HPL Recent Events - 2021
2021 Recent Events |
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Hidden Gardens of Hopewell Garden Tour
Saturday, June 26, 2021, 10am - 3pm The HPL will be opening early at 10am for those purchasing or picking up tickets. An exhibition of Hopewell's hidden gems, the self-guided tour includes five gardens and three rain gardens. Tour highlights include an 11-acre farm, a large 1-acre garden exclusively of Native Plants, several "in-town" gardens as well as a small courtyard garden behind a townhouse. Tickets for this self-guided tour are $25 (or $30 day of the Tour) and include the map which shows participants how to visit each garden. They can be purchased at the Hopewell Public Library, 13 East Broad Street, Hopewell, N.J., or through PayPal below. Tickets are not available through PayPal on the day of the tour. Note: Bring your PayPal receipt to the Hopewell Public Library staff to retrieve your official numbered Garden Tour ticket. All proceeds go directly to the Hopewell Public Library. |
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Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom | Outdoor Movie
Friday, June 18, 2021 - 8:30 pm Woolsey Park, Titusville NJ No Registration Required Presented by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council in partnership with the Hopewell, Mercer County and Pennington Libraries Celebrate this day of freedom under the stars at Woolsey Park on Friday, June 18 at 8:30pm with a screening of "Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom," a 30-minute documentary produced by the Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture. The film offers an insightful perspective about this significant day in American history. Following the film, learn more from representatives of the new Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, hear about upcoming Juneteenth festivities in Trenton, and discover educational and advocacy resources available through our local libraries. Admission is free! Donations are appreciated. Bring your own folding chair or a blanket. Gate opens at 8:00pm. Woolsey Park ~ 221 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. Please visit www.hvartscouncil.org for more. |
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Industrial Hopewell: The Growth of Railroad Place
An Online Virtual Tour - "Trains, Tomatoes, and Chocolates" Thurs., June 10, 2021, 7 pm Registration required - Register here (through the Mercer County Library) The arrival of two railroads in the 1870s spurred the growth of the towns of Hopewell and Pennington, as more convenient transportation brought greater opportunities for residents and businesses. But local boosters in Hopewell also saw a greater opportunity, and invested in developing Railroad Place as an industrial district that could support larger-scale manufacturing to provide more jobs and stronger growth. In this online version of his historical walking tour, Doug Dixon of the Hopewell Valley History Project explores the turn-of-the century Railroad Place as an open industrial area crisscrossed with railway spurs serving multiple factories and freight businesses. We'll investigate the sometimes convoluted history of the larger industrial buildings that have been passed down to us from that era, including the Chocolate Factory (manufacturing bon-bons for 25 years), the Tomato Factory (canning tomatoes for 55 years), J. B. Hill's (coal and then lumber for over a century), and Rockwell Manufacturing (back to Smith Novelty in the early 1900s). And we'll discover other lesser-known stories, some missing from today's landscape, including a shirt factory, vibrator company, farmers' co-op, ice cream factory, and bobbin and spool factory.
