MLB is just as important. When Flood refused a trade in 1969, he essentially changed how baseball teams treated player contracts. This virtual discussion will focus on these three players as well as a few others. Following the presentation will be a Q & A session.
Register on the Kemmerer Library’s website to receive the Zoom link.
Music & Movement with Miss Susan
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
For preschoolers and their caregivers. No registration required
Miss Susan has been a teacher for over 30 years, many of those years as a local preschool music teacher. Miss Susan’s program is fun, energetic, filled with classic preschool and contemporary favorites.
No registration is required; however, each session will be limited to 75 participants (including children and adults) in order to ensure a quality program.
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
Dungeons & Dragons Academy for Beginners
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Are you in Grades 3 to 12 and curious about D&D? D&D is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game where players create their own characters to play and embark upon imaginary adventures. Dungeons & Dragons is a great way for kids to socialize in person with no computers or electronics needed!
A Dungeon Master, in our case Master Michele, serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. Together they solve dilemmas, engage in battles, and gather treasure and knowledge.
Sign up for our D&D Academy and learn how to play from Master Michele in this four-session class! He will walk beginners through creating a character and explain how the game works.
Tech Workshop: Learn Libby
Friday, September 15, 2023, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn how to access our library’s digital collection of eBooks and audiobooks on Libby! The library is hosting an introductory workshop for you to learn how to download, register, and use the Libby app. Bring your device with you to start using Libby today!
Continental Currency: The Paper Money that Funded our American Revolution
Friday, September 15, 2023, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Numismatics is the study of coins and currency, usually associated with the collection of rare coins. Numismatists study the physical properties, production technology, and historical context of specimens of currency. Ray Williams, District Representative of the American Numismatic Association, will be giving a presentation about Continental Currency, how it relates to the American Revolution, and different issues related to this new currency in our country. There will be an exhibit of genuine examples from each of the authorizing legislation dates.
This presentation will be in-person only. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Fabulous Fakes: Drew Art Show Reception
Sunday, September 17, 2023, 2:15pm – 4:00pm
The Drew Art Association is presenting its Fabulous Fakes show at the Library of the Chathams. The artists copy or interpret the work of famous artists or famous works of art. This popular event has become an annual tradition at the library.
The show may be viewed at the library through the month of September. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening reception, sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Bridge Builder in Petticoats: Emily Roebling & the Brooklyn Bridge
Sunday, September 17, 20233:30pm – 4:30pm
Chatham Township Historical Society presents:
Carol Simon Levin impersonates Emily Roebling to tell the story of the woman who helped manage the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which was considered one of the most amazing technological achievements of its time, the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
This event will be held in person at the library. If you cannot attend, you can join by Zoom. Registration is requested for in-person attendance and required to receive the Zoom link.
Babies Storytime
Monday, September 18, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Monday, September 25, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
9 to 24 months
Storytime is an 8-week progressive program for preschoolers and their caregivers
Limit: one 8-week session per child
Due to high demand, registration is limited to Chatham Borough and Chatham Township residents only.
A Chatham Library card is required to register
ESL Advanced Beginner
Monday, September 18, 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Monday, September 25, 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Online Via Zoom
Toddler Storytime
Monday, September 18, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
Monday, September 25, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
Ages 2 to 3
Storytime is an 8-week progressive program for preschoolers and their caregivers
Limit: one 8-week session per child
Due to high demand, registration is limited to Chatham Borough and Chatham Township residents only.
A Chatham Library card is required to register.
Preschool Storytime
Monday, September 18, 2023, 11:30am – 12:00pm
Monday, September 25, 2023, 11:30am – 12:00pm
Ages 3 1/2 to 5
Storytime is an 8-week progressive program for preschoolers and their caregivers
Limit: one 8-week session per child
Due to high demand, registration is limited to Chatham Borough and Chatham Township residents only.
A Chatham Library card is required to register.
ESL Conversation Group
Monday, September 18, 2023, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Monday, September 25, 2023, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
In-person conversation group for intermediate learners.
ESL Intermediate+
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 9:45am – 10:45am
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 9:45am – 10:45am
Read to Therapy Dogs
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
For children in Grades K & Up
Hey kids! Come and read your favorite book to a therapy dog. Have fun while improving your reading skills!
