The Metuchen Public Library, 480 Middlesex Ave., is running the “Transform Yourself @ the Library” reading contest; the grand prize is an iPod Shuffle. Visit the library for more information and to enter the contest.
The library will offer the following free programs for teens who will be entering grades 6-12.
• Book club – 1-2 p.m. July 8, 15 and 29. Discussion and activities around the book “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon. Books will be given out at the first session, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
• Thursday Afternoon at the Movies – July 10, “Big”; July 31, “Back to the Future”; and Aug. 7, “The Karate Kid.” All shows start at 2 p.m.
• Crocheting 101 – 3-4 p.m. July 11. Learn the basics of crocheting. Crotchet hooks and wool will be supplied, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
• Garden State Book Awards Group – 7-8 p.m. July 16, Aug. 12, Aug 26. Serve on a teen advisory group, learn about the awards and the 2009 book nominees, and help publicize the awards to get Metuchen teens to vote for a winner. Participants get a free book of their choice at each meeting
• Creative Chocolates – 10:30 a.m.- noon July 17. Teens will learn to make imaginative desserts, party favors and covered fruit creations.
• Tie-Dye – 3-4 p.m. July 18. Make a tie-dyed T-shirt courtesy of Friends of the Library.
•On-Your-Feet Acting and Improv – 1- 2:30 p.m. July 22, 24 and 25, with a performance on Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
• The Comic Book Workshop – 7-8:30 p.m. July 23 and 30. Bring a sketchpad and pencils; ink and brush are courtesy of the Friends of the Library
• Author visit with Robert Kaplow – 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Meet the author of “Me and Orson,” which is currently being made into a film staring Zac Ephron and Claire Danes
• Fencing – 2-3 p.m. Aug. 14. An introduction to fencing, its swords, equipment and rules of the sport.
Registration is ongoing, but space may be limited. Visit the library or call 732-632- 8526 to register.