​Heartfelt thanks to Lori Saporito
for this beautiful handcrafted sign
for the library!
​

HPL Past Events - 2023


Click here to see this year's current events!


 Past Events - 2022 - Past Events - 2021 - Past Events - 2020 - Cancelled Events - 2020 (COVID) - Past Events - 2019
Monday, December 18th 2023
​at the Hopewell Public Library
​The Bujo Book Club will host its December meeting, where we will set up our bullet journals for the coming year! Click here to register!

​Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you'd like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

The Old School Baptist Meeting of Hopewell:
New Research, Investigations, and Plans

Wednesday, December 13th  |  7:00 - 8:30 pm
in-person at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church (sanctuary)
or online via Zoom
In the last few years local historical researchers and preservation experts have been finding out more about the history of the nationally important Old School Baptist Meeting House and its congregation, founded in the early 1700’s. Come and hear about what is being uncovered, and about planning for the future of this historic Hopewell treasure. Followed by a Q&A session.

Presentations:

  • The Historic Importance of the the Old School Baptist Church and its Congregation
         - Christie Alderman, Preparer of the National Register of Historic Places Nomination
  • Researching the Historical Documents of the Old School Baptist Meeting
    ​- Cynthia O'Connor, Local Historian
  • The African-American Old School Baptists
    ​- Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, Authors of If These Stones Could Talk
  • The 1747 Graveyard: Where and Who?
    ​- Ian Burrow, Archaeologist
  • Preserving the Old School Baptist Meeting for the Future
    ​​- Michael Mills, Historic Preservation Architect
  • Q and A - Moderated by Ian Burrow
Picture
Christie Alderman
Picture
Cynthia O'Connor
Picture
Elaine Buck & Beverly Mills
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Ian Burrow
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Michael Mills

About the Speakers:


  • Christie Alderman holds a Master's degree in Heritage Preservation, has written several nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, and previously served on the board and led preservation planning for the Old Stone Church in Baptistown, NJ. Outside of her volunteer activities, Christie serves as a Senior Vice President for the world's largest publicly traded P&C insurance company, building products to help businesses manage cyber risks. 
  • Cynthia O'Connor currently researches family history narratives for people interested in the stories of where their families originated. Additionally she creates house histories - essentially genealogy for buildings - for clients of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society as well as privately beyond the Hopewell Valley. She is also a trustee of the Hopewell Museum and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society. After a business career in the freight rail industry in response to deregulation in the 1980s, she also has worked for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Rutgers Archaeological Survey Office.
  • Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills are the founders of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and co-authors of If These Stones Could Talk . They proudly received the Kirkus Book Review in October 2018 and in 2019 the New Jersey Author's Award Non-Fiction Popular Works Category. In 2020, they partnered with the Museum of the American Revolution for an exhibition titled When Women Lost the Vote . In 2021, they received Doris C. Carpenter Award on behalf of Preservation New Jersey for their work on the March of America's Diverse Army through New Jersey and the Solomon Northup Family Award for uplifting the memory of enslaved people. Their new book, African Americans of Central New Jersey: A History of Harmony and Hostility, was released in July.
  • Ian Burrow is a semi-retired archaeologist. He was born, raised and educated in England. After working there for 10 years as a professional archaeologist, he emigrated to the United States in 1988 to continue his archaeological career in New Jersey and surrounding states. He serves on the Board of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (among other things).
  • Michael Mills has devoted his career to the preservation and adaptive use design of some of the region’s most significant historic structures. He has lectured at Princeton University’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning , and serves as Associate Graduate Faculty in the Rutgers University Cultural Heritage and Preservation Studies program.  He is is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
 This event is co-sponsored by the Hopewell Public Library, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and the Hopewell Museum. Attend in person at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 West Broad St., Hopewell, NJ or join online virtual presentation via Zoom -> Click to register here for online only.

Click here to view this event through the Hopewell Valley Historical Society!
Every other Wednesday  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
“We knit at night!” Join a friendly group of knitters who want to knit at night! This group meets twice a month at the Hopewell Public Library on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Board Game Night

Tuesday, December 12th  |  6:00 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Join us for an evening of games and friendly competition! All ages are welcome, from kids to adults. A variety of board games will be provided, but you are welcome to bring a favorite to share if desired. Registration is requested, but not required.

Art Show

Sunday, December 10th  |  1:00 - 3:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Calling all Artists! We are seeking artwork for our Art Show! Both amateur and professional pieces are welcome. Art pieces can be dropped off at the Hopewell Public Library on Saturday, December 9th between the hours of 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm.  A reception will be held the following day on Sunday, December 10th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  We look forward to having everyone come together to celebrate the arts and crafts that were created this year. Please register for this event here.

Technology Workshop

Thursday, December 7th, 14th, & 21st  |  1:00 - 3:00 pm
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
In these workshops, participants will learn specific technology literacy through both hands-on, videos, and Q&A session.  Each workshop will highlight three important components to help navigate through the technological world.  They will build upon each other. Feel free to come to all three or to one that is of interest to you.  During our first session we will familiarize ourselves with technology devices, the following week will be discussing using Gmail, and we will finish off on December 21st with using calling apps- such as Facetime, Skype, and Zoom. Please register for this event.
A Winter Evening of Poetry
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, December 5th  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL Book Club will host their annual Winter Evening of Poetry, their final meeting of the year.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.
Tuesday, December 5th  |  2:00 - 4:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Public Library is happy to host a knitting club again for all interested adult patrons.  Come to the library to socialize and work on your current knitting projects with Nina Lane!
The club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at the Hopewell Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. For more information, contact Sara Schoonover at [email protected].

Sunday, December 3rd
1:00 - 4:00 pm

Come to the Hopewell Public Library for our annual Holiday Open House, our biggest event of the year! Activities will be available in the Children's Room. Enjoy homemade refreshments and while you peruse our collection and see what we have in store for next year!
Monday, November 20th | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
​at the Hopewell Public Library
The Bujo Book Club will host its November meeting, where we will set up our bullet journals for December! Click here to register!

​Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you'd like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

Book Signing
with Local Author Tony Vlahovic

Saturday, November 18th  |  1:00 - 3:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
     Local author Tony Vlahovic will discuss his book, Just Need An Opportunity: Let’s Play Ball. Tony Vlahovic is a former professional baseball player. Surviving life’s strikeouts and difficult innings, Tony’s journey to self-discovery led him to help people with disabilities live out their dreams by using his passion for baseball. Just Need An Opportunity: Let’s Play Ball is full of heart and serves as a testament to what Tony has endured and conquered on and off of the field as a player and a person.
About the Author:
     Tony Vlahovic, MA. MPM, CSCS is a former professional athlete and experienced entrepreneur in the fields of sports mental conditioning and post rehabilitation therapy.  He is the Chairman of Special Olympics Baseball Development for North America. Tony was inducted into the Wilkes University Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
     Mr. Vlahovic started his professional baseball career in Italy where he was named his team’s Rookie of the Year.  Upon returning to the United States he signed with the Boston Red Sox where he played as a left-handed pitcher.  His career prematurely ended due to an auto accident, but has dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and leading his athletes on and off the field. His efforts were rewarded by receiving Coach of the Year honors five times and was nominated as North American Coach of the Year in 2014.  He  has been honored at the Baseball Hall of Fall in Cooperstown, NY for his dedication to individuals with disabilities playing baseball where his game worn hat from the Gold medal winning team in 2014 is on display. 
     Special Olympics New Jersey set an unprecedented standard in the initiation of baseball and Vlahovic was the man for the job.  His technical knowledge and passion for the sport of baseball makes him a natural leader, but his real motivation was to offer and opportunity for individuals with disabilities to play baseball.

Cookbook Book Club

Tuesday, November 14th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
For each meeting, the Cookbook Book Club chooses a cookbook – classic, new, hot, or obscure. Each member cooks one dish from the book and brings it to the library so everyone can sit down together and discuss the book while eating a feast from the book’s recipes.

​This month's selection is The Essential New York Times Cookbook: Recipes of Record (2021) by Amanda Hesser.
Saturday, November 11th | 10:30 am
at the Hopewell Train Station
Fall into fall! This Saturday morning, all of our stories feature fall and families!  So come join us at the Hopewell Train Station for a sweet start to your Saturday funday. See you there! 

Following the DNA Trail:
Using Ancestry.com DNA Results to Solve Genealogical Mysteries

Wednesday, November 8th | 7:00 pm
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Joseph Klett, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Archives and President of The Hopewell Museum, will discuss the use of autosomal DNA matches to help trace challenging lineages and identify hitherto unknown ancestors.

He will draw from case studies to show how DNA results have guided and redirected his own research into 18th- and 19th-century New Jersey families, leading to the discovery of documentary sources. ​In one case study, DNA matches suggesting a common lineage through a shared surname led to the discovery of hitherto unknown ancestry in an altogether different family. In another case study, the lack of cousin matches in one branch of the family tree led to the realization that a presumed biological ancestor was in fact a step-ancestor.

About the Speaker:

Joe has worked at New Jersey State Archives since 1983, and served as a trustee of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey from 1987 to 2023. A genealogist since age 12, he is descended from many early Hopewell and central New Jersey families.
 This event is co-sponsored by the Hopewell Public Library, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and the Hopewell Museum. Attend in person at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 West Broad St., Hopewell, NJ or join online virtual presentation via Zoom -> Click to register here for online only.

Click here to view this event through the Hopewell Valley Historical Society!
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, November 7th  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL Book Club will meet to discuss their latest literary selection:  Horse  by Geraldine Brooks.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.
Tuesday, November 7th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Public Library is happy to host a knitting club again for all interested adult patrons.  Come to the library to socialize and work on your current knitting projects with Nina Lane! The club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at the Hopewell Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. For more information, contact Sara Schoonover at [email protected].
Tuesday, October 31st
at the Hopewell Public Library
🎃 Happy Halloween from your favorite local library! 👻 We're excited to welcome trick-or-treaters of all ages today!🍫🍭🍬
Sunday, October 29th, 1:30 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo
S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ 08525
After the Hopewell Fire House’s annual Halloween parade, the HPL will host a Halloween-themed extravaganza at the Hopewell Gazebo Park! Come in costume and join us for a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including a spooky read aloud. This event is free and open to the public, but please register in advance.

Multi-Media Drawing with Karen McLean

at Karen McLean's Studio
14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:30 pm
from September 27th to October 25th
Join us for 5 sessions of multi-media drawing in black and white, and color, with trees as the focus of our subject matter. Spaces are limited for this event. Registration will open at the end of August and no advance registration will be taken. To be the first to be notified when registration is open, please subscribe to our email list! This exciting event is already at capacity. Register here for the wait list!
Saturday, October 21st | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hopewell Elementary School
Hopewell, NJ 08525
The Hopewell Public Library will be closed on Saturday, October 21st for Hopewell Harvest Fair. Please stop by our Harvest Fair booth for fun activities such as the apple tower challenge, roll-a-scarecrow, invisible ink messages, and the candy corn catapult!
Monday, October 16th | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
​at the Hopewell Public Library
The Bujo Book Club will host its October meeting, where we will set up our bullet journals for November! Click here to register!

​Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you'd like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

Stargazing

Sunday, October 15th, 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Ruhland Tract
the area of the Mercer County Park where West Prospect ends and the park begins
Bill Murray of the AAAPand others will be on hand to guide us in the observation of the October night sky. A decision will be made Sunday morning about rescheduling Stargazing to the rain date. Those who have registered will be notified by email and an announcement will be placed on the website. This event is co-sponsored by the Hopewell Public Library and the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton.
Rain date: Tuesday, October 17th, 8:00 - 9:30 pm.
Hopewell Public Library, 13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
As you stroll through the historic village of Hopewell to enjoy art and music on your neighbors' porches during Hopewell's first annual Porchfest, please stop by the library to purchase well-curated and finely crafted baked goods, including some gluten free options. All proceeds will go to support programming at the library!

