Past Events

HPL Past Events - 2018

Holiday Closings 2018
Jan. 1, Mon. - New Year's Day
Jan. 15, Mon. - Martin Luther King Day
Feb. 19, Mon. - Presidents Day
March 29, Fri. - Spring holiday (Good Friday)
May 28, Mon. - Memorial Day
July 4, Wed. - Independence Day
Sept. 3, Mon. - Labor Day
Oct. 8, Mon. - Columbus Day
[Nov. 11, Sun. - Veterans Day]
Nov. 22, Thurs. - Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 23, Fri. - Day after Thanksgiving
Dec. 24, Mon. - Christmas Eve
Dec. 25, Tues. - Christmas Day
Dec. 31, Mon. - New Year's Eve - Open 10am-1pm

HPL / Hopewell Advisory Tree Commission Presentation
Preparing Trees and Plants for Winter
         Wednesday, October 24,   7 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
             2 Railroad Place, Hopewell NJ
             Free and open to the public

Hans Hanbicki, president of the N.J. chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, returns to Hopewell to share his extensive knowledge with us. Are you wondering what you can do this fall and winter to safeguard your new or established landscape? Bring your questions and come enjoy complimentary cider and cookies with your neighbors, some of whom serve on our Borough Advisory Tree Commission.

Photo by Nancy B. Kennedy

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series -- October
The History of Trenton's Famous Cadwalader Park
         Wednesday, October 3,   7 pm - at the Hopewell Theater
             5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell NJ
             Free and open to the public

Historian Jack Koeppel will tell the story of the rich history of Cadwalader Park with all its transformations that will include photographs through the years.

Cadwalader Park may be the most famous park in New Jersey. Often referred to as New Jersey’s ‘Central Park’, the 100-acre park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1890, with rolling hills, tree-lined roads and a beautiful pond. The park was officially opened with a festive May Day celebration on May 1, 1902, fourteen years after its establishment. This crown jewel of Trenton's recreational system has provided generations of city dwellers with a taste of the country.

Carved out of Cadwalader Estate, the original Ellarslie Mansion has been a center of activity, eventually becoming the home of today’s Trenton City Museum. Over the years the park has had a bandshell with weekly concerts, a playground with a carousel, a deer park and a monkey house.

Koeppel is a lifelong resident of Hopewell Valley where he has served as president of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and trustee of the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and Howell Living History Farm. Currently, he is the Collection Manager for the Trenton City Museum.

See videos of Jack's earlier presentations for the library on Images of Old Hopewell and The Story of St. Michael's Orphan Asylum on the Hopewell History page.

Cadwalader Terrace

Skaters 1888

The Balloon Man of Cadwalader Park

The Delaware Bridges of Mercer Country: A History
         Wednesday, September 26,   7 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
             2 Railroad Place, Hopewell NJ
             Free and open to the public

Joe Donnelly of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will discuss the history of the county’s Delaware River bridges, illustrated with historic photographs, news items, documents, and maps.

Bridges have spanned the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 200 years, and Mercer County has played a prominent role in that transportation legacy. Mercer was the location of the first bridge to span the river (1806), the first to carry a railroad between two states (1830s) and the first bridge to become publicly owned without a toll (1918). Today, Mercer County is host to the narrowest vehicular bridge, the oldest bridge, and only wrought-iron bridge between the two states. Next year, the county will host the river’s newest bridge when the first completed span of the Scudder Falls Replacement Bridge opens to traffic. The history of Mercer County’s river bridges includes early wooden structures, floods, fires, private stock-issuing companies, railroad barons, a trolley line, a free-bridges movement, a mystery bridge, and a river crossing that ceased existence 60 years ago this year.

Joe Donnelly became the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission's deputy executive director of communications in February 2008. He previously handled communications in the New Jersey General Assembly and worked as a reporter for The Record of Bergen County, NJ. A Lambertville resident, he has researched the history of his agency’s 20 bridges, some of which rank among oldest and most unique interstate river crossings in the nation.

First Bridge 1806 woodcut

Washington Crossing Bridge Postcard

"Trenton Makes" Bridge

HPL Quiet Reading Booth at the Hopewell Harvest Fair
Saturday, September 22, 10 am - 4 pm
Hopewell Elementary School Grounds, 35 Princeton Ave., Hopewell NJ

When exploring the Harvest Fair, drop by and visit this restful spot to take a break and read in the shade, or to chat about Hopewell and our public library.

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series -- September
The Lindbergh Kidnapping Trial - "When the Circus Came to Town"
         Wednesday, September 5,   7 pm - at the Hopewell Theater
             5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell NJ
             Free and open to the public

Local East Amwell historian Jim Davidson returns to Hopewell to continue his lecture series about events connected with the Lindbergh kidnapping. Davidson, a Lindbergh enthusiast and memorabilia collector is a frequent speaker on everything Lindbergh related. He will captivate you with a presentation on the six weeks of the Hauptmann Trial in Flemington, N.J.

