Library of the Chathams is located at 214 Main Street, Chatham, New Jersey. Some events require registration. You may register online at chathamlibrary.org or call 973‑635‑0603.
Adult Programs
Madam Bey’s Boxing Camp. Saturday, June 9, 2 p.m. Gene Pantalone, boxing historian and author of Madame Bey’s Home to Boxing Legends, will speak about Madame Bey, an Armenian/French woman who opened a boxing camp in Chatham Township. From 1917 to 1969 the camp was a training facility for the greatest boxers of all time: Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano, Gene Tunney, Max Schmeling, Floyd Patterson, Joe Louis, and James the “Cinderella Man” Braddock. In all, the camp hosted 14 heavyweight champions and 80 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees.
Italian Conversation Group. Friday, June 15 at 1 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 26 at 7:15 p.m.
Luciana Santoriello and Carmen Del Guercio-Evans moderate this Italian discussion group.
Guided Meditation Class. Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m.
Jean Leigh will present a class focusing on breathing. Please bring a yoga mat, meditation cushion, or blanket. There will also be chairs for seated meditation. You may wish to bring a notepad or journal to record your thoughts during the session. à
Book Group: Readers’ Choice. Hogarth Shakespeare Retellings. Wednesday, June 27 at 1 p.m.
The group will discuss Hogarth Press Shakespeare Retellings. You can read one or more of these three titles: New Boy by Tracy Chevalier (Othello); Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler (The Taming of the Shrew); or Hag‑Seed by Margaret Atwood (The Tempest). Everyone is welcome to attend. Copies will be available at the Information Desk.
Summer Reading Program for Adults
Tell us about the books you are reading! Write and submit a brief review about a book and become eligible to win prizes awarded at the end of July and August. Each submission is an entry to win. Sign-ups for this program will be held at the library’s table during the Fishawack Festival on June 9, and also at the library.
For Teens
Anime Club. Friday, June 8 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Grades 6 to 12. Come read, watch, and discuss anything and everything about anime and manga with other fans. All are welcome, even if you’re brand new to the world of anime!
Teen Summer Reading Club
The Teen Summer Reading Club is for students in grades 6 to 12 from June 25 to August 16.
Submit a review of a book you have read in one of the following ways: written review, photo essay, drawing, book trailer, comparison of the book and movie, verbal report to the librarian, or any other media to earn entries for weekly and grand prize drawings. This year’s grand prize will be an iPad Mini. The best entries will be displayed in the library or on the library’s website and social media. Prizes provided by the Woman’s Club of Chatham
For Children
Field Station Dinosaurs. Tuesday, June 12 from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Ages 3 and up. The T. Rex is back! Field Station Dinosaurs is bringing its 15‑foot dinosaur puppet to meet and greet the children of The Chathams. Come to this fun program which includes a song-and-dance party, a book reading, and an encounter with a giant visitor.
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Event
Magician Matt Cadabra. Monday, June 25, 7 to 8 p.m.
All Ages. Kick off the Summer Reading Club with Matt Cadabra. Fun for the whole family, Matt’s show will include magic, ventriloquism, live animals, comedy, and other surprises. He has appeared on TV shows, including America’s Got Talent. Prepare to be amazed.
