PRINCETON
ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL
2019
Festival highlights, including Free Solo See Page 4
ALSO Science events for every age A full lineup of authors for spring Keys to success for the Friends Bookstore
FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRETT BONFIELD
O
ver the last few months, I have been consistently reminded of David Bowie’s “Five Years,” in which he describes how the people around him react to the news that we have just five years left, “that’s all we’ve got.” For those of us who knew we were in the song, the October 8 report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change felt familiar: we have until 2030, just over a decade, to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 45 percent, requiring “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society.” A few weeks later, on Nov. 23, 13 federal agencies, comprising the United States Global Change Research Program, released a report on the threat presented by climate change. And then, on January 28, the U.S. Energy Information Administration revealed that nationwide energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased in 2018 by 2.8 percent, the largest increase for the U.S. since 2010. As troubling as these reports are, they agree on an inestimably important point: it is not too late for us, provided we develop the collective will to change. As economist William Nordhaus posited in his 2018 Nobel Lecture, in addition to raising the price on CO2, enacting key global policies and fostering rapid technological change in the energy sector, “People must understand the gravity of global warming.” We need to appreciate our planet more and we need to develop new social norms, new default attitudes and behaviors. Locally, one of the best sources for individual and collective inspiration and appreciation, specifically around sustainability, is the Princeton Environmental Film Festival, now in its 13th year (see Pages 4-5). The films, accompanying filmmaker talks and resulting conversations virtually force us to confront the sublime within our community and ourselves. The sensibility that energizes the Film Festival is highlighted in this issue of Connections, as is its ever-present sense of fun and engagement. Our future, as members of a community and of a species, depends on increased understanding of the facts of science (see Page 3) and the norm-influencing possibilities of the humanities (see Pages 6-10). We are dedicated to identifying the most valuable examples of both and to sharing them with you.
Princeton Public Library Sands Library Building 65 Witherspoon St. Princeton, NJ 08542 609-924-9529 www.princetonlibrary.org OPERATING HOURS Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
SPOTLIGHT / SCIENCE For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events
Towering Achievements New series connects researchers, community
C
ommunity members know they can rely on the library to provide programs for children and youth that spark curiosity, encourage discovery and make learning fun. These often fall under the umbrella of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and are designed to promote the thinking skills that future generations will need in our rapidly changing world. Science-related programs for adults are a priority at the library, too, and are anchored this spring by a new series of talks by researchers at Princeton University. Called Tower to Town, the monthly talks will be an opportunity for community members to learn about research that is happening right here in town and to interact with the scientists themselves. “As researchers, we get very few opportunities to connect to the community, and the same holds for community members interested in work happening across the street,” said Daniel Cohen, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, who is coordinating the talks. “An important part of research is sharing it. Tower to Town aims both to enable local university researchers to share their excitement about their research and to provide the community with a forum to learn from, and ask questions of, cuttingedge researchers of all stripes.” Cohen is also a member of the affiliated faculty of Princeton’s chemical and biological engineering department. Tower to Town Talks are scheduled this spring on March 21, April 18 and May 16 in the Community Room at 7 p.m. Check the library’s events calendar as the dates approach for specific speakers and topics.
MORE SCIENCE
All events are in the Community Room. Seth Fletcher: “Einstein’s Shadow” Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. On Pi Day, the author and chief features editor at Scientific American, speaks about his new book, “Einstein’s Shadow.” The book follows a team of elite scientists on their historic mission to capture the first picture of a black hole, putting Einstein’s
www.princetonlibrary.org
theory of relativity to its ultimate test and helping to answer our deepest questions about space, time, the origins of the universe, and the nature of reality. Fletcher will be introduced by Scientific American Opinions editor Michael Lemonick. Labyrinth Books will provide books for purchase and signing after the talk.
Daniel Cohen, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University, curates the new Tower to Town Series.
Michel Littman: “Da Vinci as an Inventor” Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. Michel Littman, computer science professor at Princeton University, gives a lecture in honor of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci. The lecture will cover Leonardo’s thoughts on bridge design, mechanics, optics and flight. Robert Stengel: “Project Apollo: Origins, Missions, and the Legacy” Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. As the 50th anniversary of the July, 1969, Apollo moon landing approaches, Robert Stengel, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University gives a talk. Stengel will discuss Project Apollo from the viewpoint of his time spent at the Draper Laboratory from 1968-73 where he was principal designer of the Apollo Project Lunar Module manual control logic used for all moon landings and where he went on to create a preliminary design for the Space Shuttle atmospheric flight control system. STEAM programs and events happening at the library for children and youth this spring can be found on Pages 11-13.