Co-author of the book New Jersey Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial, Davidson will cover topics such as the first weekend of the trial when 50,000 people descended on Flemington and trashed the courthouse; the movie stars and radio personalities who were there; and Nellie’s Bar at the Union Hotel. He will attempt to talk not about whether Hauptmann was guilty or not, but all the crazy things that occurred in and out of the courtroom over the five months that Hauptmann was in the Flemington jail.

Jim Davidson’s life has been intertwined with that of Charles Lindbergh. Growing up in Flemington, Davidson knew many people associated with the case. Early on he began collecting Lindbergh memorabilia and now has one of the largest national collections. Trained in history at Muhlenberg College and later Lehigh University for graduate work, he taught history at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington. But local history has been his main love.

Lindbergh after testifying before the grand jury (1935)

New Jersey Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial, by Jim Davidson

Family Summer Fun - Fluorescent Rocks and Minerals of New Jersey
Wednesday, August 15 - 6:00 pm - at the Train Station
Join the Library for a hands on demonstration celebrating “Libraries Rock”!
Gordon Powers, a docent from the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, N.J. will be bringing fluorescent rocks and minerals to share. And everyone will get a chance to do some sluice mining – similar to panning for gold!
A mountain in Sussex County, N.J., “Sterling Hill, is one of the world's premiere mineral localities. Together with the nearby Franklin orebody, 2.5 miles to the north, more than 350 different mineral species have been found here — a world record for such a small area. About 90 of these minerals are fluorescent and more than two dozen of these have been found nowhere else on Earth” (sterlinghillminingmuseum.org). This event is free, and open to all who are interested in our native N.J. geology.

Young Adult Fiction - Pop-Up Book Discussion for Adults
Tuesday, August 14 - 7 - 8:30 pm - at the Library
Let's talk about the kids! An adult discussion of Young Adult (YA) fiction:

Some Questions: What is Young Adult fiction all about? And what exactly is considered a young adult, anyway? Did you know that many adults regularly read YA fiction and that science fiction books are often categorized as YA?
Your Challenge: Take a look at the library’s YA collection. Select a book or two - an old favorite, or part of a YA series that you'd like to know more about. Was it just a light read, or an enlightening window into a generation? Are the themes enduring, or unique to the current generation? How do you think your book reflected the real-world issues on teen minds today? Did it feel different from what young adults read in previous generations?

Then join us to compare notes and learn more about what the YA book section is all about. We can provide book suggestions if you need them. Snacks provided – BYO summery drink (in a closed container).

See New and Recommended Young Adult books
Search the catalog for recent Young Adult books

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series - August 2018
Family Reading and Nature Walk with Jeff Hoagland
Wednesday, August 1 - 7:00 pm - at Gazebo Park
Naturalist Jeff Hoagland is back for his annual family summer nature walk in Hopewell Borough. He'll be reading the classic book Everybody Needs A Rock by Byrd Baylor. The reading will be followed by an evening guided walk around the park woods and fields. Jeff is Education Director at The Watershed Institute (thewatershed.org). We'll be meeting at the Gazebo. Free and open to all ages.

Nancy Drew Revisited! - Pop-Up Book Discussion for Adults
Monday, July 30 - 7 - 8:30 pm - at the Library
Were you a fan of the Nancy Drew mystery stories as a kid? Come in from the heat for a fun and relaxing one-time “pop-up” gathering for adults to discuss the Nancy Drew phenomenon. Whether you’ve read a Nancy Drew book recently or not, join other curious chums to learn more about how the book series was first conceived and written, and the changes in the spunky sleuth found in revisions over the years. They are still checked out by our young readers! If you can, read one of the library’s many Nancy Drew mysteries to refresh your memory before the session. Bring your own summertime drink (in a covered container) and join other closet detectives. Free and open to the public.

Summer Reading Program 2018 - "Libraries Rock!"
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM:

The HPL summer program is designed to encourage children to keep reading during the months of school vacation. Each reader signs a pledge indicating the number of books they would like to read (or have read to them) during the summer. There is ice cream at the Boro Bean for each child who achieves their goal, as well as an end of summer celebration. You can register and start your personal reading challenge at any point through the summer months.
The library also offers special programs each week related to the summer reading program theme. Stop by the library to register for these activities.
Download the Summer Reading Flyer (PDF) for a list of summer events and dates.

FOR ADULTS AND TEENS:

Take the HPL Summer Reading Challenge to bring some more fun to your summer reading! Fill in the Summer Reading Challenge booklet (PDF) and bring it to the library by August 31 to be entered into a drawing for a great prize.
Recommend books that made a big impression on you -- Add the title to the cookie jar on the library counter, post on our Facebook page, or tag #TheRedLibrary on Twitter. We’ll share the list of titles at the end of the summer for your fall reading list.
Plus extra summer pop-up events!