Hopewell Porchfest

Saturday, October 14th, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Hopewell Borough, NJ 08525
A day of music and fun in Hopewell Borough! Porchfest is a free, family-friendly, community-wide celebration of music taking place on Saturday October 14th (rain date October 15th) from 12:00 - 5:00 pm. Performances will be spread across historic Hopewell Borough, and involve performances from over 30 local and regional performers. For more, check out www.hopewellporchfest.com, and follow Hopewell Porchfest on Instagram (@hopewell_porchfest) for updates!

To support and celebrate Porchfest, the Library will be open from 12:00 - 5:00 on Saturday, October 14th!
Saturday, October 14th, 10:00 - 11:30 am
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Through a step-by-step visual timeline, attendees will learn how to create a large native plant garden. We’ll learn how to collect and sort seeds, when to and how to sow those seeds in winter, and how to prepare a plot. By playing a fun Native Plant Party Game, attendees will become familiar with the appearance of native plants, and the ways that they support native food webs. Participants will also learn about the Lenni Lenape’s uses for native plants, from pre-colonial times up to today. There will be time at the end of the presentation to share seeds, so please bring seeds to share if you have any!
​Presenter Kari Lloyd is a 6th grade science teacher and environmental club advisor at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in East Windsor, NJ.  In addition to her home gardens, recently featured in the Hidden Gardens of Hopewell Valley 2023 tour, Kari has worked with her students to create two large native gardens at her school using plants that were started from collected seeds.  Kari is also an experienced native plant event coordinator, and has facilitated anti-racism workshops as well.

October 1-7 is 2023's Banned Books Week!

In 2022, the American Library Association documented 1,269 attempts to censor library books and resources across 2,571 unique titles. According to a statement from the ALA, "The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 is 'Let Freedom Read.' When we ban books, we're closing off readers to people, places, and perspectives. But when we stand up for stories, we unleash the power that lies inside every book. We liberate the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen. Let freedom read!" This year, the HPL collection proudly includes top 8 banned books of 2022. Come check them out today!
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, October 3rd  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL Book Club will meet to discuss their latest literary selection:  Riverman: An American Odyssey  by Ben McGrath.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.

with Ange Chianese

"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle…. Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like- all judgment free!"
-Toni Flint, patron of HPL & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle
Tuesday, October 3rd | 2:30 - 3:30 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo

​Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning his studies with Music for People in 1986. His focus in recent years has been to bring folks together in a non-judgmental forum, with emphasis being on doing (rather than explaining).

Drummers of all levels of experience are invited to participate as they bang out their own frustrations, find their own fancy rhythm, or tap into their inner child. Participants are welcome to bring their own drum(s), bells, or percussion. Some drums will be provided. Since this event will take place outdoors, please bring your own folding chair or lawn chair. Register here!
Tuesday, October 3rd | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Public Library is happy to host a knitting club again for all interested adult patrons.  Come to the library to socialize and work on your current knitting projects with Nina Lane!
The club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at the Hopewell Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. For more information, contact Sara Schoonover at [email protected].
Thursday, September 14th & 28th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
“We knit at night!” Join a friendly group of knitters who want to knit at night! This group meets twice a month at the Hopewell Public Library on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 pm.

**Night Knitters usually meets at the HPL. On September 28th only, the group will meet at the Hopewell Train Station!**
Tuesday, September 19th, 2023
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Yarr! It’s pirate day at the Hopewell Public Library! Scallywags of all ages are welcome to stop in for some fun pirate-themed activities! Or, come browse our collection of pirate books - with a good book, you can sail the high seas without ever leaving home!
Monday, September 18th | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
​at the Hopewell Public Library
The Bujo Book Club will host its September meeting, where we will set up our bullet journals for October! Click here to register!

​Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you'd like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

Pirate Storytime

Monday, September 18th | 10:30 - 11:00 am
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo
S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ
Come to the Hopewell Gazebo Park for some assorted stories and songs with our storytime reader, Sara! This week, we will have a special pirate storytime to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Foraging Forest Tour & Talk

Wednesday, September 13th | 1:15 - 3:30 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo
S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ
The Hopewell Public Library is happy to collaborate with the Sourland Conservancy, to host a tour of the Foraging Forest. It will be conducted by their Stewardship Coordinator, Eric Williams, and their volunteer manager Sari Pehnke.

 The tour will begin with a general orientation meeting at the gazebo first, then a guided walk over to the  garden.  The tour will include descriptions of the plants in the area, history of the plants, and why they planted them. Part of the garden also includes pollinator plants which, while not suitable for eating, are great for the  insects. 

Eric and Sari are both incredibly knowledgeable so please make sure to come with any questions you may have in regards to native plants in our region. ​
Register here!

Cookbook Book Club

Tuesday, September 12th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
For each meeting, the Cookbook Book Club chooses a cookbook – classic, new, hot, or obscure. Each member cooks one dish from the book and brings it to the library so everyone can sit down together and discuss the book while eating a feast from the book’s recipes. Cooking has ranged from Julia Child to vegetarian to soul food and beyond.

This month's selection is Summer on a Plate. Stop by the library to borrow this month’s cookbook and add to the smorgasbord!
Learn more at redlibrary.org/book-clubs. Anyone who is interested may join the
Hopewell Library Cookbook Club Facebook page.
Memories of the Hopewell Quarry: Stones to Swimming with Doug Dixon
The story of the Hopewell quarry that made crushed stone for local roads in the 1890s, and of the Quarry Swim Club that developed in the 1920s as the quarry pit filled in with water, which was sustained and enhanced for over a century, and now has been preserved as open space.
Wednesday, September 6th  |  7:00 - 8:30 pm
in-person at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
Fellowship Hall: 80 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Online on Zoom: register here for Zoom presentation only
Yes, the Hopewell Quarry swim club, east of Hopewell Borough, indeed was once the site of a rock quarry that operated from the 1890s to around 1920, making crushed stone for local roads. And the stone crusher equipment there did provide the name for the adjacent Crusher Road.