3
COVER STORY For details, including dates and venues, visit princetonlibrary.org/peff
Highlights Princeton Environ Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m.
Monday, April 5, 7 p.m.
Computer Science Building Room 104, Princeton University
James Stewart Film Theatre, Princeton University
Free Solo
Rock climber Alex Honnold and his quest to climb, without any protective equipment, the 3,000-foot El Capitan granite formation in Yosemite Valley, are profiled in this documentary. Co-director E. Chai Vasarhelyi will attend a post-screening Q&A.
Presented in collaboration with the Lewis Center of the Arts at Princeton University and Outdoor Action.
The Ghost Fleet This documentary uncovers the vast injustice of slavery in the Thai fishing industry and follows a group of activists who risk their lives on remote Indonesian islands to find justice and freedom for the enslaved fishermen. Producer Jon Bowermaster will attend a post-screening Q&A.
The World Before Your Feet
Wyeth The life, legacy and work of American artist Andrew Wyeth are explored through archived materials, family stories and unprecedented access to his drawings and paintings. Director Glenn Holsten and Producer Chayne Gregg will attend a post-screening Q&A. Saturday, April 13, 3:30 p.m. Community Room
This film explores the unusual personal quest of Matt Green, who, for reasons he can’t explain, has been walking every block of every street in New York City for over six years, a journey of more than 8,000 miles. Director Jeremy Workman and Matt Green will attend a post-screening Q&A. This free event requires a ticket for admission. Visit hopewelltheater.com for details.
Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. Hopewell Theater
8 days / 24 films / free admission
Details and full schedule 4
COVER STORY For details, including dates and venues, visit princetonlibrary.org/peff
mental Film Festival April 8-14 Thursday, April 11, 4:30 p.m. Computer Science Building Room 104, Princeton University
Grit Ordinary people in East Java continue to fight for justice seven years after a man-made disaster, one of the worst in recent history, displaced 60,000 people and buried a thriving industrial and residential area under 60 feet of mud.
Patrimonio Residents of a small Mexican coastal town battle against a multi-billion-dollar American development that threatens their livelihood. Tuesday, April 9, 4:30 p.m. Computer Science Building Room 104, Princeton University
The Biggest Little Farm
Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. Princeton Garden Theatre
A California couple’s seven-year struggle to build a biodiverse farm where they can live in complete coexistence with nature is chronicled in this documentary.
This free event requires a ticket for admission. Visit princetongardentheatre.org for details.
of the
princetonlibrary.org/peff www.princetonlibrary.org
5
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events AUTHOR TALKS Community Room, unless otherwise noted
Kevin Kruse and Julian Zelizer: “Fault Lines” Tuesday, March 12, 7 p.m.
Gyan Prakash: “Emergency Chronicles: Indira Gandhi and Democracy’s Turning Point” Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. Newsroom Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton University Press.
Rinku Bhattacharya: “Instant Indian: Classic Foods Made Easy in the Instapot,” Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m.
Sunday Book Brunch Featuring Madeline Miller and Janet Benton, Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m.
Sloane Crosley: “Look Alive Out There” Tuesday, April 2, 7 p.m.
6
Nathan Stucky: “Wrestling with Rest” Monday, April 22, 7 p.m. Programs featuring this logo are presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events LIBRARY LIVE AT LABYRINTH Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.
Ashton Applewhite: “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” Monday, March 18, 4 p.m. Timothy Hampton: “Bob Dylan’s Poetics,” in Conversation with Nigel Smith Monday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Alafair Burke: “The Better Sister” Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m.
Jane Sherron De Hart: “Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life” Wednesday, April 10, 6 p.m.
Russell Muirhead and Nancy Rosenblum: “A Lot of People Are Saying: The New Conspiracism and the Assault on Democracy” Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton University Press.
Pico Iyer: “Autumn Light” Wednesday, April 24, 6 p.m.
B OOK G ROU P S BLACK VOICES
Thursdays, 7:15 p.m. Princeton Room
March 14, “The Defender” by Ethan Michaeli; April 11, “Stay with Me” by Ayobami Adebayo; May 9, “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Conference Room
March 14, “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward; April 11, “Improvement” by Joan Silber; May 9, “The House of Broken Angels” by Luis Alberto Urrea
HISTORICAL FICTION
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Updike Farmstead 354 Quaker Road
April 4,“Miss Burma” by Charmaine Craig. Led by Chie Ikeya, associate professor of history at Rutgers University. Please register through the Historical Society of Princeton’s website.
