MercerMe

SUMMER READING SOIRÉE: A FOUNDING MOTHER
2026-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. The New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie will discuss and sign copies of A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams.
A popular library tradition since 2016, the annual Summer Reading Soirée features sparkling beverages, sorbet, sweet treats, as well as door prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the opportunity to mingle with library staff and fellow book lovers, share favorite recent reads and discover new titles to add to their summer reading lists. The soirée also offers a chance to stroll through the beautiful grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Seating is limited; register early.
Previous books co-written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie include bestselling novels America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.

Movie in the Park: An American Tail
2026-07-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
This 1986 movie follows the journey of Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse who becomes separated from his family while immigrating to America in search of freedom and opportunity. Set in late-1800s New York, this heartwarming animated film celebrates hope, perseverance, and the belief that dreams are possible in a new land.

Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | NJ
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.

Kids Paint Like the Masters
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
2026-07-13 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.

Unearthing America’s Past 250th with a Colonial Craft
2026-07-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Hopewell Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Step back in time in this hands-on workshop. Participants will design and create their own lavender sachets. Perfect to tuck in drawers or give as a gift. Registration Required.

Clay & Culture: A Journey through Asian Ceramics
2026-07-15 18:30 - 19:30 | NJ
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

Speaker series: African Americans During the Revolutionary Era
2026-07-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
This lecture explores the participation of people of African descent in the Revolutionary movement and considers the sometimes-overlooked issues of how the American Revolution affected them. Individual contributions will also be examined with special attention to African Americans in New Jersey.
Lindsey R. Swindall holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies and has published three books and numerous articles in that field. Two of her books, Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art and The Politics of Paul Robeson’s Othello, focus on New Jersey artist and activist Paul Robeson. She is a Teaching Associate Professor of Writing and Humanities in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. From 2017-2019, she was a fellow with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ public scholar program, where she facilitated programs on race and U.S. history at venues across New Jersey with actor Grant Cooper.
Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and the Hopewell Public Library.
Registration required.

Cooks & Books: Tea Rex!
2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ, United States
Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 2 PM
Location: Pennington United Methodist Church 60 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ
Spark the imagination of your favorite young chef in this hands-on literary and culinary experience!
First, we will read Tea Rex by Molly Idle. Then we’ll cook up a recipe inspired by the book- orange cardamom cupcakes and orange chai cream soda!
Recommended for ages 5-10.
Registration required.
About our Presenters: Sticky Fingers Cooking has been guiding young chefs since 2011. They offer cooking classes and camps both in-person and online. Visit StickyFingersCooking.com to learn more!

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

Thursday Adventures at the Hopewell Public Library
2026-07-17 13:30 - 16:00 | Hopewell Public Library, 13 E Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Join us in the Hopewell Public Library’s Children’s Room on Thursdays for an activity led by our Teen Assistants. School-age children can enjoy a new adventure each week through hands-on activities inspired by our summer theme.

Pennington Farmers Market
2026-07-18 09:00 - 13:00 | NJ
Pennington Farmers Market features organic produce, prepared foods, flowers, bread & baked goods, granola, honey, mushrooms, wine, and hand-made items. Enjoy music from Three to Get Ready——a roots music trio, playing a lively mix of Western Swing, Blues, Country and Bluegrass folk music. We’re on rain or shine!

Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience
2026-07-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619, United States
Grounds For Sculpture partners with Third Way Cultural Alliance to present Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, and Jamaaladeen Tacuma.
The evening will feature new music from the legendary Marshall Allen from Sun Ra Arkestra and avant-garde bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Allen and Tacuma will debut new music from Allen’s unreleased album 101: An Audio Odyssey, within Salvador Jiménez-Flores’s exhibition Raíces & Resistencias. The evening will ebb and flow between live performances and intimate conversation with the musicians and artist, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, discussing the importance of creative freedom, moderated by Nicole Sweeney of WRTI radio. Cash bar with light bites available at the Van Gogh Cafe. Cafe closes at 9:30PM.
Exclusive first copies of 101: An Audio Odyssey are available for purchase with your ticket and will be on sale at the event. Please note, copies of the album are limited, pre-orders are encouraged. No cameras or recordings are allowed. Guests are welcome to explore the gardens before the program.

Mingle in the Marsh: Mocktails
2026-07-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton, NJ
Looking for ways to get creative and socialize? Join this Friends program and enjoy a fun workshop on learning how to make mocktails made from herbs that grow locally.
No registration required.

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

Just Write: Uncovering a Story for Adults
2026-07-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
During this interactive two-week class presented by writer Shari Nichols, students will find inspiration and creativity by understanding the foundations for writing stories. Starting with core techniques and moving to more advanced structure and development, students will walk away with the ability to write a compelling story.
Registration Required.

Unearth a Story - Edible Dirt Cups
2026-07-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Get ready to stir up some fun and create a whimsical edible archeological dig! The earth beneath our feet is filled with rocks, plants, and animals that live and burrow in the soil. Let’s unearth the layers of soil to make edible dirt cups.
For ages 4-8. Registration Required. A parent or guardian must remain on site.

Concerts in the Park at Woolsey Park
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
The Hopewell Township Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Concerts in the Park series this summer at Woolsey Park. These free outdoor concerts invite residents to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music with family and friends.
Parking opens at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
2026 concert dates:

Wednesday, July 22 – The Full Grown Men (classic rock and British Invasion favorites)

Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Pennington Station Band (acoustic rock and harmony-driven classics)

Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Princeton School of Rock House Band (student musicians from the Princeton School of Rock)

The concerts are free and open to the public.

Five Wishes: Aging with Dignity
2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Online
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7 PM via Zoom
Registration required
Join us to learn more about advance care planning and how to give the gift of conversation to the important people in your life.

✓ Learn how to have advance care planning conversations with your children,

your parents, or other loved ones.
✓ Learn about picking the right person to speak for you when you cannot communicate for yourself due to a health crisis.
✓ Receive a free Five Wishes document that will help guide you through all the steps and considerations, and become a legally valid advance directive when completed and signed.
✓ Learn why updating your documents is important as life situations change.
Presented in collaboration with Hopewell Valley Senior Services

Teen & Tween Summer Art Workshop: Glass Mosaic Coasters
2026-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Thursday, July 23 from 2 – 3 PM @ Pennington Public Library
Registration required
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of mosaic-making by designing and piecing together your own custom coaster. We will explore how to arrange colorful glass and tiles into beautiful geometric patterns on a solid wood base, secure your layout and finish it into a smooth, polished piece. You’ll handle every step from the initial design to the final grouting, leaving with a beautiful, handmade addition to your desk or coffee table.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library and a Pennington Day grant.

A Brief Review of OTC Cough and Cold Supplements
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:00 | NJ
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.

Magical World of Hummingbirds
2026-07-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton, NJ
Have you ever wondered about the life of tiny creatures like the hummingbird? Join us to take a look into their world!
Considered to be the smallest birds in the world, learn how fascinating they are and what you can do to entice these little gems to your flower garden.
This is a Mercer County Park Commission Program. Registration required using the link on the site.