In this profusely illustrated presentation, Doug Dixon will survey this century and a quarter of local history, from stonework to swimming. First, we will drill into historic maps and newspapers to trace the development of quarries in Hopewell, which saw strong demand to improve the local dirt roads. Then, we will do a deep dive into a large collection of photos contributed by multiple generations of “quarry rats” to fathom how the site evolved as a swim club over time. The result is a story of the growth of the Hopewell area, and of the dedicated efforts by a handful of couples and families to preserve and enhance this local resource for over a century.
Quarry History
After the rock quarry closed and the deep pit filled in with water around 1920, the site began to be used as a local swimming hole. Over time, the Quarry transitioned into a more organized swimming club, which was managed until 1977 by several generations of the Bond family, including Dezzie Casey and Forrest Lowe. After being sustained by two more owners, Bill James and Jim & Nancy Gypton, the Quarry was preserved as protected open space in 2021 through the Friends of Hopewell Quarry. Click here for more on the Founding of the Hopewell Quarry and Swim Club.
​
About the Speaker
Doug Dixon is an independent technology consultant and writer, now morphed into a history enthusiast and author. He is a board member of The Hopewell Museum and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society.

Since mid-2019, Doug has developed the Hopewell Valley History Project to collect and freely share digital copies of local historical materials to aid research into area people and places (HopewellHistoryProject.org). With the assistance of over 130 local contributors, the History Project now hosts some 560 documents and maps, 3400 images and videos, and an interactive historical map of Hopewell to aid research into Hopewell area people and places. With these materials, Doug also has authored some 40 Hopewell Borough History Briefs, 500 pages of research reports on local organizations, businesses, and properties – and the people who made them.
​
As a software technologist, Doug specializes in Web technology, databases, and digital media. He has consulted for the Aberdeen Test Center doing large data testing and visualization, and previously was a product manager and software developer at Intel and Sarnoff. He has authored four books on digital media, published hundreds of feature articles, and presented over a hundred technical seminars and talks.
​
This event is cosponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and the Hopewell Museum.
Images: left, High Diver [Lowe Family]; right, Quarry Swim Club and Rock Wall, 1930s [Lowe Family]
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, September 5th  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL Book Club will meet to discuss their latest literary selection: The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi by Elif Sharak.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.

with Ange Chianese

"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle…. Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like- all judgment free!"
-Toni Flint, patron of HPL & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle
September 5th | 2:30-3:30pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo

​Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning his studies with Music for People in 1986. His focus in recent years has been to bring folks together in a non-judgmental forum, with emphasis being on doing (rather than explaining).

Drummers of all levels of experience are invited to participate as they bang out their own frustrations, find their own fancy rhythm, or tap into their inner child. Participants are welcome to bring their own drum(s), bells, or percussion. Some drums will be provided. Since this event will take place outdoors, please bring your own folding chair or lawn chair. Register here!
Tuesday, September 5th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Public Library is happy to host a knitting club again for all interested adult patrons.  Come to the library to socialize and work on your current knitting projects with Nina Lane!
The club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at the Hopewell Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. For more information, contact Sara Schoonover at [email protected].

Summer Reading!

Friday, June 16th - Thursday, August 31st
Learn more here!

Summer Reading Ends

Thursday, August 31st
Summer reading will end on August 29th, but don't worry - the HPL offers a variety of fun programs for all ages all year round! (Even on days where there's no event, we always have regular activities available in the library!) Just keep checking this page (redlibrary.org/events) for updates about what's coming next!
Thursday, August 31st | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
“We knit at night!” Join a friendly group of knitters who want to knit at night! This group will meet twice a month at the Hopewell Public Library on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 pm. Our first meeting will be August 31.
Wednesday, August 23rd | 4:00 - 4:45 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo
Right next to the Post Office at 9 South Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ
Hooray for the tiny but mighty bee! Enjoy hands-on activities with 4-H Program Associate Altaira Beigrowicz to learn how these social insects work together and their importance to local wildlife.
This event is for children ages 5-10 and has limited capacity.
Register here!
Monday, August 21st | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
​at the Hopewell Public Library
The Bujo Book Club will host its August meeting, where we will set up our bullet journals for September! Click here to register!

​Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you'd like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

2023 Hopewell Valley Garden Tour

Saturday, August 19th
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Rain or Shine
Join us for an exhibition of some of Hopewell Valley’s hidden gems! This self-guided tour includes eight gardens, with a focus this year on native plantings. Come to the Hopewell Public Library to pick up your ticket, then head to 8 stunning locations throughout Hopewell Valley. Tour 4 gardens in Hopewell Borough, 1 in Pennington, and 3 in Titusville.

This year, we are also offering the opportunity to dig into Titusville History! As a bonus on the Garden Tour, one of the sites in Titusville has just been recognized by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society with a plaque identifying its history and lineage. So when you stop by the house during the tour, the HVHS will be co-sponsoring displays to explain the history of the house, and to explore the development of Titusville as a major transportation center in the 1800s - with the Delaware River, Delaware & Raritan Canal, and Belvidere Delaware Railroad.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. Payment options include cash, check, PayPal ([email protected]), and Venmo (@Barbara-Merry). You can click the images below to be taken directly to the online payment pages. All proceeds will benefit programming at the Hopewell Public Library. Tickets will be available for pickup starting at 9 am on August 19th at the library - bring proof of purchase and come to 13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525.
My Backyard at Nectars
We are excited to announce that HPL has partnered with My Backyard at Nectars, located at 1600 River Road in Titusville for the Garden Tour fundraiser. Ticket holders will receive 10% off their purchase on August 19th, the day of the tour, and the owner Rosalind Doremus will donate 10% of her sales from August 19th to support programming at the library. She has an amazing native plant selection, and as a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional she can discuss your personal gardening needs.

