MercerMe

New Jersey in the Revolutionary War
2026-02-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual program hosted by the Mercer County Library SystemTuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted virtually by the Mercer County Library System, this program covers the period from 1763 to 1789, spanning the end of the French and Indian War through the establishment of the U.S. Constitution. The presentation highlights the critical role New Jersey—particularly Central Jersey—played in the nation’s founding, including the Ten Crucial Days, the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the ratification of the Constitution.
Co-sponsored with the Historical Society of West Windsor.
Registration is required. Visit events.mcl.org to receive the virtual program link.

Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, and Essential Legal Planning
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00
Virtual program hosted by the Mercer County Library SystemWednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
This virtual program, hosted by the Mercer County Library System, is designed for families, caregivers, professionals, and community members supporting loved ones with long-term care needs. Participants will gain an overview of estate and long-term care planning, including wills, decision-making authority, guardianship, inheritance considerations, Medicaid planning, and the benefits of planning ahead rather than reacting in a crisis.
The presentation is led by Ryann Siclari, Esq., an attorney experienced in disability law, elder law, and long-term planning, and is offered as part of the Colorful Dreams Care Program Series.
Registration is required. Visit events.mcl.org to receive the virtual program link.

Hospice Care: Comfort for Patients, Support for Families
2026-03-03 18:30 - 19:30
Join us on Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 pm for a heartfelt conversation about hospice care—what it is, how it works, and the difference it can make during a challenging time. Hospice isn’t just about caring for those at the end of life; it’s about surrounding families and caregivers with compassion, guidance, and practical support. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or are interested in learning more about end-of-life support and options, join Laurie Warren, Clinical Liaison for Princeton Hospice, as she facilitates this important discussion. Presented as part of the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Heads Up! -- A Fall Prevention and Pedestrian Safety Program for Older Adults
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00
Designed for older adults, this workshop on Thursday, March 12, 2:00 pm focuses on strategies to best prevent falls. It also includes strategies for pedestrian safety as well as safe driving strategies. Presented by Katie Law, Public Education Coordinator, of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. BIANJ is a statewide nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for anyone impacted by brain injury by providing support, advocacy, and information, while promoting brain injury prevention. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Catharine "Caty" Greene: Eyewitness to the American Revolution
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, N/A
Carol Simon Levin portrays Catharine “Caty” Greene, the indomitable wife of Nathanael Greene, one of Gen. George Washington’s most valued officers. Known as a witty raconteur, she enlivened the spirits of officers and troops alike as the war ranged from New Jersey to South Carolina, famously dancing for 3 hours straight with George Washington. Her pluck and spirit carried her through victories and tragedies not only during the war but throughout a remarkable life of resilience and reinvention. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library on Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 pm. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

