New Providence Memorial Library February 2024
New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Ave. (908) 665-0311
February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 10:30 AM – Creative Writing Group (Adults & Teens)
Connect with your creative peers with Creative Writing, a one hour opportunity to hone your writing skills. Each week, an optional writing prompt is provided, or you may write about anything you’d like. If you would like, you may read your work aloud to the group. This is a fun, nonjudgmental way of expressing yourself. Please note, this is not a class. To sign up for weekly email reminders/ cancellation notices, send an email to RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
February 1-11 – Teen Volunteer Training Sign-ups (8th-12th graders)
Are you interested in earning volunteer hours working at the New Providence Library? If so, email NPMLTeens@gmail.com BY February 11. Include your name, grade, what volunteer opportunities you are interested in, and which training session you can attend. Training dates are 2/12 & 2/26 5:30-7PM and 2/15 & 2/22 4:30-6PM. Check our Teen Volunteer page for more details. https://www.newprovidencelibrary.org/services/teen-services/volunteering
February 1- March 15 – Teen Winter Reading Challenge (Teens)
Students in grades 6-12, participate in our first Teen Winter Reading Challenge for a chance to win the grand prize! Each book you read and log will enter you into a raffle for a basket filled with cozy treats, perfect for the cold weather. The more you read, the greater your chance of winning! 8 entries maximum. Beat the winter blues with a good book!
February 2, 9, 23 @ 3:50-4:45PM – Math Club (Kids & Teens)
Join the NP Math Club and hone your problem-solving skills while meeting with other math enthusiasts. Meetings are held every Friday at the NP Library from 3:50-4:45PM. Run by NP Teens, open to students in 2-12th grades. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register.
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 3-4:30PM – SAT Math Help Club (Teens)
Tutoring sessions for students who are looking for help with the math portion of the SAT. High School students will take a portion of a practice test and discuss the sections they need help with. Please bring a laptop/tablet and notebook. Run by a NP Teen. Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register.
February 4 at 3 PM – The Story of Molly Bannaky (All Ages 9+)
Monica Scott will tell the story of her 10th great grandmother, Molly Bannaky. Molly journeyed from England to Maryland in the late seventeenth century, where she worked as an indentured servant until she gained her freedom. Later, she started her own farm and married a freed slave. Molly’s African American family has experienced many historical milestones of United States history and her family continues to share their story.
February 5, 15 @ 7:00-8:30PM – Knit Night (Adults)
Drop by the Conti Room with a crochet, knitting or any type of needlework project, and chat with the group as you work. To sign up for email reminders, email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
February 5, 12, 26 @ 4:30-6:30PM – NP Chess Club (Kids, Teens & Adults)
Learn to play chess from the NP Chess Club! Instructional Lectures & Strategy from 4:30-5:30 in the Conti Room, followed by play from 5:30-7:30. Open to kids, teens, and adults. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Registers at least 1 day in advance at npchessclub.org
February 6 @ 1 PM – 3:30 PM – Movie Matinee: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (Adults)
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13) will be screened in the Conti Room. Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA. This program is made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 6 @ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Valentine’s Day Craft (Children)
Come by the Coddington Room and use the materials and instructions to create a Valentine for someone special. Take home what you create. While supplies last! This program is made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 7 @ 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Snap Circuit Jr. Club (Kids)
The Snap Circuit Jr. Club is for children 1st grade and up. Learn about electronics, science, and engineering with mini experiments on your circuit board. The club tries to meet regularly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month but check the website for the very latest schedule.
February 8 @ 7:30 PM – Book Group (Adults)
The book group will discuss South to America: a Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry. Perry, professor of African American studies at Princeton, melds memoir, travel narrative, and history in an intimate, penetrating journey through the South, from the Mason-Dixon Line to Florida, West Virginia, and the Bahamas.
February 8 @ 8 PM – Virtual Conversation with Rom-Com Author Tessa Bailey (Adults)
Join us online as the #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey talks about the launch of her sports romance duology with her new book Fangirl Down, a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan. This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library. Sign up online at libraryc.org/newprovidencelibrary.
February 9 @ 11:00 AM – 12:00 – Let’s Craft: DIY Gift Bags and Boxes (Adults)
Get creative with paper and learn how to make gift bags and boxes with a few easy folds. All supplies are provided, thanks to the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library. To register, email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org or call (908) 665-0311 x4.
February 10 @ 11 AM – 4:00 PM – WinterFest Craft Day (All ages)
Come by the Conti Room for a variety of winter crafts. We will supply the materials and the instructions and you will make and take home your creations.
February 11 @ 3 PM – Cover Girls Concert (All Ages)
A special Valentine’s Day show, featuring timeless love songs from across the years from The Cover Girls. They bring an innovative and refreshing classic sound to the annual concert series organized by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 12 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 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. Join us in person in the Conti Room, or over zoom. For the zoom link, please email the library at rsvp@newprovidencelibrary.org.
February 13 @ 10:30 AM – Books & Bagels (Adults)
Finally, a book group with no assigned reading! Join us for a free bagel from NP Bagel Cafe & 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.