MYSTERY
Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Quiet Room
March 4, “IQ” by Joe Ide; April 1, “The Ex” by Alafair Burke; May 6, “Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions” by Mario Giordano
The Historical Fiction Book Group is co-sponsored by the library and Historical Society of Princeton.
www.princetonlibrary.org
7
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events
WOMEN, WAR & PEACE II
Clockwise from upper left, “Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs,” “Naila and the Uprising,” “The Trials of Spring” and “A Journey of a Thousand Miles” will be screened as part of “Women, War & Peace II.”
DOCUMENTARIES
All screenings are in the Community Room. “Women, War & Peace II,” Part 1 Sunday, March 3, 2 p.m. The first two films of the four-part PBS series “Women, War & Peace II” will be shown before airing on PBS. Created by an all-female cast of directors, the neverbefore-told stories are about women who risked their lives for peace, changing history in the process. “Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs” follows the all-female political party in Northern Ireland, where years of violent strife compel a group of Catholic and Protestant women to demand a seat at the negotiating table for the Good Friday Agreement, a deal that stands to this day. “Naila and the Uprising” examines 1980s Gaza, where a nonviolent women’s movement formed the heart of the Palestinian struggle for freedom. The film tells the story of Naila Ayesh, a student organizer and activist who joins a secret network of women in a movement that brings together the disparate organizations protesting Israeli occupation. Each film has a running time of 50 minutes. “Women, War & Peace II,” Part 2 Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m. The second two films of the four-part PBS series “Women, War & Peace II” will be shown. “A Journey of a Thousand Miles” follows a unit of 160 Bangladeshi women, on a UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti following the devastating 2011 earthquake, as they confront extreme poverty and devastated healthcare systems in their effort to build peace. “The Trials of Spring” examines Egypt in 2011 where three Egyptian women
fight for the goals of Arab Spring movement: “bread, freedom and social justice” for all. Caught between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood, the women find themselves being pushed backward.
Co-sponsored by the library and the Coalition for Peace Action.
Film and Panel Discussion: “Don’t Talk about the Baby” Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m. This documentary explores the cultural stigmas surrounding pregnancy loss and infertility through expert interviews and personal stories. Topics include why a woman feels the way she does after a loss, how her community can support her and the male voice in fertility and loss. Following the screening, a panel including director-producer Ann Zamudio will discuss the issues in greater depth. Additional panelists will be Krista Gervon, also a producer of the film; and Sheri Hovdestad, reproductive mental health therapist. 1 hour, 25 minutes. “Dark Money” Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. This documentary examines the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. Taking viewers to Montana to follow a local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, the film uncovers how American elections are bought and sold. The film premiered in January, 2018, at the Sundance Film Festival where it was an official selection and won the Producing Award. 1 hour, 39 minutes. Presented in collaboration with POV, the award-winning independent non-fiction film series on PBS.
Programs featuring this logo are presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
8
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events Film and Discussion: “The Chinese Exclusion Act” Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m. This PBS American Experience episode examines the origin, history and impact of the 1882 law that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become U.S. citizens. The first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion, it remained in force for more than 60 years. The film reveals the hardships and racial animosities that Chinese Americans faced throughout the duration of the law and reveals a forgotten history of ChineseAmerican resilience and resistance. Beth Lew-Williams, assistant professor of history at Princeton University, leads a post-screening discussion. Her book, “The Chinese Must Go: Violence, Exclusion, and the Making of the Alien in America,” maps the tangled Beth Lew-Williams relationships between local racial violence, federal immigration policy, and U.S. imperial ambitions in Asia. Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton Civil Rights Commission.
“Far From the Tree” Wednesday, May 15, 7 p.m. Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Columbia University psychology professor Andrew Solomon, this documentary explores the lives of four remarkable children and their parents who faced challenges in raising them. 1 hour, 33 minutes. May 15 is recognized as International Day of Families. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m. This acclaimed documentary examines the life and guiding philosophy of iconic children’s television host, Fred Rogers. 1 hour, 34 minutes.