The Founding Mothers: Women Who Shaped a Nation
2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:00
Monday, March 23, 7:00 pm
The “Mothers” of America—women whose influence on the early United States echoed for centuries—are often overlooked. Beyond the familiar names of Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, countless women played vital roles in shaping the nation. From soldiers and spies to writers, printers, scholars, farmers, and artists, their courage and contributions—whether during years of war or in a single heroic act—had lasting impact. In this talk, Laura Keyes highlights these remarkable women, exploring their bravery, achievements, and enduring legacies as eyewitnesses to the nation’s founding. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Camille Claudel and Frida Kahlo: Two Unwavering Artists!
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:00
Monday, March 30, 7:00 pm
Camille Claudel was a visionary French sculptor whose emotionally charged works in bronze and marble explored love, loss, and human psychology. Overshadowed in her lifetime and long linked primarily to Auguste Rodin, she died in relative obscurity. Today, her art is being rediscovered and celebrated through major international exhibitions. Frida Kahlo was a groundbreaking painter known for her vivid, often surreal self-portraits exploring identity, pain, gender, and Mexican culture. Though her talent was not fully recognized during her lifetime, her work is now celebrated worldwide. In November 2025, her painting “The Dream, The Bed” set a new auction record, underscoring her lasting impact and continued rise in recognition. Both women lived lives of extraordinary creativity alongside deep personal struggle — and both are now widely celebrated for the lasting impact of their art. Presented by Jeanne Johnson, docent at the Princeton University Art Museum as well as Morven Museum and Gardens. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Arm in Arm Mobile Food Pantry
2026-04-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Are you experiencing food insecurity? Arm In Arm’s mobile food pantry will be at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Monday, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. No registration is required. Arm In Arm staff will register participants upon arrival. For more information about the food pantry, visit arminarm.org.
Arm In Arm has been active in Mercer County for four decades providing essential resources like food and financial support. Healthy food such as fresh produce, eggs and milk, frozen proteins, quality baked goods, and shelf stable canned and boxed items as well as personal care products such as shampoo, soap, and diapers are made available to families in need. Arm In Arm welcomes 4,000-5,000 families annually through 40,000+ visits to our food and mobile pantries and works with 200-400 at-risk families to prevent or end homelessness.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Arm in Arm and other committed organizations to serve those in greatest need,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “Our Libraries serve as important hubs in our communities, and by brining bringing services here we’re able to meet our residents where they are.”
In conjunction with Arm In Arm, other social service agencies will be on site. On April 6, the Mercer County Board of Social Services, SNAP Navigator, PSE&G Community Outreach and the Lawrence Township Health Department will have informational tables. On April 13, the NJ Division on Civil Rights, the New Jersey Hospital Association, the Mercer County Nutrition Program and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ will have informational tables. On April 20, the Mercer County Board of Social Services, the Presbyterian Church Voting, DHS Community Outreach Program and Mount Carmel Guild will have informational tables. On April 27, the DHS Community Outreach Program and the Mercer County Superior Court will have informational tables. All visiting services will take place at the same time and place as the mobile food pantry (2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System).
Arm In Arm relies on volunteers to get food into the hands of those who need it most. Want to get involved? Contact Shariq Marshall at 609-508-7851, shariqm@arminarm.org.
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. For more information about the library’s programs call 609-883-8292, e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org or visit www.mcl.org.

The Declaration of Independence: America's Birth Certificate from Conception to Celebration
2026-04-06 19:00 - 20:00
Historian Joel Farkas discusses the development of the document, from the Magna Carta (1215) to the French and Indian War, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, the French Revolution (and Napoleon), the War of 1812, to today. Joel Farkas is a graduate of The Ohio State University, an Officer in the United States Army, a National Park Service volunteer docent at Washington’s Headquarters, Morristown, NJ, a lecturer at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University, and a lecturer at Florham Institute for Lifelong Learning at Fairleigh Dickinson University on Monday, April 6, 7:00 pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

In Conversation with Author Ted Chiang
2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Online
Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom
Ted Chiang has become a definitive voice in speculative fiction, captivating readers with his award-winning collections Stories of Your Life and Others and Exhalation. He possesses a masterful ability to bridge the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and the profound depths of human emotion. His work serves as a modern exploration of the “what if,” often using our evolving relationship with technology to challenge our understanding of free will, memory, and consciousness. These stories resonate because they grapple with the fundamental questions of what it means to be sentient in an evolving universe. In this keynote, Chiang will discuss various themes found in Exhalation: Stories, with a focus on the persistence of wonder and how shifting the lens of logic can fundamentally alter our perspective on the nature of existence.
Sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and the Friends of the Pennington Library

Unearthing a Story: James Garfield
2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Though his presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, James A. Garfield left behind a remarkable collection of correspondence. Join us to help digitize these fascinating historical documents. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number are available on site. Unearthing a Story, One Page at a Time is a collaborative transcription series where volunteers convert historical documents into searchable digital text, supporting researchers, genealogists, and the preservation of history for future generations. Registration is requested.
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 – 11:30 am at Hopewell Branch , 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ 08534

The Gambler, the Writer, and Zelda: The History Behind The Girl in the Green Dress
2026-04-20 18:30 - 19:30
Join author Mariah Fredericks on Monday, April 20, 6:30 pm as she discusses her new mystery, inspired by the unsolved 1920 murder of Joseph Elwell. Through images and historical insight, Fredericks explores how she wove together the real-life stories of Elwell, Morris Markey, and Zelda Fitzgerald in her novel The Girl in the Green Dress — praised by The New York Times as “dazzling … a lively return to Jazz Age Manhattan.” Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

TrashedArt Contest Reception
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
The Mercer County Library System is hosting the 17th Annual TrashedArt Contest Reception on Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm. The contest celebrates Earth Day by encouraging patrons to turn ordinary trash into extraordinary art. Entries will be judged by MCLS staff and local professional artists. Library patrons will also have a chance to vote for People’s Choice award winners prior to the reception. Grand prize winners will be awarded for first, second and third places. The reception is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Advanced registration is appreciated for all events. Please register online on LibCal at https://mcl.org/. The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. For more information about the library’s programs, call 609-883-8292, e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org or visit www.mcl.org.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. For more information about the Friends of the Lawrence Library, please stop by the Lawrence Reference Desk. The Friends of the Lawrence Library help support programs such as book sales, book clubs, contests, crafts, events (such as this one), guest speakers, parties and workshops for adults, as well as character greetings, crafts, entertainers, events, parties and more for youth at the Library. Join the Friends of the Lawrence Library today!

