Virtual Author Talks
Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders.
Registration Required: Register Online
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Museum Passes
Museum Passes now available to borrow.
Ask a staff member for details or call 973-543-4018
Non Fiction Book Club
Wednesday January 14th
1pm
Register Online
Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month.
Read new titles and come ready for a lively discussion.
Register Once and you will be on “Non Fiction Book Club” mailing list and will receive program updates and weather related cancellations.
Virtual Author Talks: Julia Hotz
Virtual
Tuesday, January 20th, 2pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat virtually with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.
The Connection Cure combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to help us discover the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing. Traditionally, when we get sick, health care professionals ask, “What’s the matter with you?” But around the world, teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers have started to flip the script, asking “What matters to you?”
Science shows that social prescribing is effective for treating symptoms of the modern world’s most common ailments—depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, diabetes, and loneliness. By integrating age-old medicines like art, nature, movement, and volunteer service into patient’s daily lives, social prescriptions are radically changing health and healthcare in more than thirty countries. Julia Hotz travels around the world to survey them —sea-swimming lessons for depression, “culture vitamins” for anxiety, a fishing club for ADHD, a farm-based day-care for dementia, a phone-buddy program for social isolation, and many more.
Registration Required: Register Online
Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat virtually with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.
The Connection Cure combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to help us discover the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing. Traditionally, when we get sick, health care professionals ask, “What’s the matter with you?” But around the world, teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers have started to flip the script, asking “What matters to you?”
Science shows that social prescribing is effective for treating symptoms of the modern world’s most common ailments—depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, diabetes, and loneliness. By integrating age-old medicines like art, nature, movement, and volunteer service into patient’s daily lives, social prescriptions are radically changing health and healthcare in more than thirty countries. Julia Hotz travels around the world to survey them —sea-swimming lessons for depression, “culture vitamins” for anxiety, a fishing club for ADHD, a farm-based day-care for dementia, a phone-buddy program for social isolation, and many more.
General George Mead Takes Command Lecture Series
Virtual Program
Thursday, January 22nd, 6:45pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Noted mainly as the General leading the Union forces at Gettysburg, Gen. Meade was appointed to command the Army of the Potomac just three days before the battle and arrived on the battlefield after the first action on July 1, 1863. He organized his forces on favorable ground to fight an effective defensive battle against Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and repelled a series of massive assaults throughout the next two days. However, what is mainly overlooked is his extensive military career including the battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville and finally the unknown battles of Meade and Lee after Gettysburg. Join millitary historian, Dr. Jennifer M. Murray as she explores Gen. George Meade’s career.
Registration Required: Register Online
Noted mainly as the General leading the Union forces at Gettysburg, Gen. Meade was appointed to command the Army of the Potomac just three days before the battle and arrived on the battlefield after the first action on July 1, 1863. He organized his forces on favorable ground to fight an effective defensive battle against Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and repelled a series of massive assaults throughout the next two days. However, what is mainly overlooked is his extensive military career including the battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville and finally the unknown battles of Meade and Lee after Gettysburg. Join millitary historian, Dr. Jennifer M. Murray as she explores Gen. George Meade’s career.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Jennifer M. Murray, Assistant Professor of History, Director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV, is a military historian, with a specialization in the American Civil War. Prof. Murray is a prolific author and sought after speaker, she is currently working on a full-length biography of George Gordon Meade, tentatively titled Meade at War. She is author of On a Great Battlefield: The Making, Management, and Memory of Gettysburg National Military Park, 1933-2023. Prof. Murray returns to the NJCWRT with a reprisal of her successful 2023 and 2024.
Special Addition to Program:
Students of Pascack Hills High School, recipients of the NJCWRT John T. Cunningham at the NJ History Day competition will present their documentary, Denied Right, National Responsibility, Dred Scott and the Civil War.
This program is presented as a public service by the North Jersey Civil War Round Table and is part of a three -part series of Gen. George Meade Takes Command.
Sponsored by North Jersey Civil War Round Table.
Great Decisions Discussion Group
Starts Tuesday, January 27th, 7pm
Registration Required: Register online
Will Meet the 4th Tuesday of Each Month
Join us monthly for our newly formed Great Decisions Discussion Group, where curious minds come together to explore today’s most important global issues. Using brief readings and videos from the Great Decisions series, we’ll have a friendly, guided conversation about international affairs, foreign policy, and how world events connect to our everyday lives. No expertise required—just an interest in learning, listening, and sharing perspectives in a welcoming library setting.