FRIDAY FEATURES
Screenings are at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. March 1, “A Star is Born,” 2 hours, 16 minutes March 22, “The Wife,” 1 hour, 40 minutes April 26, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” 1 hour, 57 minutes May 24, “On the Basis of Sex,” 2 hours
www.princetonlibrary.org
PRINCETON INTERNATIONAL CINEMA SERIES The series is a collaboration of the library, the International Employees Group at Princeton University, the Davis International Center and the Princeton Garden Theatre. Tickets ($11 general admission, $8 seniors, $6 Princeton University ID holders, library cardholders and Garden Theatre members) may be purchased online at thegardentheatre.com or at the door. The library will also offer a limited number of free tickets while supplies last for each screening. Call (609) 924-9529, ext. 1220 for availability. Free popcorn.
“Shoplifters” Wednesday, March 6, 5:30 p.m. This award-winning Japanese drama, a Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award nominee, is about a family that relies on shoplifting to survive a life of poverty. 2 hours. “Capernaum” Thursday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. In this award-winning Lebanese drama, a Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award nominee, a Syrian refugee boy and a Kenyan baby live without parents on the streets of Beirut. 2 hours, 30 minutes. “Rafiki” Thursday, May 2, 5:30 p.m. This Kenyan drama is the story of a friendship between two young women that grows into love despite family and political pressures. 1 hour, 23 minutes.
MORE FILMS
All screenings are in the Community Room. “Ready Player One” Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. Based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Cline, this fantasy thriller, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, takes place in 2045, when much of humanity uses the virtual reality software OASIS to escape the desolation of the real world. 2 hours, 19 minutes. “The Hate U Give” Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what’s right. 2 hours, 13 minutes.
9
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events Healthy Eating Workshops with Veronique Cardon Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., March 5, 12, 19 Holistic nutritionist Veronique Cardon of the Suppers Programs presents a series of workshops. Cardon is also the creator of the CogniDiet weight-loss program. Participants will receive copies of all recipes. March 5, Healthy and Easy Vinaigrette; March 12, Carb Substitutes; March 19, On-the-Go Lunches. Community Room “Person Place Thing” Recording with Randy Cohen and Elaine Pagels Monday, March 18, 6 p.m. Cohen interviews author and Princeton University Professor of Religion Elaine Pagels in this live recording of his public radio program, during which guests are asked to speak about a person, a place and a thing they find meaningful rather than about themselves. Pagels joined the Princeton faculty in 1982, shortly after receiving a MacArthur Fellowship. Her most recent book is “Why Religion: A Personal Story,” published last fall. Community Room Sunday Poetry Brunch with Dara-Lyn Shrager Sunday, April 7, 11 a.m. In a celebration of National Poetry Month, Dara-Lyn Shrager, the library’s 2018 poet-in-residence, will be joined by featured poets to read from and sign their books of poetry. The poets include Hayden Saunier, Timothy Liu and Peter Covino. The doors on Hinds Plaza will open at 11 a.m. when coffee, tea, and pastries will be served. The poetry readings begin at 11:30 a.m. Community Room
Lynne Olson in Conversation with William Storrar Monday, May 13, 7 p.m. The New York Times bestselling author discusses her book “Madame Fourcade’s Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led the Largest Spy Network Against Hitler.” Joining Olson in conversation will be Willian Storrar, director of the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton. “Madame Fourcade’s Secret War” is the dramatic, little-known story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, born to privilege and known for her beauty and glamor, who headed the largest and most influential spy network in occupied France during World War II. Community Room
MUSIC All performances are in the Community Room. Music Brunch with Sheri Miller Sunday, March 3, 11 a.m. The acclaimed singersongwriter performs soulful, Beatles-inspired love songs while accompanying herself on guitar and piano. To celebrate Women’s History Month, this performance will feature a wide range of classics sung or written by women. Doors on Hinds Plaza will open at 11 a.m., when coffee, tea, and pastries will be served. Celtic Harp Concert with William Jackson Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. One of Scotland’s leading multi-instrumentalists and harpers performs compositions for harp. Rising Smoke Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m. The group specializes in classic rock but also performs jazz and pop standards, doo-wop, movie music, a cappella tunes and sing-along favorites.
Open Archive: Princeton’s Civil War Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. This event is a chance to explore Princeton’s connections to and involvement in the Civil War, including the war’s effect on local families and the notable Princetonians who were involved. The Historical Society of Princeton’s Open Archive series allows visitors to interact with little-seen artifacts and documents from the Historical Society of Princeton’s vast collection. HSP’s curator of collections and research will be on hand to share information and answer questions. Discovery Center Co-sponsored by the library and the Historical Society of Princeton.
