HILLSBOROUGH: Book discussion dissects ‘real’ Downton Abbey

O’Reilly’s "Killing Lincoln" will be debated, too

   Two book discussions are scheduled next week at the Hillsborough Public Library, 379 South Branch Road.
   A conversation group will continue to explore “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey,” the drama and history behind the “Downton Abbey” television series, on Thursday, July 18, at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
   A program on the book, “Killing Lincoln,” in which Bill O’Reilly recounts the story behind the presidential assassination, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m.
  • ’Adult programs (registration required):
   • Preventive wellness and exercise — “9 Movements” — part meditation, part calisthenics, part laughter therapy — is based on holistic principles of Oriental medicine and is a lower-impact, mildly aerobic routine. Mon., July 15, at 6:30 p.m.
   • Friday night movie — “42,” the story of baseball’s Jackie Robinson, starring Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman, will be shown July 26 at 7 p.m. It is rated PG-13.
   • Groundbreaking Reads — Mark Klingler, scientific illustrator for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, reconstructs ancient animals in their natural habitat through artistic techniques. Families with children ages 10 and older are welcome. Sat., July 27, at 1 p.m.
   Here are programs for youngsters. Registration is required.
   Somerset County 4-H presents a program on dinosaurs and fossils for kids entering grades 1-4 on Monday, July 15, at 3 p.m. Prehistoric creatures come back to life as students become amateur paleontologists.
   Sciencetellers presents “The Bugs of Blackwood” for ages 5-12 and caregivers on Tuesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. Learn about the science of matter by using experiments with fire, gas, air pressure, water and chemicals.
   ’’Kidz Art Zone: Budding artists can create masterpieces with their friends. First up: Caveman painting. Some projects may be messy, so dress in play clothes. Wed., July 17, at 2 p.m. to kids entering grades K-2 and 3 p.m. for those entering grades 3-5.
      • Stories for 4’s, 5’s & 6’s — A fun family storytime on “Dig It, Build It, Go!” on Mon., July 15, at 10 a.m. No registration required. Storytime on “Mud & Beyond” on Mon., July 22, at 10 a.m.
   • Toddler Time (2- and 3-year-olds) — Introduce books to your child with a story on mighty machines on Tues., July 16, and “Muddy Time” on Tues., July 23, both at 10 a.m. No registration is required.
   • Rhyme Time (newborn to 24 months) — Twenty minutes of nursery rhyme fun. Tues., July 16 and 23, at 10:30 a.m.
   • Early Reader Book Club (grades K-2) – Discuss “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Fly Guy” by Tedd Arnold, do some activities and make a craft. Please read the book before the program. Copies available at the Children’s Desk. Tues., July 16, at 3 p.m.
   • Story and Craft (ages 2-6) – Listen to a story about mighty machines and create a craft on Wed., July 17, at 10 or 11 a.m. Another show, “Down & Dirty,” will be July 24 at 10 or 11 a.m.
   • Movin’ Munchkins (ages 3-6) — A creative movement program for child and parent/caregiver! A release/waiver must be signed by the parent or child cannot participate. Forms are available at the Children’s Desk or online. Thurs., July 18, at 10 a.m.
   • Rock Science — Dig it! Learn some science facts and do activities about rocks. Thurs., July 18, at 2 p.m. for kids entering grades K-2 and 3 p.m. for those entering grades 3-5 at 3 p.m.
   • Anime Club (grades 8-12) — Hang out with friends and watch anime and discuss the latest manga. Feel free to bring Japanese snacks, your recent manga reads or your own anime (TV-14 and below). Thurs., July 18, 6 p.m.
   • Summer movie (ages 5 and older) —”Hotel Transylvania,” will be shown Mon., July 22, at 2 p.m. The hotel, run by Dracula, is a high-end resort catering only to the finest monsters and their families. Trouble arises when a human stumbles upon it. Rated PG.
   • Underground Animals (entering grades 1-6 only) — N.J. Academy for Aquatic Sciences will show animals that prefer to live under the ground. Tues., July 23, at 3 p.m.