By: centraljersey.com
Historical overview of Monroe: 2 p.m., Waterside Villas, 1 Overlook Drive, featuring John Katerba, a published author. To RSVP for this event, call 609-409-0018 no later than Jan. 5.
Saturday, Jan. 8
Amnesty: End of the Jamesburg Public Library week of amnesty for overdue fines on returned books, CDs and DVDs. No charges will be made on overdue items. Start the year off debt free at the library.
Monday, Jan. 10
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Open tech hours: 2-4 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Afternoon book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Thursday, Jan. 13
Fraud prevention seminar: 11 a.m., Waterside Villas, 1 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township, presented by Wachovia Bank to seniors. To RSVP, call 609-409-0018 no later than Jan. 10.
Open tech hours: 2-4 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Board of trustees meeting: 7:30-9 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Sunday, Jan. 16
Chili cook-off: 3 p.m., Jamesburg Elks Lodge 2180, to benefit Lance Cpl. Colin Pascik from Monroe Township, who was wounded. Entrants must have chili at the lodge by 3 p.m.; three pounds is required. A pan and lid will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place entries. A signup sheet is at the lodge. Judging starts at 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. Donation is $5. Entry fee for participants is $10 and includes all you can eat. Purple hearts will be available for a donation of $5 per heart. For more information or to sign up, call Della Fitch at 732-672-4230.
Monday, Jan. 17
Library closed: Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Tuesday, Jan. 18
Evening book discussion: 7:30-8:30 p.m., "The Plot Against America" by Philip Roth, Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Thursday, Jan. 20
Cram time: 7-9 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Saturday, Jan. 22
Concert: 7 p.m., Opera New Jersey, "Rogers and Hammerstein Classic Tunes," Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, Richard P. Marasco Performing Arts Center. Use downloadable ticket request from website www.monroetownshipculturalarts.com or call box office to reserve seats at 877-77CLICK ($2 service charge for phone). Tickets also are on sale at the Municipal Building through the receptionist.
Cram time: 10 a.m. to noon, Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Snowy day stories: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Monday, Jan. 24
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Open tech hours: 2-4 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Wednesday, Jan. 26
Estate and financial planning: 7-8:30 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23A N. Main St.
Thursday, Jan. 27
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Sunday, Jan. 30
Etz Chaim Sociable Singles: 1-4 p.m., Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave., socializing, discussions and refreshments, ages 50 and older; $5 admission. Call 609-655-56137.
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Have a Heart Contest: Children of all ages can pick up a blank heart at the Monroe Township Library and decorate it however they want. Bring the creation back to the library by Monday, Feb. 14, for it to be put on display. Prizes will be awarded for the design with most "heart."
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m. A musical program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; Monroe Township Library. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m. Storytime for children ages 3-5. Monroe Township Library. Registration is not required.
Wednesday, Feb. 2
Crafts in a Bag: Monroe Township Library, during library hours, all the crafts supplies children need to make a project at home.
Thursday, Feb. 3
Chinese New Year celebration: 4:30 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with stories and crafts. Children ages 6-8 are welcome to attend. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Book Nuts Book Group for second-graders: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. "Dinosaurs Before Dark" by Mary Pope Osborne will be discussed. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25. Copies of this month’s selection are available at circulation.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Friday, Feb. 4
Mother Goose Time: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library. Program for children 18-36 months. Registration is not required.
Sunday, Feb. 6
Sunday crafts: 1:30-4 p.m. Monroe Township Library. All ages are welcome to make a simple craft while supplies last.
Monday, Feb. 7
Baby Talk: Pediatrics of South Brunswick: 10:30 a.m. Monroe Township, Library. Moms-to-be and new moms are invited to hear Dr. Rachel Rosenbaum talk about what to expect during and post-pregnancy. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register.
Card Make & Take: Noon to 8 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Children of all ages are welcome to make a card for a special friend to celebrate "Send a Card to a Friend Day." Visit the card-making table in Youth Services while supplies last.
Tuesday, Feb. 8
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m. Monroe Township Library. A musical program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Storytime for children ages 3-5. Registration is not required.
Stamp Club: 5 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Children ages 7 and up are invited to join resident stamp collector Harold Wolff. Registration is not required.
Thursday, Feb. 10
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Simple Science: Kitchen Chemistry: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. This is a program for children ages 7 and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Friday, Feb. 11
Mother Goose Time: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Program for children 18-36 months. Registration is not required.
Sunday, Feb. 13
Sunday crafts: 1:30-4 p.m. Monroe Township Library. All ages are welcome to make a simple craft while supplies last.
Monday, Feb. 14
Arts and Crafts: Valentine Fun: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Crafts fun for all ages. Registration is not required. Free tickets available 30 minutes prior to program start.
Kids in the Kitchen: 6:30 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making chocolate candies for children ages 9 and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Tuesday, Feb. 15
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m. Monroe Township Library. A musical program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Storytime for children ages 3-5. Registration is not required.
Terrific Twos: 9:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Stories, activities and music for child and caregiver. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Wednesday, Feb. 16
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Stories, activities and music for child and caregiver. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Tween Crafts: Hand-Colored candles: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. For children ages 9-12. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Thursday, Feb. 17
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Crafts in a Bag: Monroe Township Library hours. All the craft supplies children need to make a project at home.
Art Smart I: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Ages 5-7. A program highlighting a different artist and style of art each session. This month’s session will focus on African masks. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Friday, Feb. 18
Mother Goose Time: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Program for children 18-36 months. Registration is not required.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Sunday crafts: 1:30-4 p.m. Monroe Township Library. All ages are welcome to make a simple craft while supplies last.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m. Monroe Township Library. A musical program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Storytime for children ages 3-5. Registration is not required.
Terrific Twos: 9:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Stories, activities and music for child and caregiver. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Stories, activities and music for child and caregiver. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register beginning Jan. 25.
Playdoh Play Date: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. All ages welcome. No registration required.
Book Trek: France: 4:30 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Children ages 6-8 will travel to a distant land through stories, crafts and fun. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Adventure Book Club: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Book group and activities for children in third grade and up. This month’s selection is "Lowji Discovers America" by Candace Fleming. Copies of this month’s selection are available at circulation. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Thursday, Feb. 24
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Art Smart II: 7 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Ages 8-12. A program highlighting a different artist and style of art each session. This month’s session will focus on African masks. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Friday, Feb. 25
Mother Goose Time: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monroe Township Library. Program for children 18-36 months. Registration is not required.
Sunday, Feb. 27
Sunday crafts: 1:30-4 p.m. Monroe Township Library. All ages are welcome to make a simple craft while supplies last.
Monday, Feb. 28
Baby Talk: Gymboree: 1:30 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Children who are early walkers to age 3 are invited to see a demonstration by Gymboree of Monroe. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Thursday, March 3
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Thursday, March 10
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Thursday, March 17
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Thursday, March 24
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Thursday, March 31
Paws to Read: 4:30-6 p.m. Monroe Township Library. Looking for a new and fun way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence? Try reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog. Appointments are scheduled at the time of registration. Children must be allergy free and comfortable with animals. This is for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit Youth Services or go online to register, beginning Jan. 25.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Ongoing events
Monroe Township Baseball Association signups: Spring recreation baseball registration will be held. Register online at www.monroebaseball.com. Register before Feb. 1 to avoid a higher registration fee. For information, call 732-605-1134 or e-mail [email protected].