Contact Rosalind at [email protected], or on Instagram and facebook:  @mybackyardatnectars
Thursday, August 17th | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo*
Right next to the Post Office at 9 South Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ
Join us for a fascinating look at some amazing wild animals! Learn how these creatures interact, depend on, and adapt to the world we share.
*This event will take place at the Hopewell Gazebo, but in the event of rain, we will move to the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
This event is open to all ages.
Register here!
Thursday, August 10th | 4:00 - 4:45 pm
at the Hopewell Park Gazebo
Right next to the Post Office at 9 South Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ
Get ready to move and groove! Music is always more fun when friends come out to play. Let’s sing and dance “all together” with Sarah Miles.
This activity is for children ages 5 and under.
Register here!
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, August 8th  |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL book club will meet to discuss their latest literary selection: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.
Wednesday, August 2nd | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
at the Art Sparks Studio
33 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Children will create a mixed media project inspired by the theme “All Together Now.” This event will take place at the Art Sparks studio at 33 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ.
This workshop is for children ages 5-10.
This exciting event is already at capacity.
Tuesday, August 1st | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Public Library is happy to host a knitting club again for all interested adult patrons.  Come to the library to socialize and work on your current knitting projects with Nina Lane!
The club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at the Hopewell Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. The first meeting will be August 1st. For more information, contact Sara Schoonover at [email protected].

HPL/HPC Book Club

Cosponsored by the Hopewell Public Library and the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, July 11th, July 25th, & August 1st  |  7:00 - 8:30 pm
at Aunt Chubby's Luncheonette
1 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Come Join the Conversation!

Let’s get together to talk about the values that make Hopewell Borough a community and about the ways our community will allow these values to flourish.

In light of recent acts of hate speech vandalism in Hopewell Borough, in response to the derogatory shouts from passing cars, and in answer to the general growth of animosity toward those who are “different”, the Hopewell Public Library and the Hopewell Presbyterian Church are seeking to address this undercurrent of hate.  They are sponsoring three conversations to be held at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, Railroad Place and N. Greenwood on:

Tuesday, July 11th, 7:00 – 8:30 for a conversation about the values that bring us together as a community.

Tuesdays, July 25th and August 1st, 7:00 – 8:30 as we use the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas to find how our shared community values are challenged by the times in which we live.

The conversations will be led by the Rev. Paul Rhebergen, a 30-year resident of the Borough and retired pastor.
Register here for these events!

Genealogy

Thursday, July 27th
2:00 - 3:00 pm
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
80 W Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Did your grandfather win first prize for his milk cow, Daisy? Did your great grandmother sail with her husband on his ship, the Two Friends? Did Grampa Roswell and his brother invent a machine? Or did Aunt Elaine have a recipe in the newspaper? Newspapers are an excellent way to find stories about your family. Free and paid newspaper sites will be explored with Casey Wilkz.
Register here!
Wednesday, July 26th | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Lori Saporito will help attendees create a fabric collage quilt block that they can bring home. No sewing skills required. Do bring your imagination! This is a fun activity for kids and adults. Children under 5 will need an adult helper.
Register here!
This activity is open to all ages and has limited capacity.
Monday, July 17th & Monday, July 24th
at the Hopewell Public Library
There are two separate bullet journaling clubs at the HPL. The Bullet Journal Book Club is for any adults 18+, while the School Planner Edition is for high school and college students ages 14-21. (18-21 year olds can go to either book club - or both!)
  • Bullet Journal Book Club: Monday, July 17th | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
  • School Planner Edition: Monday, July 24th | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
a journal - a calendar - a habit tracker - a mood tracker - a sketchbook - a meal planner - an exercise tracker - a class schedule - a budgeting tool - a to-do list - a reading and media log - a scrapbook - a photo album - a yearbook - a place to track your goals - a place to write your dreams - anything you want it to be!
Thursday, July 20th | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Children and their grown-ups will join Sara Schoonover in some fruity fun together. In this program, we skip right to dessert and make mini fruit pizzas. Come ready to eat your creations!
Register here!
This activity is for children ages 4-8 and has limited capacity.
Wednesday, July 12th | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Children learn all about their fine feathered friends when they take an up-close look at birds. They discover how to match bird mates, see what eggs are produced by which species, learn how a bird's beak is a tool, and how to identify different birds' songs. They take home bird warblers to practice their bird songs at home. To learn more, visit wnj.madscience.org!

HPL Book Club

at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, July 11th |  6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL book club will meet to discuss their latest literary selection: The Whistler​ by John Grisham.
Wednesday, July 5th | ​4:00 - 5:00 pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
The 2023 summer reading theme, “All Together Now,” embraces friendship, kindness, and community. Join us to kick off the summer reading program with ice cream and bubbles, games and watery fun. Please bring a nonperishable pantry item to support The Chubby’s Project.
Register here!
This event is open to all ages.

Felting Class

Wednesday, June 21st | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, June 28th | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
at The Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ
Join us at the Hopewell Train Station as Bea Liese, a local felting artist, guides us through the art of Felting. Bea Liese led a felting class for us last year in December and we are excited to welcome her back this summer.  If you are interested in learning felting or would like to build upon your existing felting experience, then this is the class for you.
This event has limited capacity. Register here!

Learn to Play Mahjongg

3 Sessions with Connie Bracci-McIndoe

Wednesday, June 7th | 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 14th | 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 21st | 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Learn how to play American Mahjongg! Connie Bracci-McIndoe will bring her Mahjongg sets for the group to use. The HPL will host three 2-hour sessions on playing this strategic game. Before the class, please obtain your card from the National Mahjongg league at nationalmahjonggleague.org and review the rules at https://daw-ca.aauw.net/files/2013/02/americanMahJonggRules.pdf.
This event is at capacity. Register for the wait list at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/106c5pDP-5jMM1OHCrRtRrWVKoIgAqAWYBU_dFZYd2os/viewform?edit_requested=true​
at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525

Father's Day Storytime
with Aaron

Saturday, June 17th | ​10:00 - 11:00 am
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Hooray for all the dads! Join us for some wonderful books and treats to celebrate Father’s Day at this special Saturday Storytime with Aaron!

Summer Reading Begins!

Friday, June 16th
Summer Reading is for everyone! From June 16th through August 31st, join us for the 2023 Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now!” Participation options are available to accommodate all ages, interests, and reading levels.

To register, please sign up online at this Google Form or pick up a summer reading packet (complete with activity cards, a bookmark, and a reading log) at the Hopewell Public Library.

Thanks to the continued support from businesses, individuals, & organizations in our community, special prize opportunities will again be available for the children, teens, and adults who participate in summer reading!

