#BeSafeAtHome is the mission of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey during the coronavirus pandemic.
Visit sclsnj.libnet.info/events for detailed information.
Note: The library will be closed on May 9, 30 and 31.
Highlighted program:
Digitally connect with literary award-winning and best-selling author, poet and longtime library admirer Kwame Alexander on May 19 from 1-1:45 p.m.
During the virtual program, students in grades 4-12 will have the opportunity to discover Alexander’s life experiences and works, as he shares stories and poetry, and hosts a Q&A.
As the son of an English teacher and a publisher, Alexander states that writing and poetry came naturally to him.
He credits the public library as where he wrote part of his award-winning novel “The Crossover.” In 2015, Alexander won the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Honor for his young adult novel “The Crossover.” The novel, written entirely in verse, tells the story of teenage twin brothers and basketball stars that wrestle with events happening in their lives.
To register, visit sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718788.
Virtual Programs for All Ages
Meet the Author: Linda Sue Park (all ages), May 14, 2-3 p.m. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4644929.
A Virtual Visit With Charles Lindbergh performed by American Historical Theatre, May 20, 7-8 p.m. Performed by actor, director, spokesperson and teacher Neill Hartley. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4553354.
Virtual Programs for Children, ‘Tweens and Teens
A Virtual Escape Room: Hippokampus (ages 10 and up), May 1-14. Explore a virtual escape room. For more information, visit sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4731062.
Tabletop Gaming (grades 3-6), May 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Explore various role playing games, resources and join an interactive gaming session. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4704442.
May the Fourth Be With You (grades 6-8), May 4, 6-7 p.m. Use block-based coding to create a video game. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718251.
Toddler/Preschool Storytime (ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers):
Explore early literacy skills through books, songs and activities.
Register:
- May 5, 10-10:30 a.m.: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4686924.
- May 6, 10-10:30 a.m.: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4713817.
- May 19, 10-10:30 a.m.: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4694296.
- May 27, 10-10:30 a.m.: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4697773.
- May 28, 10:30-11 a.m.: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4705926.
Panchatantra Stories (families with children), May 6, 3-3:30 p.m. Explore the oldest fables from ancient India. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4697781.
How Much is Your Mental Health Worth to You? hosted in partnership with Somerset County Youth Services Commission (grades 6-12 and caregivers), May 6, 5-6:30 p.m. Explore the eight key areas of wellness. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718547.
Music and Movement with Miss Linda (ages 3-6), May 7, 10:30-11 a.m. Discover interactive songs featuring letters, numbers, shapes and more. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4704650.
Artes y Manualidades (Kids Crafts) (grades 2-4), May 8, 2-2:45 p.m. Create a simple story-inspired craft. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4701854.
Songs That Count: Add to the World (grades Pre-K to 2), May 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Discover a fun, high-energy performance that includes exciting hands-on music, movement,and counting activities. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4649288.
Highlighted Doodled Letters (grades K-4), May 13, 3-3:30 p.m. Create a project involving letters, doodle art and highlighters. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4697820.
Understanding the College Essay (grades 9-12), May 13, 5-6 p.m. Discover the expectations for an outstanding college essay. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718811.
You Can Garden (grades 1-4), May 18, 4-4:45 p.m. Learn gardening basics. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4674360.
Wacky Science (grades 2 and up), May 19, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Learn about static electricity, dry ice, and more. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4650076.
Mad Libs Madness (grades 3-5), May 24, 4-4:45 p.m. Explore nouns, verbs, adjectives, and more by creating funny stories. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4717074.
American Sign Language Storytime (ages birth to 5 years and caregivers), May 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Explore American Sign Language vocabulary, speech and expression. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4635125.
Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime (families), May 25, 5-5:30 p.m. Connect with stories and songs in a mix of English and Spanish. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4674363.
Kids in the Kitchen (grades 3-5), May 27, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Learn how to make tasty snacks for you and your family. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4686937.
Virtual Programs for Adults
Meet the Author: Lisa Wingate, May 1, 2-3 p.m. Virtually connect with the author of “Before We Were Yours.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4598691.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo With Crafts, May 3, 5-6 p.m. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in this bilingual program. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4713886.
Cooking With Chef T: Flour Tortillas and Beef Taco Filling With Pico de Gallo, May 3, 7-8 p.m. Learn how to cook a favorite Mexican dish. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4626829.
New York Skyscrapers 1870-1931 presented by Kevin Woyce, May 4, 7-8 p.m. Discover the stories of New York’s greatest skyscrapers. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4642233.
Meet the Author: Jim Amon, May 5, 7-8 p.m. Digitally connect with the author of “Seeing the Sourlands.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4614633.
Hamilton vs. Jefferson, the Rivalry That Shaped a Nation presented by Professor Louis Masur, May 6, 7-8 p.m. Learn about the battle between Hamilton and Jefferson and how it influenced the new nation. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4571781.
Meet the Author: Michael Aaron Rockland, May 10, 7-8 p.m. Digitally connect with the author of “The George Washington Bridge: Poetry in Steel.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4618642.
UrbEx 101 Investigating Abandoned New Jersey presented by Luke Boyd, May 11, 7-8 p.m. Examine abandoned properties and the narratives that accompany them. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4670890.
The Beatles From Liverpool to Abbey Road presented by Vincent Bruno, May 12, 7-8 p.m. Follow in the footsteps of the fab four as they embark on their historic journey. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4594455.
Meet the Author: Michael C. Gabriele, May 13, 7-8 p.m. Virtually connect with the author of “New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History and Tradition.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4557179.
Meet the Author: Garrett M. Graff, May 17, 7-8 p.m. Virtually connect with the author of “The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4662144.
Basic Spanish for the Traveler: Part Three, May 18, 5-6 p.m. Discover a relaxing, practical approach to acquiring basic Spanish vocabulary and useful phrases for travel. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4713837.
Virtual Book Discussion Salon, May 18, 7-8 p.m. Discuss the novel “Eight Perfect Murders” by Peter Swanson. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4674505.
Meet the Author: Stephen Puleo, May 25, 7-8 p.m. Digitally connect with the author of “Dark Tide: The Great Molasses Flood of 1919.” Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4626798.
The Early Days of Television presented by Evan Weiner, May 27, 7-8 p.m. Explore the early history of television and its importance through the years. Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4689046.