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1802. According to a history compiled by the Hopewell Library, that was when Pennington resident Archilles Wilson ran a library that provided books for Hopewell residents.

The report indicates that a Hopewell Library Company had an organized catalog in 1804 and that it was incorporated twice in 1806, first as the Hopewell Library Company, then as the Hopewell Columbian Library Company a week later. The name change was to indicate the library’s location in the Columbian section of the township, now Hopewell Borough.

While it is unclear what happened to that company, it is clear that other efforts continued to supply residents with books and information. That included the Mrs. M. A. Carter, Library and Fancy Goods company, operating in 1887 on the corner of East Broad Street and Seminary Avenue, and circulating and traveling libraries organized by the Grange.

Today’s Hopewell Public Library was established by members of the socially minded Roundabout Club and opened in a former harness shop on West Broad Street. A few years later it moved to the Fireman’s Hall. A public referendum turned it into a municipal and publicly funded library.

According its own documents, “The library was extraordinarily popular: As of October 1916, with a Borough population of 1,200, the library had 680 active patrons and owned more than 1,300 books, and had circulated 10,127 books over the past year. The library quickly outgrew its new space and moved to 28 East Broad Street in 1924 and shared this new space with the Hopewell Museum.”

In 1964 the library moved across the street to the former National Bank building.

Opened in 1890, it is a simple, solid, yet homey two-floor structure — nothing like the American Renaissance-inspired banks that look like Greek temples.

Here one gets the old-fashioned type of library experience of being greeted by librarians at a desk in front of a wall lined with volumes that chronicle the community.

Although there are sections that show that it was a bank — it has a vault, for example — the building’s small rooms make visiting the library feel like taking a step back in time.

The New Jersey State Library in the capitol complex in Trenton has a long and fascinating history and a facility shaped by an important design movement.

The library began with a collection of documents used by legislators when New Jersey was an English colony and before Trenton became the state’s capital in 1790.

An actual library started in 1796 when the State of New Jersey assigned the house clerk with the responsibility of maintaining the documents, pamphlets, newspapers, and books used by both the senate and assembly.

As the collection grew, so did the effort to maintain it, and a fulltime librarian was appointed in 1822. By 1883 the library had more than 30,000 volumes and occupied the southern wing of the capitol building — designed originally by Philadelphiabased architect Jonathan Doane, whose colonial and federal design had American Renaissance-flavored modifications and expansions by John Notman (1845), Samuel Sloan (1871), and Lewis Broome, 1889.

The library moved in 1929 to a new art deco-influenced New Jersey State House Annex building, which also housed the State Museum.

The library got its own building when the State of New Jersey created the Capitol Complex during the post-war boom in late 1950s and early 1960s.

The building was designed by Frank Grad & Sons, a Newark-based company noted as one of the leaders in modernist government and corporate architecture.

The antithesis of American Renaissance or embellishments that connected to a particular nation or era, Grad’s approach was influenced by the international style’s emphasis on no-frills simplicity and clean lines — as demonstrated by the open spaces, windows, and sleek furniture.

While this modern style is no longer seen as modern, it — like all the buildings noted — offers both the opportunity to find a book as well as walk into history.

MCLS adult virtual programs for February

The following are virtual programs scheduled to be held during the month of February by the Mercer County Library System. E-mail hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive a link to the program.

Thursday, February 2

Vintage Valentine’s Day Postcards. 7 p.m. In honor of the February Valentine’s Day holiday, David Burchell will present a brief history of the wide variety of century old postcards in his collection with a special focus on the topic of Valentine’s Day. He will discuss the common practice of daily communication with “postals,” the everyday “emails” of a century ago!

Mr. Burchell is a lifelong New Jersey resident and resides in Ewing with his wife, Marla. He is a career educator, and a graduate of the College of New Jersey with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology, and an M.Ed in History and Geography. David retired after 30 years in Secondary Education as Chairman of the Social Studies Department at Burlington City High School. He has taught for the

See LIBRARY EVENTS, Page 12 past 15 years as a Senior Adjunct Professor of History at Mercer County Community College. Mr. Burchell is currently the Librarian of the Washington Crossing Card Collectors Club where he developed his interest in Deltiology (postcard collecting).

Monday, February 6

Guided Meditation. 4 p.m. Also Feb. 13 & 27. Relax, refocus, and rejuvenate. Take a moment to regain the peace lost during our busy days. Facilitated by Hightstown Branch staff member, Leena, who is a 14-year practitioner of Rajyoga meditation.