Parents – this program allows children to read aloud to a neutral listener. For many children, this gives them a chance to experience stress-free reading and to become motivated to read. All of the dogs and their handlers have been certified by The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
Registration required. Chatham Borough and Township residents only. Residents of other towns may register if space allows.
Tasty Tuesdays Tween & Teen Cooking Program
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Join our teen librarian for some fun cooking, baking, or decorating! This is a great time to practice cooking and baking, try it for the first time, or just make new friends. No experience necessary and recipes will be simple.
Due to limited space, registration is required.
Buying a Home in Today’s Market
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Navigating through Today’s Real Estate Market – Whether You Are Buying or Selling
ESL Beginner
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Virtual Author Talk: Adam Alter
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author Adam Alter, professor of marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business, about his new book Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most.
Writing Help with Audrey
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Have a book report due? Need someone to proofread your paper? Don’t know how to write an intro? Audrey’s here to help! A junior at Oak Knoll and resident of Chatham, Audrey has taken creative writing courses at two universities and has a true passion for writing.
In Our Own Voice (NAMI Program on Suicide Prevention)
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
IOOV a powerful presentation that aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters with lived experience of a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences and how they have found pathways to hope and healing. They talk about “What Happened,” “What Helps” and “What Is Next.” Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about mental health, and challenge misconceptions.
Cinema214 – The Little Mermaid (PG, 120min)
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land.
Children’s Music Theory & Vocal Technique Workshop
Friday, September 22, 2023, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Friday, September 29, 2023, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
This engaging four-week workshop, designed for beginners, will allow students to explore the fundamentals of music theory, learn about vocal technique, learn music notation, and even prepare for a mini-performance. With interactive activities, games, and a fun-filled learning environment, this workshop promises to ignite their passion for music and set them on a melodic journey of creativity.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Help Session
Monday, September 25, 2023, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Join us for a Bring Your Own Device help session at the library! Do you need help adding new contacts to your phone, sending an email, or adding & using new apps on your device? Bring your own phone, laptop, or tablet to the library for help with learning the basics. We will provide individualized help based on your needs. Please register for this program here or by giving us a call at 973-635-0603. Drop-ins may be accepted if time permits.
Rutgers Master Gardeners: Gardening with Perennials
Monday, September 25, 2023, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy your garden more by learning all about perennials. Where and how to use them, selecting plants for every season, adding color, texture, year-round interest, fragrant and pollinator friendly plants. You will also learn how and when to plant, when & how to divide and make new plants (those are the dividends), how to deadhead, pinch back and increase flower production and bloom time. Possible insect and disease problems of perennials and how to deal with them will be discussed.
Book Group: Our Missing Hearts
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Join us in person at the library as our book group discusses Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. Everyone is welcome to attend, and you may pick up a copy of the book at the reference desk.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Meeting
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Join us for a Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting! At our meetings, you can develop new friendships and learn about how you can volunteer at the library. This will also be a time to provide new ideas and help our teen librarian with planning future programs. We will meet once per month and snacks will be provided. Attend any or all meetings.
ESL Beginner In-Person
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Virtual Author Talk: Amor Towles
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Tune in as we chat online with New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles about his incredible body of work.
Boogie Woogie Babies
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 10:00am – 10:30am
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 10:45am – 11:15am
For preschoolers and their caregivers. No registration required
Boogie Woogie Babies is a dance and movement program for babies and toddlers! It encourages adults to get up and be active with their little ones. Classes consist of singing songs, working on fine motor skills, and dancing for big and little people.
Moon Festival Celebration
Friday, September 29, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Happy Moon Festival! Join the library in celebrating by creating colorful lanterns, eating mooncakes, and listening to stories like Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival by Grace Lin.
Fun with Mega Bubbles!
Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Step into a realm where science meets artistry, and imagination knows no bounds! Bubble masters of OMG Bubbles will skillfully create gigantic bubbles that seem to defy gravity and tricks that will have you questioning physics! Enjoy this interactive performance, whether you’re a child or adult, everyone will have a blast watching these amazing bubbles being created before your eyes!
