Cranford Public Library February 2023
Children’s Programs
Caldecott Family Storytime
Every year, the Caldecott Medal is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Library patrons have been voting on their favorite picture books to help us select a community Caldecott winner! Join us for a storytime where we announce the winner on February 6th at 6:00 p.m. No registration required. Interested in voting on a winner? Get started online by visiting cranfordlibrary.beanstack.com
“Paws” for Reading
Monday, February 13th or Tuesday, March 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Dogs are a perfect, non-judgmental audience for children learning to read independently! Young readers are invited to hone their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs, each child gets a 10-minute spot with a pup. No registration is required, space is limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Winter Reading Challenge
February 15 to March 31
Celebrate reading and earn some free books in our winter reading challenge! Enroll online in Beanstack to get started: /cranfordlibrary.beanstack.org Everyone who registers will receive a free book–donated by the Friends of the Library–and can pick up a new book or small incentive each week.
Alma Thomas Storytime
Saturday, February 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Learn about artist Alma Thomas and create your own art. This program is best suited to children ages 4 and up.
No registration required.
Around Again
Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
We’re taking a look at trends that were popular, faded from obscurity, and then came back into style! Join us as we take another look at the Babysitter’s Club or for a Groovy 70s party on March 22nd. This program meets and is intended for children ages 8+ with an adult caregiver, so come ready to spend time together! Share your memories of the BSC heyday, make friendship bracelets, and answer the ultimate question: which Babysitter’s Club character am I?
School Age Storytime
February 14th, 21st, 28th, March 8th and 15th
Children in grades K-5 are invited for an afternoon storytime where we’ll share some exceptional books and create art.
No registration required.
Turtle Dance Music
Friday, February 24th at 10:30 a.m.
Join the Cranford Public Library for a high-energy music and comedy show. Attend virtually from home or watch a stream in the Cranford Community Center! Children (and adults!) will be engaged with songs, comedy, bubbles, and music technology. Best of all, it’s inclusive for all kids, including those on the autism spectrum. Each song is designed to help kids learn, dance, sing, and have fun, all while learning why reading is so important for their future and a great way to spend their free time. Registration is required and can be done online: eventbrite.com/e/turtle-dance-ages-2-tickets-510980525507
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, March 2 from 6:00- 6:45 p.m.
Relax, listen to a story, and make some crafts! Registration is required and can be done online, visit cranfordlibrary.org/calendar to enroll.
Who was/is…Club
We’re celebrating Black History month with the popular Who Was… book series! Read about your favorite African American icons, like the Obamas, Coretta Scott King or Michael Jordan. Children in grades 2-5 should stop by the Children’s Desk to select their book pick. Reserve a spot online: eventbrite.com/e/who-wasis-book-club-tickets-433579496947
Graphic Novel Book Club
Monday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m.
Fans of graphic novels and comics in grades 3-5 are invited to a brand new book club at the Cranford Public Library. Our first book is Max Meow: Cat Crusader by John Gallagher. Registration is required and can be done online: eventbrite.com/e/graphic-novel-book-club-tickets-511006693777
Open Play
Tuesday in March at 10:15 a.m.
Drop in for free play! This program is for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, no registration required.
Family Art/Craft
Tuesday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Families with children of all ages are invited to create spring art. No registration required.
New Jersey Makers Day
New Jersey Maker’s Day is a statewide celebration of creativity! Join the Cranford Public Library to tinker, play, and learn! Children in grades 2-3 can sign up for a Dot and Dash Robot Workshop at 11:00 a.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dot-and-dash-workshop-new-jersey-makers-day-tickets-508034323337 Children ages 6+ are invited to drop in for Lego Hour at 12:00 p.m. and toddlers can dive into making at Tinker Tots from
2:00-3:00 p.m
Storytime Yoga
Tuesday mornings from March 2 to April 20
Children ages 2-5 will use props–like balls, scarves, pinwheels and pom-poms–to build strength, flexibility, and self-confidence through play. The program mixes poses, games, storytelling, art and music to teach children to release the sillies and find the calm. Registration is required and can be done online: eventbrite.com/e/storytime-yoga-tickets-508030913137 This free program is open to all Cranford residents and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Breadcrumbs Book Club
March 30th at 5:30 p.m.
Friends in grades 3-5 are invited to a discussion of the book Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. This is an in-person program with a maximum of 10 participants. The first 7 readers to enroll will receive a free copy of the book, reserve a spot online: eventbrite.com/e/breadcrumbs-book-club-tickets-399609281117
Programs for Adults
New Monthly Films
Our monthly film screenings are back! Join us the first Wednesday of the month at the Cranford Community Center for an evening movie! We will be showing movies recently released on DVD. Please contact the library for specific film titles. No registration is required.
Jazz Quintet
Wednesday, February 8 at 8 pm
Join us for a jazz concert led by musician and circulation assistant at the East Orange Public Library, Mark Turner! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Registration is recommended and can be done here: eventbrite.com/e/jazz-quintet-tickets-489635261247
International Film Screening
Monday, February 13 at 2pm and 7pm
Join us at the Cranford Community Center the 2nd Monday of the month at either 2pm or 7pm for an nternational film screening. Please contact the library for specific titles. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. No registration is required.
Literary Cafe
Saturday, February 18 at 10:15am
Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Patrons are welcome to join us in the Cranford Public Library’s Raddin Room or online.
Theater Project
Saturday, February 18 at 2pm
Live play readings from the Theater Project are back in person! New Jersey’s own Theater Project will present a script-in-hand reading of an original short play. The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library and the HEART Grant.
Pedal Steel Guitar Concert
Tuesday, February 21 at 7pm
We are excited to welcome back Cranford resident Gordon Wells for a Pedal Steel Guitar concert! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Registration is recommended and can be done here: eventbrite.com/e/pedal-steel-guitar-concert-tickets-489654418547
Bagpipe Concert
Saturday, February 25 at 11am
Join us for an all-age bagpipe concert with Cranford resident Mike Glackin! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Registration is recommended and can be done here: eventbrite.com/e/bagpipe-concert-tickets-489633556147
From Jazz to Soul (aka From Ella To Aretha) Concert
Tuesday, February 28 at 7pm
We are thrilled to welcome back Rhonda Denet for songs from the 30s thru the 70s — A musical journey from the era when the “First Lady Of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald graced the stage to when the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin ruled the airways. In addition to Ella and Aretha, this showcase pays tribute to Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Etta James, Martha & The Vandellas, Mary Wells, and Gladys Knight. Vocalist Rhonda Denet is accompanied by a trio of musicians in this performance (keys, bass and drums). Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is recommended and can be done at: eventbrite.com/e/from-jazz-to-soul-aka-from-ella-to-aretha-concert-tickets-473382258077
