Raritan Public Library Programs

Census Recruitment Event at Raritan Library

Tuesday, February 18th 12:00pm-4:00pm

Come speak with a Census recruiter to learn more about employment possibilities.

Life at an Edwardian Manor
With Judith-Krall Russo
Saturday, February 29th @ 1:00pm

The critically acclaimed TV Series, “Downton Abbey,” has renewed popular interest in the Edwardian era, when King Edward VII reigned in the United Kingdom. It was a time of great disparity between the haves and the have-nots. Wealthy aristocrats owned huge manor houses, and reveled in luxury, leisure, and extravagant entertaining. The rich expected their every whim to be indulged, and all their daily needs to be fulfilled, by the lower class of domestic servants. This “Golden Age,” of the late 19th century, perched on a shaky foundation as the winds of change brought a time of greater social mobility within the rigid British class system. Come learn about this fascinating time and the people who lived in it.

Filipino Rondalla (Traditional String Ensemble) Music Performance
Sunday, March 8th @ 1:00pm

Register for a very special musical concert by the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla who will perform with traditional instruments such as bandurrias, the laud and guitars.
This performance is made possible by the 2020 Census and the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Please note that the Library will not be conducting regular business this day.

The Joy of Backyard Bird Feeding
Saturday March 21st @ 1:00pm

Pete Axelrod from Wild Birds Unlimited of Scotch Plains, NJ will discuss how attracting birds is a great way to bring nature up close and into your backyard. As it is easy to attract up to 32 different species of native birds to a backyard, bird feeding can provide hours of entertainment. This program covers the different varieties of food and feeder options that attract the widest array of species, best practices of backyard feeding, solutions to nuisance birds and animals as well as tips on making your yard “Bird Friendly”.
Registration is required.

Birdhouse Project with Michele Liana
Saturday, March 21st @ 2:00pm

Following Pete Axelrod’s class, make a seeded birdhouse that you can take home and put in your backyard. Learn how to reuse the birdhouse feeder, once your friendly guests feast on the seed.
Registration is required.

Judy Movie
Matinee: Tuesday, March 31st @2:00pm
Evening: Tuesday, March 31st @6:00pm

Thirty years after rising to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, showbiz legend Judy Garland (starring Academy Award Winner Renée Zellweger) arrives in London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. While preparing for the shows, Garland battles with management, reminisces with friends and adoring fans, and embarks on a whirlwind romance with soon-to-be fifth husband, Mickey Deans, – all while bravely struggling to overcome intensifying anxiety and physical decline. Featuring some of her best-known songs, the film celebrates the unyielding spirit and matchless talent of “the world’s greatest entertainer.”

Registration is required.

1-on-1 Tech & Resume Help Sessions

The library offers 1 on 1 classes for those who need help learning the basics of computers.
Sessions include instruction on writing a resume, filling out an online application, setting up a device for e-books, using a tablet/ smart phone. We can teach you how to attach photos to e-mails and explain to you the basics of MS Word, and much more.
  Scheduling is flexible and you can come back for as many classes as you need.  The best part is...the classes are free! 
The Raritan Public Library knows that technology is rapidly evolving and it can be difficult to keep up or even get started with how advanced things have become. 

Brendan is patient and willing to walk you through everything step by step at your own pace.  Call the Library or stop by to set up a class today!

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Pokémon Go
Player versus Player & Trading meetup

February TBD

Looking for fellow Pokemon Go players to battle against? Got some rare Pokemon you want to trade or are you looking for a legendary Pokemon you missed out on? Come to the Raritan Public Library for a Pokemon Go player meet up where trainers can battle, trade, or just chat about Pokemon Go. This is a great opportunity to swap Trainer Codes with other players, plus test your skills against local trainers. Don’t forget that the library is a Gym and also has a Pokestop so you can restock your items while interacting with other local players. You may even find a few trainers who will have a Nintendo Switch on hand which means they can help you get or refill a Meltan box.

This program is a family event for all ages and light refreshments will be provided.

Teen Button Make & Take
March 21st from 12pm-2:30pm

For the 6th annual Makers Day event the Raritan Public Library will have a teen make and take button event. You will be able to draw and color your own unique button or have the option to turn a digital picture into a button. Using a conversion program, we can help you turn any picture into a button. We will even show you how to add text, shapes, or flair to the picture. Once your design is complete, we will walk you through how to make it into a button in a matter of seconds.
Each participant will get 1 button of their choice to take home with them.