Rhythmic Integrity: Concordia Chamber Players Saturday, April 27, 4:30 p.m. The Bucks County ensemble performs works by Andy Akiho and Sergei Prokofiev at an open rehearsal. The Practitioners of Musick Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m. The ensemble presents a program celebrating “Gainsborough’s Family Album,” featuring works by musical friends of the artist Thomas Gainsborough, including Johann Christian Bach, John Stanley, Thomas Linley and Charles Frederick Abel. Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton University Art Museum.
Programs featuring this logo are presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
10
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events SPECIAL EVENTS Art Workshop for “The World in 4 x 6: Postcards from the Future Exhibit” Sunday, March 3, 2 p.m. Students in grades 1-12 are invited to create a postcard to be displayed as part of our “The World in 4 x 6: Postcards from the Future” exhibit. They will be displayed during April in association with the Princeton Environmental Film Festival. Submissions for the exhibit will be accepted through March 15. Details: princetonlibrary.org/peff. STEAM Studio Celebrate Pi Day with Children’s Author Wil Mara Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m. As Pi Day approaches, award-winning children’s author Wil Mara reads from his recently published biography of Albert Einstein, part of the DK Life Stories series. The book for young readers ages 8-12 covers Einstein’s life. Books available for purchase and signing. CoLab
Co-sponsored by the library, the Historical Society of Princeton and jaZams.
An Evening with Author/Illustrator Marc Boutavant Wednesday, March 13, 6 p.m. The award-winning French author and illustrator discusses his latest book, “Dumpster Dog,” co-written with Colas Gutman. Boutavant is well known for his bestselling children’s series “Around the World with Mouk” as well as for his monthly Ariol comic strip. Book sale and signing to follow. For children ages 6 and up accompanied by adults. Co-sponsored by the library, jaZams, Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French American School of Princeton.
Saturday Stories with Katey Howes Saturday, March 23, 10:30 a.m. The children’s author reads from her new book, “Be a Maker.” How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change? Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make — and the ways we can make a difference in the world. Simple maker activities to follow. Story Room Co-sponsored by the library and jaZams.
Workshop: Sharpen Your Chess Skills Series Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., March 13, 27; April 10, 24; May 8, 22 This six-week chess series for 6- to 12-year-olds familiar with the basics of chess is conducted by local chess instructor and US Chess Federation National Master Ben Johnson. Each class features a compact lesson with strategies and tips, and time for supervised play. Participation is limited to 20 and registration is required through the library’s events calendar. STEAM Studio
Dial-A-Poem (609) 924-9529, ext. 1240 www.princetonlibrary.org
STORY TIMES W E E KDAY STORY TIME S March 4-May 9 No weekday Story Times March 25-April 4.
TUE SDAY-THURSDAY 10 a.m. Storytime! (18 months and older) 11 a.m. Baby Storytime (newborn to 18 months) 11:30 a.m. Baby Playgroup (newborn to 18 months)
L ANGUAGE E NRICHME NT Little Pandas, Mondays, 10 a.m. March 4-18; April 8, 22, 29; May 6 Letra Pequeña, Mondays, 11 a.m. March 4-18; April 8-29; May 6
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10:30 a.m., Saturday Stories 3 p.m., Sunday Stories
WORLD LANGUAGE STORIE S French, Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., March 30, April 27, May 25 Japanese, Saturdays, 2 p.m., March 2, April 6, May 4 Portuguese, Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., March 30, April 27, May 25 Russian, Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., March 2, April 6, May 4 PreK Russian, Saturdays, 4:30 p.m., March 2, April 6, May 4 Spanish Stories, Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., April 13, May 11
SPRING BREAK Film: “Wonder” Thursday, March 21, 3 p.m. A 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity attends school for the first time when he begins the fifth grade. With the support of his parents, he learns how to make friends and adjust to his new environment. PG. 1 hour, 53 minutes Community Room Film: “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies” Friday, March 22, 3 p.m. The five Teen Titans, realizing they’re not “real” superheroes because there’s not a movie about them, vow to do something heroic enough to get them onto the big screen. PG. 1 hour, 32 minutes. Community Room
Youth Services staff read the Poem of the Day throughout April to celebrate National Poetry Month. 11
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events MORE SPRING BREAK Create Your Own Graphic Novel Monday, March 25, 3 p.m. The history and art of comics and graphic novels are explored in this workshop for children 7 and older who want to create one of their own. Topics include basic compositional strategies including narrative structure, image making, word choice and basic typographic design. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Community Room Raina Reigns! Tuesday, March 26, 2 p.m. Can’t get enough of Raina Telgeimeier’s books? Join Youth Services librarians for a discussion of her work and to hear recommendations of other graphic novels you may want to read. For ages 8-12. Story Room Disney Trivia Contest Tuesday, March 26, 3 p.m. Disney fans ages 5-14 are invited to compete in a “Jeopardy”-style trivia game. Trivia topics will include Pixar films, as well as classic and contemporary Disney films. This event will be led by our Teen Advisory Board. Community Room “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. Luke Skywalker’s peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force. PG-13. 1 hour 52 minutes. Community Room Build with Lego: “Star Wars” Edition Wednesday, March 27, 3 p.m. Children in grades 1-5 are invited to design and create their favorite Jedi or other super hero characters in this special “Star Wars” edition of our Build with Lego program. Story Room
The 501st Legion will appear at “Star Wars Night.”