Once you have signed up we will contact you about picking up the briefing book & how to watch the masterclass videos.
2026 topics are
1.America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
2.Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
3.U.S.-China Relations
4.Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
5.Ukraine and the Future of European Security
6.Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
7.U.S. Engagement of Africa
8.The Future of Human Rights and International Law
Book Club
Wednesday, January 28th, 1.30pm
Registration required. Register Online
Book Club Meets the last Wednesday of the month
Read the book and come ready for a lively discussion
Register Once and you will be on our “Book Club” mailing list and will receive program updates and weather related cancellations.
Virtual Author Talks: Liz Moore
Virtual
Wednesday, January 28th, 7pm
Registration Required: Register Online
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights.
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.
Join us in conversation with Liz as we embark on a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances. Register today to “enter the woods,” if you dare!
Registration Required: Register Online
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights.
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.
Join us in conversation with Liz as we embark on a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances. Register today to “enter the woods,” if you dare!
Sourdough 101
Thursday, January 29th, 7pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Join Sophie Curtis of Sour Bellies, as she explores the world of sourdough bread. This hands-on workshop will offer sourdough bread education, tips, tricks and tastes. Each participant will leave with their own jar of sourdough starter. One per household. Space is limited.Registration Required. FREE
Registration Required! One Jar Per Household!
Please Note – Priority is given to Mendham Township Residents.
Registration for Mendham Township Residents will open 12/29/25.
Registration for Non-Residents will open 1/22/26.
A Look At Black History Through Jazz
Monday, February 2nd, 1pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Join Sanford Josephson as he examines the role of Jazz in Black History through in four important segments: The Harlem Renaissance, Road Warriors, Expatriates and Resistance to Racism. In addition, this presentation will include several videos of the musicians featured and promises.
Cook & Connect Club
Wednesday, February 4th, 11:00am
Registration Required: Register Online
Registration Required: Register Online
Calling all cooks! Join our new monthly cooking club where each month a different culinary item will be the theme. Using that item of the month, participants will find and make a recipe of their choice at home. Then bring the recipe and the food item (if desired) to our meeting to discuss, share and taste. This months theme is Chocolate.
Adult Craft – Quilling
Wednesday, February 4th, 1pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Join our friendly group to learn quilling techniques to make a notecard or a picture. All supplies are provided.
Registration Required: Register Online
Join our friendly group to learn quilling techniques to make a notecard or a picture. All supplies are provided.
Practical AI: How to Make AI Work for You
Monday, February 9th, 1pm
Registration Required: Register Online
AI tools can be useful in many everyday situations, but knowing how to work with them makes all the difference. Join local resident, Boris Polonsky as he offers a practical introduction to using AI. Learn how to us AI more effectively by understanding how it responds to different requests and where its limits are. Participants will explore real examples and leave with a clearer, more confident approach to using AI.
About Boris Polonsky:
Boris Polonsky is a creative director with over 25 years of experience producing content for agencies, brands, and creative teams of all sizes, from Fortune 500 campaigns to independent projects. As AI tools began reshaping creative and professional work, Boris focused on understanding how they could be applied in real production environments. He spent years testing tools, exploring their capabilities and limitations, and developing practical approaches that support real-world workflows. He now runs an AI consulting business, helping teams and professionals integrate AI into their work in thoughtful, effective ways. Through workshops and public classes, Boris shares practical insights into how AI can be used to improve efficiency, creativity, and decision-making.
Food Lovers Brunch with Chef Jay
Thursday, February 12th, 7pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Back by popular demand! Join local chef, Jay Glassberg, as he demonstrates the techniques and skills needed to create a variety of delicious dishes. Recipes will be discussed and all questions will be answered. In addition, participants will get the opportunity to sample Chef Jay’s tasty creations.
Chef Jay will be making a Food Lovers Brunch featuring a Vegetable Frittata with Tomato Jam, French Toast Souffle with Vermont Syrup and Poached Salmon with Dill Dressing over Arugula and Grilled Asparagus.
Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated for this program.
Space is limited. Registration Required. FREE
Cyber and Identity Safety Tips
Monday, February 23rd, 1pm
Registration Required: Register Online
Join retired IT Manager Bill Caproni as he presents Cyber and Identity Safety Tips: Recommendations to Stay Safe from a Cyber Security and Identity Theft Perspective. Learn about things you may be doing today that could be putting you at risk, as well as tips to help keep your identity safe.
