Fri., June 1
Book signing and reception: 7 p.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; “Cranbury: A New Jersey Town from the Colonial Era to the Present,” by John Whiteclay Chambers II will be available at this event for $29.95.
Sat., June 2
Digital memories fundraiser: 12-3 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; for those who have VHS tapes, 8mm or 16mm movies, photos, slides or photo albums they would like converted to DVD; Innovative Document Imaging LLP will be on hand to help preserve memories; visit library to learn about pricing and turnaround time; proceeds benefit Monroe Township Library Foundation; registration not required.
Newark: Part one of a three-part series; 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; film and discussion of “Revolution ‘67,” recounting six-day outbreak of violence of Newark riots; reveals how disturbance began as spontaneous revolts against poverty and police brutality and ended as milestones in America’s struggles over race and economic justice; hear firsthand accounts from those involved; collaboration with award-winning documentary series P.O.V. (www.pbs.org/pov); free tickets at welcome desk.
”Through the Looking Glass:” garden tour with an Alice in Wonderland theme, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; sponsored by Rocky Brook Garden Club; featuring eight private gardens in Hightstown, East Windsor and Cranbury; also plant sale in Hightstown and refreshments at the UnBirthday Party. Advance sale tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children; purchase at Perennial Home, 119 W. Ward St., Hightstown (closed Mondays) or Charmed by Claire, 33 N. Main St., Cranbury; tickets that day are $15 and will be sold at Ely House, 164 N. Main St. Hightstown.
Strawberry festival: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. George’s Church, 56 Main St., Helmetta; locally grown strawberries as well as sandwiches and snacks (popcorn, pretzels, Italian ice, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry shortcakes) and homemade baked items from St. George’s Ye Olde Bake Shoppe; crafts vendors; face painter from Fools 4 Christ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; local author Bettie Linke signing her book, “That’s the Spirit;” tours of the more than 100-year-old church; contact 732-521-0169 or [email protected] for vendor registration.
Strawberry festival: 4-8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury; 22 S. Main St.; strawberries, cake, ice cream, face painting, games, pony rides, music, firetruck and police cars; food available; held rain or shine; benefits Deacon’s Benevolence Fund; cost is $8; $20 for family; for information, call 609-395-0897.
Mon., June 4
Golf outing: Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., Peddie Golf Club, 201 S. Main St., Hightstown; sponsored by St. David’s Episcopal Church, Cranbury; all golfers and sponsors invited; fees are $125 for individuals and $500 for foursomes and include greens fee, cart, lunch, dinner, golf course refreshment, prizes and awards; contact David Levy after 7 p.m. at 609-448-7384 for information concerning the tournament, sponsorship and/or advertising opportunities and contributions; additional contacts include Margaret Perritt at 609-259-9092, Talia Terhune at 609-448-2664, Dan Smires at 609-490-0975, Penny Stout at 609-688-9443 or Laura Labassi at 609-915-9877; fees must accompany registrations, with all checks payable to the church at 90 S. Main St., Cranbury, 08512.
Craft in a Bag: Library hours; Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; visit the library and receive a bag with all the items needed to complete a craft at home; bags available while supplies last.
Newborn Parenting with CentraState: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; ; small, informal class providing ideas and information conducted by a registered nurse from CentraState Medical Center; for parents and caregivers and infants ages birth to 3 months old; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Becky’s Cozy Corner: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children 5 and older invited to see simple craft demonstration; registration not required.
Tues., June 5
Books with Sylvia Deutsch: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; discussion about “Lost in Shangri-La” by Mitchell Zuckoff; sign up and reserve a copy at welcome desk.
Storytime at Veterans Park: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited for half-hour story at Veterans Park off Avenue K in Monroe; registration not required.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; registration not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; storytime for children ages 3-5; registration not required.
Wed., June 6
Eliminate stress and improve health workshop: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; eliminate stress, gain calm and improve health; provided by Art of Living Foundation; call 609-655-0555 to register.
Thurs., June 7
Chess Club: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children ages 8 and older invited to learn how to play chess and meet other kids who like to play; session for beginners; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Kids for Kids poetry and photography awards reception: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
Fri., June 8
Cranbury Coffee House: 7 p.m., 22 S. Main St.; John and Carm from the Tone Rangers, a classic soft rock group; tickets are $8 per adult and $5 for children under 12; refreshments available at an additional cost; proceeds less expenses benefit Skeet’s Pantry and the Deacon’s Benevolent Fund; for information, visit www.cranburycoffeehouse.com.
Staying Fit and Healthy: Noon, Cranbury Senior Community Center; program is with Lori Morrell; have lunch first; call 609-395-0900, ext., 244, by June 5 to reserve space; limit 30 people; cost $3 for lunch; bring exact change; if can’t come, cancel reservation; nonperishable food donations for Skeet’s Pantry accepted at program.