For those who wish to use a digital picture for their button you must email them beforehand to= rplsubmissions@gmail.com
Registration is required.

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Programs for Children, Tweens and Teens

Calling all Poets for Submissions for the 2020 "April is Poetry Month" Anthology

Work on your poetry now, at home, at school or at the library.  See Ms. Carol for the format and forms required for submission to the Raritan Public Library, or see the links below.  Poets will receive an invitation to the special Poetry Reading on

Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. 

DEADLINE extended to:  March 19, 2020

Poetry Submission Requirements 2020

Poetry biography and permission child 2020

Submission Sheet 2020

Poets Wanted for National Poetry Month

Math & Language Arts Tutoring

Grades 4-8

Mondays 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Preparing for an exam or stuck on a sample SAT problem? Sign up for an individual half hour session with a talented high school student and experienced tutor who can help with Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics.  Call the Library.

tutoring flyer

Newborn Nursery Rhymes

(Newborn – 18 months)

January 6, February 3

Join us on first monthly Mondays,

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

for socializing, songs, puppets & stories.

Toddler Storytimes

(Ages 18 months-3 years)

Tuesdays 10:30-11:00

Join Ms. Carol for some stories and a craft with a new theme each week. Children will enjoy socializing and their grownups can chat, too!  We can't wait to welcome you to the

Raritan Library. 

Preschool Storytimes

(Ages 3-5 years)

Thursdays 10:30-11:00

Join Ms. Carol for some stories and make an age-appropriate craft.  There is a different theme every week.  Children will enjoy socializing and their grownups can chat,too! 

 

 

Bedtime Stories 

Wednesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m.

All ages.  Registration required.

Get comfy in your pj’s, if you like, and listen to some stories with Ms. Carol and your friends at the Library.  Snacks, too. Registration required. 

 

Family Game Night –

Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Play board games at the Library with your family and friends.  Snacks served. Registration required. 

 

 

Leap Year Story Time

Saturday, February 29 at 11:00 a.m.

 Special Saturday story time, with stories, rhymes and songs, a craft, and a little jumping around! Registration required. 

 

A Mad Tea Party

Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Come for tea time and listen to some funny stories around the tea table with Ms. Carol.  Limited seating, registration required.

 

Maple Sugaring Story Time

Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Carol will share some stories about how trees and people make maple syrup.  Taste some, too!

Registration required.

 

THOMAS & FRIENDS

BIG WORLD! BIG ADVENTURES! THE MOVIE

Saturday, March 7 at 11:30 a.m.

Thomas travels the world, meeting new friends and animals and experiencing cultures.  Run time 1 hour, 25 minutes.  Snacks served.  Registration required. 

 

Color your own Spring Play Dough Party

Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.

Mix homemade play dough with food coloring dyes and make spring things!  Registration required. 

 

 

Learn from a Professional and Meet Mike Cavallaro of Nico Bravo fame!

Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 am Ages 8 to Young Adult

You love his graphic novel, Nico Bravo and the Hound of Hades! Now meet this local, award-winning and in-demand creator who has worked in comics and animation for two decades. Check out his books here! He will tell us about his work and share a lesson to help you create your own comic at the library!

Registration required.

Author Illustrator Mike Cavallaro at Makers Day

 

Makers Day Story Time and Craft
S’Mores Ornament with Irene Mortko

Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 am

Ages 3-8

Everyone wants s’more! Share a story with Ms. Carol and a special craft, led by talented maker Irene Mortko, and make a s’more decoration to take home and remind you of sweet times! Get the recipe and make and enjoy a sweet treat, too!

Registration required.

smores

 

STEM Scholars Experiment at the Library on Makers Day

Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m.

Ages 6-12

Everyone wants power!  Be a STEM Scholar at the Library! Do an experiment with static electricity, under the mentorship of a team of high school science students, and learn the science.  It’s electric! Registration required.

STEM Scholars at Makers Day

 

 

3D- Printing/Paintings Sessions

Saturday, March 21 at 11:30am , 12:30am, and 1:30pm

Ages 8 to Young Adult

 

 

Watch 3D printing in real time as you paint 3D printed animal keychains! Our IT tech Shreya will also show you how the printer works and give a short lesson on 3D design.

There will be 3 sessions that are each 1 hour long:

Dinosaur: 11:30am

Butterfly: 12:30pm

Puppy: 1:30pm

 

Registration is required.

Sign up for 1 session per person.

 

LEGO block party at the Library

Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Use the Library's building blocks to make your own creation, or build a whole town with friends!  Registration required.