Doug Dixon is an independent technology consultant and writer, now morphed into a history enthusiast. Doug is a board member of the Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and Heritage Week. In the past few years, he has developed the Hopewell Valley History Project (HopewellHistoryProject.org), which is working with many local contributors to collect and share digital copies of local historical materials - now with over 400 documents and maps, 1800 images, and an interactive historical map of Hopewell. As a software technologist, Doug specializes in Web technology, databases, and digital media. He has consulted to 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 seminars and talks. Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, The Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Public Library, and the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library. |
Hopewell Chocolate Factory
Hopewell Tomato Factory
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Connie Dixon Retiring
Connie Dixon, a friendly presence behind the front desk and an invaluable asset behind the scenes, will retire from The Hopewell Public Library on May 31, after a decade of service. Connie exemplifies the very best that a small community library like HPL has to offer. She and her husband Doug raised a family in the borough, and when the kids had grown up she began volunteering at the library, then joined the staff in 2011. Connie provides a friendly welcome as you come in the door, but she also has had a wide range of important responsibilities vital to the success of the library’s programming and outreach. As the “volunteer coordinator” Connie oversees a group of 14 individuals who come in on a regular schedule, and without whom we could not keep our doors open six days a week. Connie also served as our publicity chief—from press relations to the signage announcing library events or programs, Connie wrote it, drew it, and broadcast it. With Doug, she maintains the HPL website—the most important single way we communicate with patrons, publicize events, and announce new titles. In recent years, Connie and Doug have done a deep dive into Hopewell history, and library patrons have been among the beneficiaries. Connie can direct you to information in our diverse collection of local history, then tell you where and how to see these historic sites in person. There are libraries that have bigger collections than the Hopewell Public Library, to be sure, but none that have a staff as friendly, welcoming, and well-loved as HPL, and Connie Dixon is one of the main reasons. From the moment you enter, Connie has been there to meet, greet,and help you find what you’re looking for. On behalf of the Staff and the Board of Trustees, we extend Connie our heartfelt thanks for her service to the library and the community, and our warmest wishes on her retirement. |
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Hopewell Valley Heritage Week
May 22 - 31, 2021 Hopewell Valley Heritage Week is back, May 22 - 31, 2021, celebrating the rich heritage of the Hopewell Valley with a full week of events, some virtual and others outdoors. Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend has morphed into Hopewell Valley Heritage Week. This year’s theme is Trains, Planes & Automobiles - American Indian to Modern Day Transportation in Hopewell Valley.
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The Mercer & Somerset Story - and the Frog War
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 7:00 pm Internet Webinar via Zoom Registration Required -> Register here (through the Pennington Public Library) John Kilbride will present the history and legacy of the Mercer & Somerset Railroad, an obscure, rural, central New Jersey line that became famous not for its trains, but for its fate as a Pennsylvania Railroad proxy in the 1876 “Frog War.” John will cover the history of the line, its role in the Hopewell skirmish, and its decline and abandonment in 1881. Although the M&S was abandoned more than a century and a quarter ago, John will show examples of numerous portions of its right of way through the Hopewell Valley, and several surviving structures which remain as its legacy. Now retired from a 34-year (Amtrak) railroad career, John Kilbride is the moderator of the Camden & Amboy Railroad Historians and Railroads of Trenton Facebook groups, and has been studying the C&A since moving to New Jersey in 1979. Kilbride remains interested in historical research and writing on railroad topics, including a just-published article on a unique passenger train for a national publication, and contributing several photos to a Midwest railroad-themed book. Presently, he has started research on a book focusing on the electrification of the Long Island Railroad, and another on N. J.'s Camden & Amboy (C&A) Railroad. He is also involved with the “Save The (Princeton) Dinky” group, and advising local historians on specific historical aspects of both the C&A and the Pennsylvania Railroad in New Jersey. A frequent speaker in the Tri-State area, Kilbride is able to provide programs on a variety of railroad topics, from the C&A up to more contemporary themes. He seeks to travel by train whenever possible!!! This event is part of Hopewell Valley Heritage Week, May 22 - 31, 2021, celebrating the rich heritage of the Hopewell Valley with a full week of events. Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, The Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Public Library, and the Pennington Public Library. |
John Kilbride
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Industrial Hopewell Historical Walking Tour
- Trains, Tomatoes, and Chocolates Saturday, May 22, 2021 - Three tours - 11 am, 2 pm, & 4 pm Sponsored by the Hopewell Public Library The arrival of two railroads in the 1870s spurred the growth of the towns of Hopewell and Pennington, as more convenient transportation brought greater opportunities for residents and businesses. But local boosters in Hopewell also saw a greater opportunity, and invested in developing Railroad Place as an industrial district that could support larger-scale manufacturing to provide more jobs and stronger growth. On this one-hour walking tour, Doug Dixon of the Hopewell Valley History Project explores the turn-of-the century Railroad Place as an open industrial area crisscrossed with railway spurs serving multiple factories and freight businesses. We'll investigate the sometimes convoluted history of the larger industrial buildings that have been passed down to us from that era, including the Chocolate Factory (manufacturing bon-bons for 25 years), the Tomato Factory (canning tomatoes for 55 years), J. B. Hill's (coal and then lumber for over a century), and Rockwell Manufacturing (back to Smith Novelty in the early 1900s). And we'll discover other lesser-known stories, some missing from today's landscape, including a shirt factory, vibrator company, farmers' co-op, ice cream factory, and bobbin and spool factory.
