MercerMe

The Timeline of Lawrence History: 300 Years in 60 Images
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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, 2026-07-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-20 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-27 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, 2026-07-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-27 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, 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.

Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Revolutionary War Pension Files
2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Through a collaboration between the National Archives and the National Park Service, this archive contains valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their families. On Saturday, July 11, 10:00 – 11:30 am, you may find copies of marriage or other family records, information pertaining to military activities or details about soldiers’ lives, along with letters, diaries, or family trees. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number are available on site. Registration is requested.

Clay & Culture: A Journey through Asian Ceramics
2026-07-15 18:30 - 19:30
This insightful tour of the Asian Art Museum’s collection traces the development of ceramic art from its ancient origins, revealing the wide-ranging influence of Chinese ceramics on ceramic traditions across Asia and worldwide. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 pm

Summer Jazz Concert Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
On Thursday, July 16, from 7 to 8 p.m, Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic evening of jazz at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System.
Enjoy the warm, swinging sound of Ambiance Duo, featuring Bob Smith on clarinet and Debbie Smith on bass, joined by trumpeter Dennis Ionata. Performing together for more than 45 years, the musicians will present beloved American classics including “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” along with jazz favorites such as “When You’re Smiling,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies.”
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Advanced registration is appreciated for all events. Please register online on LibCal at mcl.org.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.

Frozen Party with an Olaf Meet and Greet
2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join us for some frozen fun at the library! Meet and greet Olaf! Enjoy Frozen themed crafts and activities. Feel free to dress up in your favorite costume. For children ages 11 and under with their caregivers. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required. Friday, July 17, 10:30 am

Dig In! Mocktails & Munchies: Classic Paloma & Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
2026-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Dig into refreshing sips and tasty bites! Each month, we’ll pair a mocktail with an accompanying snack. This month’s delectable pairing: Classic Paloma & Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad). Join us to unearth your new favorite mocktail pairing! All attendees will have the chance to sample our pairing and leave with copies of the recipes. Registration is required; space is limited.
Monday, July 20, 2:00 pm
Hopewell Branch
245 Pennington-Titusville Road
Pennington, NJ 08534

A Brief Review of OTC Cough and Cold Supplements
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:00
Join Antora Banerjee, BS, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, BCPS, BCACP, Registered Pharmacist II with Penn Medicine Princeton Health on Thursday, June 23, 7:00 pm, as she discusses what to consider when selecting over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold supplements. There will be an “Ask the Pharmacist” session after the presentation for any questions the audience may have on this topic. The program will focus on medication safety and promote awareness of reading labels, avoiding duplicate ingredients, and understanding possible side effects. 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.

Dungeons & Dragons
2026-07-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Adventure awaits! Whether you are a beginner or an expert, everyone is welcome to join us as we explore the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons. No experience or materials are required—just your imagination! Registration is requested.

Researching New Jersey Revolutionary and Civil War Records
2026-07-29 18:30
Military records are a rich source of genealogical information, often preserving details not found anywhere else, including signatures. New Jersey offers especially strong resources for researching Revolutionary and Civil War ancestors. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, these records help connect individual family histories to the broader story of the country’s founding and growth. Join Regina Fitzpatrick, Genealogy Librarian at the New Jersey State Library, on Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 pm, for an overview of key state and federal collections available through the New Jersey State Archives, New Jersey State Library, and National Archives. She will also introduce the State Library’s new digital exhibition, NJ250: Living Documents, Evolving Rights, exploring how New Jersey’s evolving constitutions shaped the ongoing fight for liberty. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Hopewell Branch Library – MCL, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, 08534, United States
Join us to transcribe case files on sightings of unidentified flying objects of Project Blue Book, the U.S. Air Force investigation into UFOs that were sighted between June 1947 and December 1969. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number will be available. Please register at events.mcl.org. Registration is requested.
