New Providence Memorial Library May 2023
May 1 @ 7 PM – 8:30 PM – Knit/Crochet Night (Adults)
Drop by the Conti Room with a crochet or knitting project, and chat with this friendly group as you work. No registration required. To sign up for an email reminder, please call the library or email rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 2 @ 10:30 AM – 12 PM – Books & Bagels (Adults)
Join us for bagels & a book group with no assigned reading! Come and tell us about what you’ve been reading and which books you’ve enjoyed recently. This program was made possible by NP Bagel Cafe and the Friends of the NPML. To sign up for email reminders, call the library or email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 2 @ 7 PM- 8:15 PM – The Life of Ulysses S. Grant (Adults)
Ken Serfass of Traveling Literary Theatre will portray Ulysses S. Grant at the New Providence stop on his New Jersey tour. For the past 40 plus years, retired U.S. Marine Ken Serfass has studied the life and times of Ulysses S. Grant. Today Ken is a sought after lecturer on all things concerning General and President Grant. This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library and an anonymous donor. You may choose to attend in person, or watch via zoom. Email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org to register.
May 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Creative Writing Group (Adults)
Join our weekly creative writing group, a fun, nonjudgmental way of expressing yourself! Write about anything you’d like – no experience necessary. Phyllis Kalb ran the South Orange Public Library’s creative writing group for over 15 years and will supply writing prompts and encouragement. Please bring a pen and paper. Email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org to register.
May 7 @ 2 PM- 2:30 PM – Qi Gong (Adults & Teens)
Thomas Boshart of Green Mountain Martial Arts Kung Fu School will teach a free session of Qi Gong, a practice that benefits both mind and body using breath, posture and movement. Positive effects include increased flexibility and movement but also improved mood, resiliency to sickness, and better overall wellness. All levels of experience welcome. Email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org to register.
May 8 @ 7 PM – 9 PM – Batter Up – Let’s Talk Baseball (All Ages)
Baseball enthusiasts are invited to discuss teams, players and issues of the sport with other baseball fans. Now in its ninth year, this group of mostly seniors welcomes all ages to join the discussion. Email the library at rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org to register.
May 9 @ 1 PM – 3 PM – Monthly Movie “Empire of Light” (Adults)
“Empire of Light” (rated R) will be screened in the Conti Family Room. “Empire of Light” is a moving drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times. Set in and around a faded old cinema in an English coastal town in the early 1980s, it follows Hilary, a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen, a new employee who longs to escape this provincial town in which he faces daily adversity. Both Hilary and Stephen find a sense of belonging through their unlikely and tender relationship, and come to experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community.This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
May 11 @ 4 PM – Sweet Treat Surprise (Teens)
Come make a sweet food gift for mom or someone special. Shh, it’s a surprise! For Teens grades 6-12. Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register. Please notify us of any allergy concerns, for you or the gift recipient.
May 13 @ 10:30 AM – SAT/ACT Information Session
Learn about your testing options, what to expect, and strategies that will help you prepare for the SAT and ACT. Club Z will present an in-person information session on SAT and ACT standardized tests. All participating students will receive a full-length practice test. Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register.
May 11 @ 7:30 PM – Book Group (Adults)
The book group will discuss “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, the funny and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman’s place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America’s most beloved TV cooking show. Copies will be available to check out at the front desk one month before the meeting. To join the book group, email rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 16 @ 10:30 AM – Book Group (Adults)
The book group will discuss “Have You Seen Luis Velez?” by Catherine Ryan Hyde. After his best friend moves away, Raymond has only two real connections: to the feral cat he’s tamed and to a blind ninety-two-year-old woman in his building who’s introduced herself with a curious question: Have you seen Luis Velez? Mildred Gutermann, a German Jew who narrowly escaped the Holocaust, has been alone since her caretaker disappeared. She turns to Raymond for help, and as he tries to track Luis down, a deep and unexpected friendship blossoms. Copies will be available to check out at the front desk one month before the meeting. To join the book group, email rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 16 @ 6:35 PM – 8:05 PM – Read to a Dog (1st – 4th Graders)
Are you a new or developing reader? Practice your skills by reading to a therapy dog. To register your 15 minute slot, please email NPMLChildrens@gmail.com.
May 17 at 10:30 AM – Good Tyme String Band (Kids & All Ages)
Join this string band for some toe tapping fun. All music lovers welcomed!
May 18 @ 7 PM – 8:30 PM – Knit/Crochet Night (Teens & Adults)
Drop by the Conti Room with a crochet or knitting project, and chat with this friendly group as you work. No registration required. To sign up for an email reminder, please call the library or email rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 20 @ 2 PM – Courtney Summers, Author of “I’m the Girl” (Teens & Adults)
You’re invited to a virtual conversation with bestselling author Courtney Summers as she talks about her most recent book, “I’m the Girl,” a bold and unflinching account of how one young woman feels in her body as she struggles to navigate a deadly and predatory power structure while asking readers one question: If this is the way the world is, do you accept it? This program was made possible in part through a grant from New Providence Our Community For All. Register online at https://libraryc.org/newprovidencelibrary.
May 21 @ 3 PM – 4:30 PM – Tales and Tunes of East Galway (All Ages)
Bring your instrument, or just your voice and learn an Irish tune in this workshop/concert with Lesl Harker on the Irish flute and Jerry O’Sullivan on the Irish pipe. You’re also welcome to just listen! A concert featuring the music of the late National Heritage Fellow Mike Rafferty from East Galway, Ireland will follow the workshop. Attend in person in the Conti Family Room, or watch over zoom. This free program is made possible by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
May 23 @ 1 PM – Cookbook Club (Adults)
This month’s themes are cultural recipes and grilling hacks. Bring a cookbook or a recipe that you like to share with the group, or even cook and bring the dish itself if you’re feeling inspired! To join, stop by the reference desk or email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
May 24 @ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Lego Club (Kids)
Lego Club is back and will meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month! Build a creation to fit the monthly theme or just free form. Themed creations will be on display in the children’s room until the following month.
May 25 @ 1:30 PM – 6 PM – Blood Drive (Adults)
Save a life – donate blood! New Jersey Blood Services will run a blood donation drive in the Conti Room. Walk ins are welcome. If you’d like to make an appointment, go to https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/312217.
Join us with the kids for Storytime and Play at the Library in the Coddington Room:
Tuesday Storytime with Miss Cathy @ 10:30 AM (preschool – K)
Featuring stories, interactive rhymes and movement!
Tuesday Drop-in Play @ 11:15 AM – 8:15 PM (closed from 4-5 pm) featuring 2-3 toys, including the newly refurbished dollhouse.
Tuesday Evening Bedtime Stories with Miss Debbie @ 7:00 PM (all ages)
Subscribe to the Library’s YouTube channel for this program. Questions? Email NPMLChildrens@gmail.com
Wednesday Mother Goose Group with Miss Debbie @ 10:30 AM (babies-preschool)
An active storytime with songs, fingerplays, dancing and fun for babies to preschool– But older kids are always welcome!
Wednesday Drop-in Play @ 11:15 AM -1 PM featuring 2-3 toys, including the newly refurbished dollhouse.
Thursday Storytime with Miss Anita @ 10:30 AM (0 – 3 yr olds) OUTSIDE on Front Lawn
Bring your babies and toddlers for stories, rhymes and socialization.
Thursday Drop-in Play @ 11:15 AM -1 PM featuring 2-3 toys, including the newly refurbished dollhouse.
Friday Drop-in Play @ 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM featuring 2-3 toys, including the newly refurbished dollhouse.