Doug Dixon is an independent technology consultant and writer, now morphed into a history enthusiast. Doug is a board member of the Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and Heritage Week. In the past few years, he has developed the Hopewell Valley History Project (HopewellHistoryProject.org), which is working with many local contributors to collect and share digital copies of local historical materials - now with over 400 documents and maps, 1800 images, and an interactive historical map of Hopewell. As a software technologist, Doug specializes in Web technology, databases, and digital media. He has consulted to 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 seminars and talks. This event is part of Hopewell Valley Heritage Week, May 22 - 31, 2021, celebrating the rich heritage of the Hopewell Valley with a full week of events. Registration required - space is limited. Three tours will be held, at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. To register, visit the Hopewell Public Library; call 609-466-1625; or email hpl@redlibrary.org. |
Hopewell Chocolate Factory
Hopewell Tomato Factory
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Elaine Lesnever Retiring
After 18 years of service to the Hopewell Public Library, Elaine Lesnever retired on May 1, 2021. Anyone who knows the little red library on East Broad Street in Hopewell knows Elaine Lesnever. She has been the face of the library for nearly two decades. Sitting at the front desk welcoming everyone who comes in the door, she cheerfully answers questions about books, movies, where to have lunch, and goings on in the borough. She can be relied upon for a good recommendation in any category from crafts and cooking to fiction and biography, but her special expertise are mysteries. By our count, Elaine has recommended more books than any other member of the staff, and has personally converted so many patrons to “Maisie Dobbs,” the fictional character created by author Jacqueline Winspear, that her books became the most circulated series in the library! Elaine was originally hired in 2003 when she answered an advertisement for a position after a book club meeting at the library. The new job was a perfect fit for a “people person”—she was doing interesting, useful work and at the same time forging a strong connection to the community. Back then everything was done by hand or typewriter—the cataloging, check outs, holds and reserves, reminders and notices. Even after automation arrived, Elaine preferred the old traditional way—a hand-written note or telephone call was more personal and helped you better know the people who used the library. From her first day on the job, Elaine has been the ILL (Inter Library Loan) Coordinator. Because HPL is so physically constrained, being able to retrieve books from 600 other libraries is an invaluable service for researchers, students, or avid readers looking for esoteric or hard-to-find titles or books long out of print. As the library’s ILL specialist, Elaine has retrieved thousands of books, articles, documents and even sheet music. And, as the many patrons she’s helped track down a title can tell you, Elaine never gives up—and usually prevails in finding what she’s after. Over the years, Elaine has seen everything—from patrons marching in with the pages of book marked to expose passages as inappropriate or lewd, to borrowers who have blithely accumulated fines over $100, and of course the eccentric visitors no library is ever without. But no matter, her favorite part of the library is and always has been the everyday stimulation and joy of interacting with people—of being introduced to a newborn, and saying good luck when the child grows up and goes off to college. Elaine has made many friends over the years and made a difference in many lives. She will be missed. On behalf of the Staff and the Board of Trustees, we extend Elaine Lesnever our heartfelt thanks for her service to the library and the community, and our warmest wishes on her retirement. |
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Seed Sharing Day at the Library
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 12:00 - 2:00 pm In front of the HPL Calling all gardeners - experienced and beginners. Stop by and pick up some seeds to try out in your garden this year. The HPL will be sharing flower and vegetable seeds, including seeds donated by FEDCO-SEEDS and HUDSON VALLEY SEED CO. We will also be featuring a collection of organic tomato seeds - including heirloom varieties used by the Hopewell Canning Factory in the 1890s! SHARE YOUR SEEDS Have leftover flower or vegetable seeds from last year? Bring your extra seeds for the Seed Sharing table. (Seeds may also be dropped off at the Library before the event.) (Facemasks, social distancing, and sign-in will be required) |
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Step Into the Sourland Spring with Jim Amon
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 9:00 am Registration required Join Jim Amon, author of Seeing the Sourlands, to explore the 2021 spring.