Sat., June 9
Newark: Part two of a three-part series; 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; film and discussion of “Heart of Stone,” documenting Weequahic High School in Newark, a portrait of a principal who works with gang leaders and predominantly Jewish and African-American alumni to give his students a hopeful future; free tickets at welcome desk.
Cram time: 10-12 p.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; Princeton High School students invited to study for finals at the library and have a snack; call 609-655-0555 for information.
Mon., June 11
Arts and crafts: 10 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited to make a craft; free tickets available at children’s desk 30 minutes prior to program start; registration not required.
Junebugs arts and crafts: 4:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children ages 5 and older invited to make bug craft; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Cram time: 7-9 p.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; Princeton High School students invited to study for finals at the library and have a snack; call 609-655-0555 for information.
Tues., June 12
Newark: Part three of a three-part series, 11 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; a Newark retrospective presented by Marilyn Mix; reminisce about Golden Era of Newark, circa 1930-1965; register at welcome desk.
Storytime at Veterans Park: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited for half-hour story at Veterans Park off Avenue K in Monroe; registration not required.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; registration not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; storytime for children ages 3-5; registration not required.
Wed., June 13
Health fair: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Clearbrook adult community, Monroe; Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; screenings to cover hearing, bone density, other conditions; raffles and giveaways for those who attend; sign-ups for screenings can be made the day of the fair; call 732-745-8600, ext. 8662, for more information.
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 18-24 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 24-36 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Make a living wreath with Kathy Burke: 7-8:30 p.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; design a grapevine wreath using fresh flowers; limit 12; $10 registration fee; register by calling 609-655-0555.
Eliminate stress and improve health workshop: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; eliminate stress, gain calm and improve health; provided by Art of Living Foundation; call 609-655-0555 to register.
Fri., June 15
Craft in a Bag: Library hours, Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; visit library and receive bag with all items needed to complete craft at home; bags available while supplies last.
Mon, June 18
Board meeting: 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
Lego Corner: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children 5 and older invited to create original masterpiece with Legos; materials provided; registration not required.
Book Nuts: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; book discussion and activities for children in second grade; this month’s selection “What Makes the Light Bright, Thomas Edison?” by Melvin Berger; light refreshments served; copies available at circulation desk; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Tues., June 19
Coffee and a book: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; discussion about “Fortune’s Rocks” by Anita Shreve; sign up and reserve copy at welcome desk.
Lecture and book-signing: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; “Crossing Under the Hudson,” presented by Professor Angus Kress Gillespie, Rutgers University; fresh look at planning and construction of two key links in the transportation infrastructure of New York and New Jersey — Holland and Lincoln tunnels — exploring monumental works of civil engineering, incorporating historical accounts and profiles of people who worked there then and now; registration not required.
Storytime at Veterans Park: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited for half-hour story at Veterans Park off Avenue K in Monroe; registration not required.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; registration not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; storytime for children ages 3-5; registration not required.
Summer Reading: Dream Big, Read: 11 a.m., Cranbury Public School, 23 N. Main St.; Cranbury Public Library program kicks off with visit from Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Center and its night hunters of the sky: three New Jersey owls; school cafeteria; then go to library to pick up summer reading packet and have Hootfest, a party celebrating summer, reading and owls; also crafts, games and treats.
Wed., June 20
Coalition for Peace Action of Monroe Township: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Municipal Building, off Perrineville Road; state Sen. Linda Greenstein will be the guest speaker on “Events in New Jersey and the National Scene: Is There a War on Women and An Assault on the Middle Class?” everyone welcome; for more information, call Ellen Norman at 609-655-9113.
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 18-24 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 24-36 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Eliminate stress and improve health workshop: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; eliminate stress, gain calm and improve health; provided by Art of Living Foundation; call 609-655-0555 to register.
Thurs., June 21
Health fair: 6-8 p.m., Encore adult community, Monroe; Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; screenings to cover hearing, bone density, other conditions; raffles and giveaways for those who attend; sign-ups for screenings can be made the day of the fair; call 732-745-8600, ext. 8662, for more information.
Scribble Art: 11 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; introduction to crayons, paint and glue along with a story and a rhyme or two for children ages 12-36 months; parents and children should wear comfortable clothing that can get messy; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sun., June 24
Sociable Singles: 1-4 p.m., Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave.; socializing, discussions, refreshments for ages 50 and up; all welcome; admission $5; for more information, call 609-655-5137.
Mon., June 25
Summer reading kickoff party: 2-4 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; 2012 Summer Reading Program, “Dream Big Read,” to kick off with snacks, games and fun for all ages; registration not required.
Tues., June 26
Friends of the Library meeting: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
”Rescuing the River” film and discussion: 2 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; Mark Krasovic, assistant research professor, American studies, Rutgers-Newark, to introduce film and lead a post-film discussion; offered in collaboration with the Friends of the Library, Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission and Environmental Commission; funded by New Jersey Council for the Humanities; registration not required.