Cookbook Book Club

at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, June 13th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
For each meeting, the Cookbook Book Club chooses a cookbook – classic, new, hot, or obscure. Each member cooks one dish from the book and brings it to the library so everyone can sit down together and discuss the book while eating a feast from the book’s recipes. Cooking has ranged from Julia Child to vegetarian to soul food and beyond.

This month's selection is Canal House's Cook Something: Recipes to Rely On. Stop by the library to borrow this month’s cookbook and add to the smorgasbord!
Learn more at redlibrary.org/book-clubs. Anyone who is interested may join the
Hopewell Library Cookbook Club Facebook page.

Tea Party!

at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, June 13th | 1:00 - 2:00 pm
For those that are age 55 and better, you are invited to the library for some tea and treats. We look forward to hosting you, as we enjoy each other's company and talk about programming with our new staff member, Sara.  
Please RSVP using this link to reserve your place!

HPL Book Club

at the Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Tuesday, June 6th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The HPL book club will meet to discuss their latest literary endeavor: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.

For more information, visit redlibrary.org/book-clubs.
"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle... Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like - all judgment-free!"
-Toni Flint, HPL patron & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle

Drum Circle

Tuesday, June 6th | 2:30-3:30pm
at the Gazebo in Hopewell Borough Park
on the corner of S Greenwood Ave and Columbia Ave
(next to the Hopewell Post Office)
Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning studies with Music for People in 1986. His focus in recent years has been to bring folks together in a non-judgemental forum, with emphasis being on doing (rather than explaining).

Whatever it is you want to do, merely bang out your own frustrations, find your own fancy rhythm, or tap into your inner child, come and join us for some non-judgmental, experiential fun! If you have a drum, spoons, bundt cake tin - anything you'd like to play, please bring it! Some drums will be provided. As always, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm!
Register at tinyurl.com/HPLDrumsJune23

Geocaching

Wednesday, May 31st  |  2:00pm
The Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
What is Geocaching? Isn’t that something only young, “techy types” do? Absolutely not!

Geocaching is a modern and fun way to treasure hunt using GPS devices. So, plan to get off the sofa and join us (in hopefully warmer spring weather), for an hour’s easy stroll around 2 sites in Hopewell. We will locate local caches and hopefully plant one of our own.

​We will meet outside the library at 2pm and be led on our hunt by an intrepid and experienced explorer (who knows way more than we do). So, dress accordingly and bring your mobile phone if you have one. All questions are encouraged and will be answered as we walk. Register here!
This event has limited capacity.

Learn to Play Mahjongg

3 Sessions with Connie Bracci-McIndoe

Wednesday, May 3rd | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 10th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 17th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Learn how to play American Mahjongg! Connie Bracci-McIndoe will bring her Mahjongg sets for the group to use. The HPL will host three 2-hour sessions on playing this strategic game. Before the class, please obtain your card from the National Mahjongg league at nationalmahjonggleague.org and review the rules at https://daw-ca.aauw.net/files/2013/02/americanMahJonggRules.pdf.
Due to an overwhelming number of in-person requests,
this class has already reached capacity.  Stay tuned for future events!
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
80 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525

Mother's Day Storytime
with Aaron

Saturday, May 13th | ​10:00 - 11:00 am
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Join us for some wonderful books and chocolate chip cookies to celebrate Mother’s Day at this special Saturday Storytime with Aaron!

Exploring the Hopewell Inn
History and Tour with Doug Dixon

Wednesday, May 3rd | 7:00 - 8:00 pm
at the Hopewell Theater
The Hopewell Inn, long known as the Central Hotel, had a nearly 150 year history as a part of the town of Hopewell before it was demolished in July 2022. The building was used for residential and retail, hotel and livery, saloon and apartments, luncheonette and rooming house, and bar and bistro.

This presentation explores the forgotten history of the Hopewell Inn, and of the people and families who nurtured and reinvigorated the building and ran the businesses through the years.

We also will take a visual tour of the building in its final form – not only the exterior and public spaces, but also the upstairs rooms and cellar – and discover clues about how the building was constructed and expanded.
About the Presenter: Doug Dixon is an independent technology consultant and writer, now morphed into a history enthusiast. He is a board member of The Hopewell Museum and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society.

This event will take place in person at the Hopewell Theater, but you can also attend virtually via Zoom by registering at this link. This event is cosponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and the Hopewell Museum. More detailed information is available here.

with Ange Chianese

"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle... Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like - all judgment-free!"
-Toni Flint, patron of HPL & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle
May 2nd | 2:30-3:30pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
register at tinyurl.com/HPLDrumsMay23
Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning studies with Music for People in 1986. His focus in recent years has been to bring folks together in a non-judgemental forum, with emphasis being on doing (rather than explaining).

Whatever it is you want to do, merely bang out your own frustrations, find your own fancy rhythm, or tap into your inner child, come and join us for some non-judgmental, experiential fun! If you have a drum, spoons, bundt cake tin - anything you'd like to play, please bring it! Some drums will be provided. As always, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm!

Genealogy

Session 1: Thursday, 4/13  |  2:00 - 3:00 pm
Session 2: Thursday, 4/27  |  200 - 3:00 pm
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
80 W Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Who do you think you are?!

Who doesn’t want to know more about their own family history? Join us as we investigate ways (other than Ancestry) to discover those who came before us. Casey Wilkes will guide us through databases - with tips and tricks to save hours when looking for the people from our past.

This exciting event has limited capacity, so be sure to register here!
Monday, April 17th & Monday, April 24th
at the Hopewell Public Library
There are two separate bullet journaling clubs at the HPL. The Bullet Journal Book Club is for any adults 18+, while the School Planner Edition is for high school and college students ages 14-21. (18-21 year olds can go to either book club - or both!)
  • Bullet Journal Book Club: Tuesday, April 18th | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
  • School Planner Edition: Tuesday, April 25th | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
a journal - a calendar - a habit tracker - a mood tracker - a sketchbook - a meal planner - an exercise tracker - a class schedule - a budgeting tool - a to-do list - a reading and media log - a scrapbook - a photo album - a yearbook - a place to track your goals - a place to write your dreams - anything you want it to be!
Saturday, April 15th | ​10:00 - 11:00 am
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
On Saturday, April 15th, join us at the Hopewell Train Station for some storytime fun with Aaron! No registration is required for this event.