How to Create a Pollinator Garden for Beginners
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join the Hopewell Valley Community Wildlife Habitat Program on Saturday, April 25, 10:30 am at Hopewell Branch for a fun and informative session on starting your own pollinator garden. Learn all about the importance of pollinators and how you can attract them to your garden. Expert speakers will guide you through the process step by step. You will learn how to start a garden of any size (even if you are new to gardening), why now is the time to start your garden and how to create a low maintenance garden that you’ll love. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while beautifying your outdoor space. Registration is requested.

Introduction to the Art of Arabic Calligraphy
2026-04-28 18:30 - 19:30
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month on Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pm with calligrapher Elinor A. Holland. Explore the history, meaning, and traditional practices of Arabic script calligraphy, including the Arabic alphabet, global lettering styles, and classic tools. The program concludes with a live calligraphy demonstration showcasing this ancient and beautiful art form. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Mercer County Library System for a celebration of National Poetry Month. Mercer County Library System continues this popular program on Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 pm for its fourth year, featuring local poets reading their own work or a favorite published poem. All are invited to attend an enjoyable evening of poetry! Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art
2026-05-06 18:30 - 19:30
Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 pm
Bats, gourds, peaches, ribbons, and monkeys on horses: these images are frequently (and creatively) depicted in Chinese art — but what do they mean? Just as the Chinese language is an exquisite conduit for rebuses (visual puns) and symbolism, motifs that appear in Chinese art often represent wishes for good fortune. Join us as we decipher hidden messages of prosperity, health, and happiness found in traditional Chinese art using selected objects from the Asian Art Museum’s collection. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

The Timeline of Lawrence History: 300 Years in 60 Images
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00
What can sixty images reveal about three centuries of community life? In 2014, the Lawrence Historical Society installed a timeline mural in the Lawrence Township Municipal Building, tracing 300 years of local history. The mural presents 60 carefully chosen images marking important moments in the township’s story, from the late seventeenth century through the end of the twentieth. On May 12th, join Dennis Waters, former Lawrence Township historian and current member of the Mercer County Library Commission, for a virtual guided “walk” along the timeline. Moving image by image, he will explore the people, places, and events behind the photographs and illustrations, offering historical context and little-known details to bring Lawrence Township’s past vividly to life. The Lawrence timeline mural installation was made possible by a grant from the Lawrence Township Community Foundation. You can visit the timeline mural whenever the Municipal Building is open. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
The Timeline of Lawrence History: 300 Years in 60 Images Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 pm

The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
2026-05-19 19:00 - 20:00
When we think of the American Revolution, we often imagine a local struggle between thirteen colonies and the British Crown. Historian and author Richard Bell challenges that familiar story, revealing the Revolution as a global war that reshaped lives and power across six continents. From the Caribbean and Canada to Africa, India, and South America, the conflict sparked migration, rebellion, and transformation far beyond North America. This program re-examines the Revolutionary War as a complex, high-stakes global event whose consequences continue to resonate in the modern world. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 pm

Borscht Belt: The Comic Legacy of the Catskills
2026-05-26 19:00 - 20:00
The Jewish Catskill resorts of the 20th century were a summer paradise for millions — and the birthplace of some of America’s greatest comic careers. Legends such as Mel Brooks, Sid Caesar, Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, and Jackie Mason honed their craft entertaining guests at iconic resorts like Grossinger’s, Brown’s, The Concord, Kutsher’s, and The Nevele. Entertainment historian John Kenrick presents a lively, multimedia talk exploring this rich comic tradition, featuring hilarious video clips and behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of Borscht Belt comedy. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
Borscht Belt: The Comic Legacy of the Catskills
Tuesday, May 26, 7:00 pm