Registration required Meet at the Sourland Mountain Preserve, Hopewell-Wertzville Road Parking is limited, please carpool Registration is limited – email hpl@redlibrary.org or call 609-466-1625 |
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1st Annual "Cook for Books" Event
Sunday April 18, 2021, 4 to 6 pm A virtual live streaming gourmet dinner class experience - cook along and learn new techniques in your own kitchen! Join Shelley Wiseman of the Farm Cooking School (Titusville, N. J.) to learn how to prepare sweet and savory crepes, and enjoy wine pairings selected by Sommelier Spencer Cutter. When you sign up, you will receive recipes and an ingredient list to prepare for the class. Limited Event - Only 30 tickets at $75.00. Reservations and payments are available at the library or through PayPal. All proceeds go to the Hopewell Public Library. Thanks to Shelley Wiseman for donating this class! |
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DIY Preschool Storytime
In January 2021 the HPL started DIY storytime! Much like Storytime with Ms. Jennifer, each week we’ll feature a different children’s book along with a related craft. Craft supplies and instructions will be laid out in the children’s room. You can make an appointment to visit and read the story and complete the craft, or just drop by to check if the room is available. Ms. Jennifer will be there on Tuesdays from 12 - 4 to help choose books to take home, and the Library is also open on Thursdays from 12 - 4 and Saturdays from 12 - 2. Also see Suggested Activities for Preschool Story Time with Miss Jennifer for a selection of read-aloud books and activities to extend each story. |
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HPL Book Club / Thank you, Ellie Rock!
After more than 10 years of leading the HPL Book Club, Ellie Rock is stepping down. Ellie has been a superb leader in every way - She has found some of the most thought-provoking and engrossing books to be discussed, always comes prepared with information about the books as well as the author, and knows how to lead a lively book discussion while including everyone. This, coupled with her unbridled enthusiasm for reading has made the HPL Book Club our most popular and long-running event. Ellie's last Book Club meeting is on Monday, Jan. 4th. Email us if you would like to join the Zoom meeting. The Book Club meetings will continue to be on the first Monday of each month. The next meeting is on Monday, February 1st. With heartfelt thanks for all you have done, Ellie, we wish you all the best. |
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Arnold Lesnever Retiring
After 15 years of service to Hopewell Public Library as our head of Information Technology, Arnold Lesnever retired on December 31, 2020. Arnold leaves with quite a legacy. In 2008, he managed the conversion of the library's card catalog from paper to computerized database. Thousands of author, title, and subject index cards were digitized with minimal interruption in access to the collection or inconvenience to patrons. It was Arnold who found and suggested we use the open-source integrated library management system called "KOHA," which we still use today; when Arnold discovered KOHA, it had only recently been introduced into the U.S., and HPL was one of the first libraries in New Jersey to adopt it. Because the software itself was free, the system saved the library thousands of dollars up front; then Arnold worked with the New Jersey State Library to get HPL onto the statewide JerseyConnect system, where the library's data is securely hosted today. After automating the library's collection and patron databases, Arnold set up the library's email hosting and WiFi. Many Hopewell residents attended Arnold's computer classes, held weekly at the library for more than a decade. This is the second time Arnold has retired. He joined HPL as an IT volunteer in 2005, after working for more than three decades. Arnold has a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering and worked in the Research Department of Western Electric/Lucent. Instead of retiring to the golf course, Arnold brought his expertise to Hopewell Public Library, and guided us into the computer age for another 15 years! As much as the library's staff and patrons have admired Arnold's knowledge, thoroughness, and ingenuity, we also appreciate him for his warmth, humor, and gentlemanly manner. He's one in a million, and we'll miss him terribly. There is nothing we would rather do than host a lavish retirement party in his honor, but, understandably in the year of Covid-19, this was not meant to be. So while you won't be able to raise a glass and congratulate Arnold on his second retirement, please do feel free to drop him a note, care of the library, before the end of the year. On behalf of the Staff and Board of Trustees, we extend Arnold our sincerest thanks for his service to the library and community and our best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement. |
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