Tuesday, February 7

Creative Writing Workshop for Adults. 7 p.m. Also Feb. 21. Join us virtually for an opportunity to share original creative writing of all kinds in a supportive, group environment. Facilitated by Chip McAuley, poet and Hickory Corner librarian, this ongoing workshop is for everyone who enjoys working with words. We will share work, discuss writing techniques, give supportive feedback, read aloud and more in this all-in-one creativity hub.

Wednesday, February 8

Freedom to All: New Jersey’s African-American Civil War Soldiers. 7 p.m. Author and historian, Joseph G. Bilby discusses his book, Freedom to All, which explores the contributions of New Jersey’s African-American Civil War soldiers. An often overlooked subject, Mr. Bilby expands on the involvement and historical impact of almost 3,000 New Jersey African-Americans in the Union army and navy.

Friday, February 10

Teen Advisory Board. 3:30 p.m. All teens are welcome to join! Come be a part of the MCLS Teen Advisory Board. There are opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, earn community service hours, help run library programs, and write book reviews. New members always welcome!

Tuesday, February 14

ESL Conversation Group for Adults. Also Feb. 28. 10 a.m. If you already know some English and want to improve your speaking and comprehension skills, please join librarian Elka Frankel for some practice sharing your thoughts and ideas about all kinds of things with others in the group. We’ll also cover vocabulary, idioms and grammar relevant to our discussions. Bring your questions too!

Wednesday, February 15

The Life of Belle da Costa Greene. 7 p.m. Join us as Jeanne Johnson, docent at Princeton University Art Museum, as well as Morven Museum and Garden, presents the story of a phenomenal woman, Belle da Costa Greene, who became one of the most prominent librarians in American history. While cataloging and working with rare books at the Princeton University library, her work impressed the nephew of New York millionaire J. Pierpont Morgan, financier and investment banker of the late 1800s. Morgan hired Greene for the newly constructed Pierpont Morgan Library in 1906, which eventually led to her directorship of the Morgan Museum and Library.

Becoming one of the most important people in Morgan’s life and his library, Greene worked at the library for over 43 years, internationally known for her auction bidding expertise. She toured the world in search of rare manuscripts and became a cutthroat bidder, even outbidding the British museum on several occasions. Years after her death, knowledge that Greene passed as white for her entire professional life became known, explored and discussed.

Wednesday, February 22

East Windsor’s African American West Airport Road Community. 7 p.m. The West Airport Road Project will commemorate contributions to agriculture and commerce in the Hightstown-East Windsor area by the Sumbry family and others who worked and lived there. In his talk Mr. Charles (Cappy) Stults, president of the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society, will outline that history and describe plans to erect interpretive signs along the road where African Americans first lived, built churches, and established businesses.

Thursday, February 23

The DASH or Mediterranean Diet. 1 p.m. Healthy Eating helps the body to stay in tip top shape. The differences between the Mediterranean Diet and DASH will be discussed in this webinar along with keeping your immune system strong. Presented by Dr. Karen Ensle, the Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator/Department and Head for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

Mercer County Library System adult programs

Thursday, February 2 s aT urdays, February 4

Card-making with Alicia. 10:30 a.m. Join Alicia Vincelette in creating a Valentine’s Daythemed card. All materials will be provided. For ages 18+ only. Registration is required, space is limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library. West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. 609-799-0462.

2023 Refresh: How to Update your Home on a Budget. 7 p.m. In this workshop you will learn tips and tricks that you can implement immediately the next day to make amazing changes in your home on a budget! Presented by Olga St. Pierre, Keller Williams RE. Registration required. Robbinsville Branch, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd., Robbinsville. 609-259-2150.

Twilight Zone: Viewing & Discussion. 3 p.m. “You are about to enter another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into the wondrous land of imagination. Next stop—The Twilight Zone!” With these words the legendary Rod Serling took television viewers into extraordinary and sometimes terrifying realms. Now, re-enter the Twilight Zone at Hickory Corner Branch with librarian—and Twilight Zone resident—Chip McAuley. Each session, we will enjoy an episode of the classic Twilight Zone and then discuss its importance in modern society. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library. Register. Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. 609-448-1330.

Wednesday, February 8

Crochet & Knit Corner. Also Feb. 22, 2:30 p.m. Join us to work on your project and enjoy some good conversation. Assistance is available for beginning crocheters. Please regis-