February 15 @ 7 PM – 8 PM – New Year, New Career (Adults)
Whether you are just getting started in your work life, are a mid-career professional looking for a change or enhancement, or are an adult returning to the job market after a time away, you are welcome to attend our career series on Jan 25, February 1 and February 15 at 7 PM. The Feb 15 workshop, Master the Interview, covers interview types & prep, interview performance, negotiation & closing. Ken Cavanagh is the former Director of Career Advising for Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where he advised hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students.
February 17 @ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Yoga & Mindfulness Class (Adults & Teens)
Kim Pallant, a certified yoga instructor, will teach a yoga & mindfulness class for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Please bring a mat and any other props you need to be comfortable to the Conti Room. Email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org to register for this free class.
February 17 @10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – SATURDAY Read to a Dog (K – 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.
February 18 @ 2 PM – Family Movie: “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (2021) (Kids/Families)
Join us in the Conti Room for the movie about a young girl’s love for her puppy, based on the beloved book series.
Feb 20 @ 10:30 AM – Book Group (Adults)
The book group will discuss No Name in the Street by James Baldwin. Baldwin’s 1972 work of nonfiction is a commentary on American racism in the 1950s and 1960s, capped by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights figures, still as powerful and important as the day it was written.
February 20 @ 1 PM – 2:30 PM – Movie Matinee: “Jerry and Marge Go Large” (Adults)
This PG-13 movie from 2022 was inspired by the remarkable true story of retiree Jerry Selbee, who discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge, wins millions and uses the money to revive their small Michigan town. Made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 20 @ 4 PM – Exploring Identity, Love, and Being Black in America: A Virtual Talk with Author Jason Mott
You’re invited to join this virtual interview with New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott about his recent novel Hell of a Book, which deals with racism and police violence, and won the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction. This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library. Sign up online at libraryc.org/newprovidencelibrary
February 22 @ 10:30 AM – Good Tyme String Band (Kids & All Ages)
Join this string band for some toe tapping fun. All music lovers welcomed!
February 22 @ 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Knitting Workshop (3th grade – teen)
Learn to knit from seasoned knitters. Bring your own needles and yarn. Space is limited and registration is required. Email: NPMLChildrens@gmail.com
February 24 @ 10 AM – 3 PM CRAFTERDAY (Children)
Come by the Coddington Room and use the materials and instructions that have been left out on the tables. Take home what you create. While supplies last! This program is made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 24 @ 12:00 (second show @ 12:30) – Penguin Pointers! (Kids/Families)
A real African penguin from Jenkinson’s Aquarium at Point Pleasant Beach will waddle around for our delight, as we learn what is being done to keep these awesome creatures from extinction. Email NPMLChildrens@gmail.com to RSVP and reserve your tickets for either the 12:00 or 12:30 show.
February 25 @ 3 PM – 4 PM – One-Woman Play: Women Breaking Loose (All Ages 12+)
Celebrate Women’s History Month a bit early with this theatrical version of A Pair of Silk Stockings, by Kate Chopin; and Representing T. A. Buck, by Edna Ferber, performed by Michèle LaRue of Tales Well Told. A century ago, these classic American short stories tackled the same dilemma women face today: who comes first – my family or me? This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library.
February 26 @ 7:00 PM – Silent Book Club (Adults)
A great way to set aside time to read – bring a book and join us in the reading area. We’ll chat about books from 7-7:30 pm then read quietly together for about an hour. To register, email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
February 27 @ 1:00 PM – Cookbook Club (Adults)
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. The library provides plates, utensils, napkins and a microwave to reheat dishes. This month’s themes are semi-homemade & weeknight recipes. To register, email RSVP@newprovidencelibrary.org.
February 27 @ 6:35 PM – 8:05 PM – Read to a Dog (K – 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.
February 28 @ 2 PM – 3 PM – Virtual Conversation with Kim Scott, Author of Radical Candor (Adults)
Kim Scott is the author of two books, Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better and Radical Candor: Be a Kick-ass Boss Without Losing your Humanity. Formerly a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies, Kim has been a member of the faculty at Apple University and led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. This program was made possible by the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library. Sign up online at libraryc.org/newprovidencelibrary
February 28 @ 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Lego Club (Kids)
Lego Club will meet usually on the 4th Wednesday of each month! Build a creation to fit the monthly theme or just make your own creation. Themed creations will be on display in the children’s room until the following month.
Weekly Storytime and Play at the Library in the Coddington Room:
Tuesday Signs, Songs & Stories with Miss Cathy @ 10:30 AM (preschool – K)
Featuring stories, interactive rhymes and movement with sign language!
Tuesday Open Play @ 1 PM – 8:15 PM (closed from 4-5 pm)
Anytime Stories with Miss Debbie @ 7:00 PM (all ages)
Tune in anytime to watch and hear stories from the Library’s YouTube channel. New stories posted every Tuesday.https://www.youtube.com/c/newprovlibrary. Questions? EmailNPMLChildrens@gmail.com
Wednesday Mother Goose Group with Miss Debbie @ 10:30 AM (18 months – preschool)
An active storytime with songs, fingerplays, dancing and fun for babies to preschool– But older kids are always welcome!
Thursday Storytime with Miss Anita @ 10:30 AM (0 – 3 yr olds)
Bring your babies and toddlers for stories, rhymes and socialization.
Friday Open Play @ 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