Storytime at Veterans Park: 10 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited for half-hour story at Veterans Park off Avenue K in Monroe; registration not required.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; registration not required.
Yosi pajama party concert: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; award-winning children’s recording artist and entertainer Yosi has humorous and interactive pajama party; dancing, singing and a bedtime story for all ages; free tickets available at youth services desk beginning June 18.
Medicare counselor: Cranbury Senior Community Center; Marilyn Elias available; call 609-395-0900, ext., 234, to make an appointment.
Wed., June 27
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 18-24 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 24-36 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Pajama bingo: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children ages 5-8 invited to wear pajamas and play bingo for prizes; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Eliminate stress and improve health workshop: 10:30 a.m., Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main St.; eliminate stress, gain calm and improve health; provided by Art of Living Foundation; call 609-655-0555 to register.
Thurs., June 28
Arts and crafts: 10 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; all ages invited to make craft; free tickets available at children’s desk 30 minutes prior to program start; registration not required.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 3-5; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Simple Science: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children ages 8 and older invited for simple science experiments; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., July 5
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 3-5; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sat., July 7
Jamesburg Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., East Railroad Avenue, Veteran’s Park, Jamesburg; every Saturday until Oct. 6; registration packet for vendors available by calling Diane Lemelman at 732-723-1863; hosted by the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition; for information, call Elliot Stroul at 732-512-7417.
”Guilty Pleasures” film and discussion: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; every four seconds, a romance novel published by Harlequin or its British counterpart, Mills & Boon, is sold somewhere in the world; “Guilty Pleasures” takes a look at this; an official selection of the 2011 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam; directed by Julie Moggan; run time, 60 minutes; rating NR; film will air locally July 12; collaboration with POV (www.pbs.org/pov); free tickets available at welcome desk.
Tues., July 10
Summer documentary and discussion series: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; POV series; “The Light in Her Eyes;” free tickets available at the welcome desk.
Wed., July 11
The Statue of Liberty: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; lecture by Kevin Woyce; free tickets available at the welcome desk.
Book Café: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; rather than focus on a single title, participants talk about books they’ve read and enjoyed; register at welcome desk.
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 18-24 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 24-36 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., July 12
Free concert: 6-8 p.m., Thompson Park, Monroe; Inca Sun, traditional Peruvian Andean folk music and dance; sponsored by Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission; bring blankets, folding chairs and picnic basket; visit www.MonroeTownshipCulturalArts.com for information.
Summer International Film Festival: 2 and 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; sponsored by the Friends of the Library; “First Grader” (2011, English); films shown with English subtitles; tickets $1 and available at circulation.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 3-5; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Mon., July 16
Board meeting: 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
Tues., July 17
Summer documentary and discussion series: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; POV series; “Up Heartbreak Hill;” free tickets available at the welcome desk.
Wed., July 18
Chair yoga workshops: 2 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; presented by Linda McBride; learn basic yoga moves to better posture and alignment and find more balance and peace; register at welcome desk.
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 18-24 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Terrific Twos: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 24-36 months and caregivers; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., July 19
Free concert: 6-8 p.m., Thompson Park, Monroe; Jukebox Heroes Live! musical impersonation show; sponsored by Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission; bring blankets, folding chairs and picnic basket; visit www.MonroeTownshipCulturalArts.com for information.
Summer International Film Festival: 2 and 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; sponsored by the Friends of the Library; “Laila’s Birthday” (2008, Arabic); films shown with English subtitles; tickets $1 and available at circulation.
Little Scientists: Oil & Water: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; program for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers; children introduced to science through hands-on activities and stories; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 3-5; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sat., July 21
Great Decisions discussion forum: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; Mexico will be discussed, including border challenges, relations with northern and southern neighbors and domestic politics; sign up and reserve background information at welcome desk.
Chess Club: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; children ages 8 and older invited to learn how to play chess and meet other kids who like to play; session for intermediate and advanced players; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Tues., July 24
International Book Club: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; discussion about “The Indian Bride” by Norwegian author Karin Fossum; sign up and reserve copy at welcome desk.
Meet the Musician: George Gershwin: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; pianist Dennis Kobray becomes the musician for an hour-long presentation; discover first-hand the music, feelings, life and history of some of the world’s most famous composers; all ages welcome; registration not required.
Friends of the Library meeting: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
Wed., July 25
Chair yoga workshops: 2 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; presented by Linda McBride; learn basic yoga moves to better posture and alignment and find more balance and peace; register at welcome desk.
Thurs., July 26
Free concert: 6-8 p.m., Thompson Park, Monroe; Dennis Lichtman’s Brian Cloud, western swing and jazz; sponsored by Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission; bring blankets, folding chairs and picnic basket; visit www.MonroeTownshipCulturalArts.com for information.
Summer International Film Festival: 2 and 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; sponsored by the Friends of the Library; “Queen to Play” (2011, French); films shown with English subtitles; tickets $1 and available at circulation.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; stories, music and fun for children ages 3-5; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online to register.