"Seeing Red"
Exploring Color with Karen McLean

Tuesdays from April 11th - May 30th
Karen McLean's Studio
14 Mercer Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
During the residency, Karen will teach about the elements of color. Participants will explore the use of color, observe the use of color by different artists (such as Matisse) and complete exercises which reflect the observations.  Participants will develop their own flair with exercises completed over the 8 week period. All materials will be supplied.

Because the skills taught are sequential, this is a commitment of 8 consecutive weeks; the hope is that participants will attend at least 6 of the classes.
You need bring nothing but your enthusiasm! This class is already at capacity, but you can still register here for the wait list!

About the Artist:

To read about the artist and see more examples of her work, please visit her website at karenmclean.com/about-karen-mclean.

Ceramics with Jim Jansma

Wednesdays from April 5th - May 24th | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Those who attended Jim's previous classes will know how much fun they were. With Jim's guidance, the class was able to produce pieces way beyond our initial skill sets!
This is a commitment of 8 consecutive weeks. The first 3 weeks will focus on building basic ceramics skills. The next 3 weeks will focus on developing glazing and decoration ideas. The final 2 weeks will be devoted to a supported self-study project. All are welcome to attend, including patrons who attended last year’s class. This class is already at capacity. To join the waitlist, register here!

About the Artist:

Jansma, who received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, served on the visual arts faculty at Princeton University where he taught ceramics from 1992-2003. He’s a four-time Fellowship recipient from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, most recently in 2018. He lives and maintains a studio where he resides in Hopewell, NJ.

For more information about Jim Jansma and his work, click here.

Yoga for Vibrant Aging

Thursday, March 30th | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Join us at the Hopewell Train Station for an enjoyable yoga practice focused on creating ease in the body, where we will reduce aches and pains while enhancing strength, alignment, and awareness. Other benefits reported include improved balance and posture, movement efficiency, joint health, immunity, and sleep. Practicing yoga just plain helps us feel better at any age! This class includes warming up the whole body, breathing and relaxation practices, yoga postures, and accessible, gentle movement.

About the Teacher:
Melissa Printon, C-IAYT, teaches Spanda® Yoga as developed by Dr. Jaime Stover Schmitt Ed.D., CMA, SME, IDME, E-RYT500, C-IAYT. Spanda Yoga® draws from the Himalayan tradition of yoga and is informed by modern science and research. It is enriched by Dr. Schmitt’s deep study and understanding of various movement and therapeutic modalities cultivated over many decades. A long time student of Dr. Schmitt, Melissa has been teaching yoga since 2018 and is certified as a professional yoga therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapy.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
Calling all gardeners! The HPL is hosting a seed giveaway and a children’s craft in front of the Library on Saturday, March 25th. Gardeners are welcome to bring their own seeds to exchange or select seeds they would like from our seed giveaway table.

Children are invited to join us to create a “plant person.” Registration is required for the children’s craft, but not for the seed exchange. Register for a 30 minute time slot in person or by filling out this form!

Acupuncture:
​An Ancient Art for a Modern Clinical Age

What does President Nixon have to do with the popularity of this ancient medical model? Why have an estimated 1 in 10* American adults used it? Why are veterans encouraged to have acupuncture? Join us for a quick guide to this increasingly popular choice for health.

With qualifications in both Eastern & Western medicine, Paula will offer a whistlestop tour of acupuncture and its curious methodologies! This exciting event is already at capacity, but you can still register here for the waitlist!
(*Data provided from the National Certificate & Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine)
Wednesday, March 22nd  |  2:30 - 3:30 pm
​The Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525

Frida Kahlo: Dreams, Demons, and Devotion
Presented by Janet Mandel, Arts Educator

Tuesday, March 21st | 7:00pm
at the Hopewell Theater
Frida Kahlo’s paintings illustrate the anguish and passion of a fascinating, complicated personal and artistic life. The astonishing works of this Mexican and feminist icon will be looked at through the lens of her ethnicity, disabilities, and political activism, especially emphasizing her engagement with the natural world.

About Our Presenter: 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.
Preregistration is required for both Zoom and in-person attendance. You will need to present proof of registration to enter the theater. In-person seats are sold out, but you may still register to attend via zoom by using this link.

This event is co-hosted by the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library.
"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle... Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like - all judgment-free!"
-Toni Flint, patron of HPL & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle

Drum Circle

March 7th | 2:30-3:30pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning studies with Music for People in 1986 (www.musicforpeople.org) His focus, in recent years, has been to bring folks together in a non-judgmental forum, with emphasis mostly on 'doing' rather than 'explaining.'  

Whatever it is you want to do, merely bang out your frustrations, find your own fancy rhythm, or tap into your inner child, come and join us for non-judgmental, experiential fun! If you have a drum, spoons, bunt cake tin: anything you'd like to play please bring them. Some drums will be provided. 
​
As always, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm! This exciting event is already at capacity, but you can still register here for the wait list.
There are two separate bullet journaling clubs at the HPL. The Bullet Journal Book Club is for any adults 18+, while the School Planner Edition is for high school and college students ages 14-21. (18-21 year olds can go to either book club - or both!)
  • Bullet Journal Book Club: Tuesday, February 21st | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
  • School Planner Edition: Tuesday, February 28th | 6:00-7:30pm | Register Here!
a journal - a calendar - a habit tracker - a mood tracker - a sketchbook - a meal planner - an exercise tracker - a class schedule - a budgeting tool - a to-do list - a reading and media log - a scrapbook - a photo album - a yearbook - a place to track your goals - a place to write your dreams - anything you want it to be!
with Hopewell author and illustrator, Barbara Valenza
at the Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Please join us for a special storytime with Hopewell children's author and illustrator, Barbara Valenza. Barbara will read her book Little Lovedog's Long Walk Home--a story about an unusually long dachshund who thinks he has no friends. Or does he? Book signing and a dog-themed craft will follow. Books will be available for purchase. "Be a little Lovedog" stickers and pins giveaways!​

No registration is required. Please call the library at (609) 466-1625 with any questions.