HPL Scavenger Hunt - July 2018 - The Stones of Hopewell
The Stones of Hopewell was this year's theme for the Hopewell Public Library's annual self-scheduled, self-guided Scavenger Hunt during the month of July. Participants searched for 39 specific rocks, masonry statues, pavers, and other stone things hidden in plain sight within the Borough of Hopewell. And they were able to enjoy visiting the borough’s local businesses, stopping for a cold drink and snack, and relaxing in the town parks.

Download Scavenger Hunt Instructions, Stone Photos, and Answer Key (PDF)
Download High-Res Stone Photos (PDF)
See Facebook Scavenger Hunt Album for stone images and locations (in captions)
See Facebook for a list of the prize winners

Meet Hopewell Children’s Book Authors
Saturday, June 30 - 2:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Start the summer at the Hopewell Train Station with book readings and signings by two Hopewell Borough authors:
- Abigail Rayner's The Back Up Bunny explains why it’s a good idea to have a backup plan when you lose your favorite toy.
- Barbara DiLorenzo's Quincy The Chameleon Who Couldn’t Blend In is a story about learning how to embrace your unique qualities.
Read interviews with the authors at MercerMe.

Annual Library Book and Bake Sale
Books you don't need at prices you can't resist!
Saturday, June 9 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The HPL will be having its annual book sale during Hopewell Borough's town-wide yard sale. Stop by the Library to browse the books -- and to check out the tasty treats being sold by the Friends of the Library.

Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend - May 25 - May 28
Opening Reception
Friday, May 25 - 6:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Hopewell Valley community groups are joining to start a Memorial Day weekend tradition of celebrating local historical events. The Hopewell Public Library and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society will be sponsoring the Opening Reception on May 25th. Please stop by the Train Station to meet some of the organizers, learn more about the weekend events, and to enjoy some light snacks.
Visit the Hopewell Museum webisite for a full line-up of the Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend events at: thehopewellmuseum.org

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series - May 2018
Wildflowers of the Sourlands
Wednesday, May 2 - 7:00 pm - at the Hopewell Theater
From spring ephemerals to the final blooms of autumn—Rachel Mackow’s presentation features her photographs of the native flowering plants of the Sourland ridge. She will focus on wildflowers that thrive in the Sourland’s mature forests - touching on plants of both upland and wetland habitats. Rachel will discuss plant life cycles, pollinators, medicinal and traditional uses, and native plant conservation.
Rachel Mackow is dedicated to the restoration of native plant communities that sustain and engage both people and wildlife. She authors stewardship plans, lending her knowledge of restoration practices and invasive species management. She enjoys helping people reconnect to plants and self-reliance through teaching foraging skills, herbal practice, and traditional plant uses.
Ms. Mackow and her husband, Jared Rosenbaum, co-own Wild Ridge Plants (wildridgeplants.com), a native plant nursery that also offers a variety of consulting services. She is a member of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team’s Technical Advisory Committee.
Rachel’s honest and humorous autobiographical writing features stories about farm life, family, using wild plants, and instinctual mothering. She is also an accomplished photographer. Her work has been exhibited published and exhibited internationally. Read more at her blog at The Shagbark Speaks (theshagbarkspeaks.com).

HPL / Shade Tree Special Presentation
Healthy Trees in Your Own Yard:
Preparation, Planting, Pruning and More
Thursday, April 26 - 7:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Are you thinking of planting a tree this spring? Need advice about how to prune an existing tree? Come and hear this informative talk and bring your questions!
Presented by certified tree expert Hans Hanbicki, president of the NJ chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. This presentation is cosponsored by the Hopewell Public Library and the Hopewell Advisory Shade Tree Commission (ASTC).

Photo by Nancy B. Kennedy

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series - April 2018
Personal DNA Testing: What It Can - and Can’t - Tell You
Wednesday April 4 - 7:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Join Rider University Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience professor, Julie Drawbridge, for a discussion about personal DNA tests and what you can learn from them. Dr. Drawbridge will be offering mitochondrial DNA tests to up to ten interested participants.
A Mitochondrial DNA test tracks your matrilineal or mother’s-line heritage using the DNA in cellular compartments known as mitochondria. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down by the mother to all her children, both male and female. So, both men and women get information about their maternal lineage from a mitochondrial DNA test.

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series - February 2018
Mindfulness (Cancelled)
Wednesday, March 7 - 7:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Skills for Living with Intention & Awareness with Michele Naphen.
Pause. Slow down. Observe your internal and external experiences.
Our culture values multitasking and speed, yet we often feel overwhelmed, tense, and exhausted.
We practice everyday activities mindfully, we feel more connected with ourselves and our world: more focused, satisfied, and accomplished.

HPL "Wednesday Night Out" Lecture Series - January 2018
Tapping: How to Improve Your Health and Well Being
Wednesday, January 3 - 7:00 pm - at the Hopewell Train Station
Join local speaker Carole Bemmels for an introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
Often just called “Tapping,” EFT is a universal healing tool that can provide impressive results for physical, emotional, and performance issues. Like acupuncture and acupressure, Tapping is a set of techniques that utilize the body's energy meridian points.