Catharine "Caty" Greene: Eyewitness to the American Revolution
2026-06-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Online
Catharine “Caty” Greene: Eyewitness to the American Revolution
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom
Registration required
Carol Simon Levin portrays Catharine “Caty” Greene, the indomitable wife of Nathanael Greene, one of General Washington’s most valued officers. Known as a witty raconteur, she enlivened the spirits of officers and troops alike as the war ranged from New Jersey to South Carolina, famously dancing for 3 hours straight with George Washington. Her pluck and spirit carried her through victories and tragedies not only during the war but throughout a remarkable life of resilience and reinvention.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library
About Our Presenter: Carol Simon Levin is a professional storyteller, historical impersonator, and NJ council for the Humanities Scholar specializing in “Fascinating Women History Forgot” – women of all colors and creeds who have fought for women’s rights. She is the author of the book Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates and the Garden State Legacy article “Reclaiming Our Voice: NJ’s Role in the Fight for Woman Suffrage.”

Art Talk: Egon Schiele
2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom Online
Egon Schiele: Nature, Allegory, and the Human Condition
Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom
Registration required
Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt’s protégé, shocked the art world with his sensual drawings, ravishing portraits, and ebullient landscapes that represent more than their apparent subject matter. His works characterize the cycle of life and the human condition in a unique and stunning way. Come and hear this presentation that will introduce you to intense, expressive works created during a productive but tragically abbreviated life.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council
Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and World Languages and Cultures. Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.

Kids Paint Like the Masters
2026-07-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Do you love art? Each week, we will learn about a different master artist and then create a project inspired by their work. For children ages 5 and up. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required.
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2:00 pm

Arm In Arm Mobile Food Pantry
2026-07-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Are you experiencing food insecurity? Arm In Arm’s mobile food pantry will be at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Monday, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. No registration is required. Arm In Arm staff will register participants upon arrival. For more information about the food pantry, visit arminarm.org.
Arm In Arm has been active in Mercer County for four decades providing essential resources like food and financial support. Healthy food such as fresh produce, eggs and milk, frozen proteins, quality baked goods, and shelf stable canned and boxed items as well as personal care products such as shampoo, soap, and diapers are made available to families in need. Arm In Arm welcomes 4,000-5,000 families annually through 40,000+ visits to our food and mobile pantries and works with 200-400 at-risk families to prevent or end homelessness.
“Collaborations with organizations like Arm in Arm allow us to provide essential assistance to residents who need it most,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “Our Libraries allow us to meet Mercer County residents where they are and provide them with the services necessary to thrive in our communities”
In conjunction with Arm In Arm, other social service agencies will be on site. On July 6, the Mercer County Board of Social Services will have an informational table. On July 13, the New Jersey Hospital Association, SNAP Navigator, Presbyterian Church Voting and the Lawrence Township Health Department will have informational tables. On July 20, the Mercer County Board of Social Services will have an informational table. On July 27, the Lawrence Township Health Department will have an informational table. All visiting services will take place at the same time and place as the mobile food pantry (2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System).
Arm In Arm relies on volunteers to get food into the hands of those who need it most. Want to get involved? Contact Shariq Marshall at 609-508-7851, shariqm@arminarm.org.
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. For more information about the library’s programs call 609-883-8292, e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org or visit www.mcl.org.

Lee’s Circus Extravaganza
2026-07-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Enjoy a fun interactive Juggling Extravaganza performed by Lee. He will juggle balls, pins, spin plates, and even jump rope on a unicycle! For children ages 11 and under, with their caregiver or family. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required.

Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:00
Explore the history of Route 66 and the experiences of everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along the Mother Road during its heyday. It is informed by a collection of 100 oral histories recently compiled by the Illinois State Museum. Presented by Erika Holst, Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
Thursday, July 9, 6:00 pm

Poetry Circle: America 250 Poetry Reading and Discussion
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join us for a special Poetry Reading and discussion on Thursday, July 9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm as we explore the many voices that shape our nation. We’ll share poems such as Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing,” Langston Hughes’s “I, Too,” Maya Angelou’s “America,” Philip Freneau’s “The American Soldier,” Stephen Dunn’s “The Sacred,” and Gregory Djanikian’s “Immigrant Picnic.” We will also honor our Poetry Circle presenters, who have led discussions for over a decade, at this special occasion. Librarian Sharon will lead this session. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration is requested.