Genealogy

Session 1: Wednesday, 2/15  |  2:30-4:00pm
Session 2: Wednesday, 2/22  |  2:30-4:00pm
at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church
80 W Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Who do you think you are?!

Who doesn’t want to know more about their own family history? Join us as we investigate ways (other than Ancestry) to discover those who came before us. Casey Wilkes will guide us through databases - with tips and tricks to save hours when looking for the people from our past.

This event is at capacity, but you can still register here for the wait list!
"You can’t help but enjoy yourself at Ange’s drum circle... Your performance can be as complex or as simple as you like - all judgment-free!"
-Toni Flint, patron of HPL & regular attendee at Ange’s drum circle

Drum Circle

February 7th  |  2:30-3:30pm
at the Hopewell Train Station
Ange Chianese has been leading interactive, non-competitive drum gatherings since beginning studies with Music for People in 1986 (www.musicforpeople.org) His focus, in recent years, has been to bring folks together in a non-judgmental forum, with emphasis mostly on 'doing' rather than 'explaining.'  

Whatever it is you want to do, merely bang out your frustrations, find your own fancy rhythm, or tap into your inner child, come and join us for non-judgmental, experiential fun! If you have a drum, spoons, bunt cake tin: anything you'd like to play please bring them. Some drums will be provided. 
​
As always, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm! This event is at capacity, but you can register here for the wait list!

Lichens of the Hopewell Valley
presented by Dennis Waters

Wednesday, February 1st | 7:00 pm
at the Hopewell Theater
Lichens are everywhere, growing on trees, rocks, tombstones, and rotting logs. More than 100 species of lichen are found in the Hopewell Valley and Sourland Region, including a species new to science that was discovered on Mt. Rose. Join us to learn about these fascinating and ecologically important organisms, where they live and how they live. Bring lichens you have found and learn to identify the common ones.

Dennis Waters is a visiting scientist in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, where he studies the lichens of central New Jersey. He received a Ph.D. in advanced technology from the Watson Engineering School at Binghamton University. His book Behavior and Culture in One Dimension: Sequences, Affordances, and the Evolution of Complexity was published by Routledge in 2021.
Lunar New Year Storytime
Featuring Hopewell author Yobe Qiu
Saturday, January 28th | 10:00-11:00 am
Hopewell Train Station
2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
January 22 ushers in the Lunar New Year and people celebrate around the world. Join us for a special storytime as Hopewell author, Yobe Qiu, spotlights Lunar New Year with her book Our Lunar New Year: Celebrating Lunar New Year in Asian Communities. This book introduces different traditions of celebrating the Lunar New Year with short stories about families form China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and India as they celebrate the holiday in their own special way. Book signing and a craft will follow the read aloud.

Sophie Labelle's Trans Agenda Speaking Tour

Tuesday, January 24th | 7:00 pm
at the Hopewell Theater
Sophie will be stopping in Hopewell for her International Trans Agenda Speaking Tour! It will be her last tour in a while, so don't miss this chance to meet her.
Sophie Labelle is a neurodivergent trans cartoonist and novelist from Montréal, in French Canada. She is the author of the webcomic Assigned Male, which has been running since 2014, and the Ciel novel series. She likes to collect rocks and lives in Finland with her Finnish husband. The Best of Assigned Male was recently published by Hachette UK.
During her talk, she will speak about her art and activism, her artistic process, comic-making, community building and empowerment through art. She will answer questions from the audience and sign books at the end.
Recommended for ages 12+.
​Please note that this event is taking place on a Tuesday.

Reiki and Mindfulness Meditation with Liz Amaral

January 18th  |  2:30-3:30pm
at The Hopewell Train Station
'Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress'.
- The Mayo Clinic, January 2023
Are you interested to know more? Join Reiki Master & teacher Liz Amaral for an introduction to energy work, complete with Reiki session. Bring nothing but enthusiasm and a desire to relax! Click here to register, or click here to learn more!
Bullet Journal Book Club:
School Planner Edition!
Tuesday, January 17th  |  6:00-7:30 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
     The Bullet Journal Book Club: School Planner Edition! will have its first meeting of 2023, where we will set up bullet journals for next month!
     Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, feelings, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you’d like. We’ll start by using them to make personalized calendars and class/extracurricular schedules, but bullet journals can do so much more.

     Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Want to keep track of your movies and TV shows, save inspirational quotes, track your sports practice or exercise schedule, or collect notes from friends? You can! The possibilities are endless.

     Come to the Hopewell Public Library to set up a bullet journal! Materials will be provided. This event is for high school and college students ages 14-21. Register Here! The club's second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th. There is another bullet journaling event for any adults 18+ taking place on Tuesday, January 10th.

TED & Tea: What Makes a Good Life?

January 11th | 2:00-3:00pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
What makes a good life? Let’s start the new year with lessons from the longest study on happiness!

THIS EVENT IS AT CAPACITY! Register here to be put on the wait list!
Bullet Journal Book Club
Tuesday, January 10th  |  6:00-7:30 pm
at the Hopewell Public Library
     The Bullet Journal Book Club will have its first meeting of the new year, where we will set up bullet journals for next month!

     Are you looking for a fun way to stay organized? Do you want a way to truly personalize your personal schedule? Bullet journals can act as a planner, give you space for your calendars and task lists, allow you to write personal reflections, and track your habits, moods, and goals. They can do as much (or as little) as you’d like. Need a sketchbook? Use a bullet journal! Want a reading log? Use a bullet journal! Need to budget, meal plan, keep a media list, track your exercise, or keep a casual scrapbook? You can! The possibilities are endless.

     Come to the Hopewell Public Library to set up a bullet journal! Materials will be provided. This event is open to anyone 18 and older. Register here! There will also be a school planner-style bullet journaling event for high school and college students ages 14-21 taking place on January 17th.
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  Hopewell, NJ 08525
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