“Star Wars” Night Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m We will be joined by costumed characters from the 501st Legion for a night of “Star Wars” For children 5-12 years old. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Community Room Storytime! Season of Wonder Puppetry Show Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m. Guest storyteller and Waldorf School early childhood teacher Amy Shor celebrates the wonders of spring through songs, rhymes and finger plays, using simple handmade puppets and other surprises from the natural world. Story Room
Co-sponsored by the library and the Waldorf School of Princeton.
12
Spring Break Chess Tournament Thursday, March 28, 11 a.m. US Chess Federation National Master Ben Johnson, an experienced and enthusiastic chess instructor who teaches at several local schools, conducts a chess tournament for 6- to 12-year olds who know the rules of chess. The tournament runs through 2:30 p.m. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required through the library’s events calendar. Note: This is not a USCF rated event. Community Room Dog Man Party! Friday, March 29, 3 p.m. Children ages 5-12 are invited to celebrate Dog Man, the part-human, part-canine hero of the Dav Pilkey series with crafts, games and activities. Pilkey also created the “Captain Underpants” series. Community Room Cartoon Art for Children Saturday, March 30, 3 p.m. The nuts and bolts of drawing comics are the focus of this workshop for children 6 and older accompanied by an adult. The program will guide participants through the basic techniques of cartoons and design. CoLab Co-sponsored by the library and the New Jersey Young Artists Association.
MORE STEAM PROGRAMS Science Circle Saturday, 3 p.m., March 2, May 11 Budding scientists in third through sixth grades are invited to participate in hands-on science activities designed by high school students at PRISMS. Important concepts, focusing on a different scientific discipline each month, will be explored. CoLab
Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science.
Maker Mondays: Build with Lego and Duplo Mondays, 4 p.m., March 4, 18; April 1, 15; May 6, 20 Children in grades 1-5 are invited to participate in a noncompetitive community-based Lego session, including building time and round-table discussion. Duplo blocks will be available for younger children outside the Story Room. Lit Lab Wednesdays, March 6, April 3, May 1, 4 p.m. Students in first through fifth grades are invited to join us to read a book and create or explore a hands-on maker activity inspired by the story. STEAM Studio Chemistry Saturdays Saturday, March 16, May 18, 2 p.m. Children 6-13 are invited to join graduate students from the Princeton University Chemistry Department in conducting fun and exciting chemistry experiments and hands-on activities. Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. STEAM Studio Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton Chemistry Graduate Student Organization.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events The Write Stuff Wednesdays, March 20, April 17, May 15, 4 p.m. In these reading and writing workshops, children in grades 3-5 will explore genres including short stories, graphic novels and mysteries. STEAM Studio Math Carnival with The Institute for Advanced Study Sunday, May 19, 2 p.m. Can you read the following secret message: SDRAWKCAB DAER UOY NAC? (Hint: Read in a different direction.) Would you like to know what math has to do with soap bubbles, magic tricks and the game of rational tangles? Learn more at this fun and interactive math festival for children 6 and older, teens and adults. Community Room Co-sponsored by The Institute for Advanced Study’s 2019 Women and Mathematics (WAM) program.
FAMILY MOVIES “Smallfoot” Thursday, March 14, 3 p.m. This animated adventure about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a young Yeti finds something he thought didn’t exists: a human. 1 hour, 36 minutes. Community Room “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m. In the first animated feature film in the Spider-Man franchise based on the Marvel Comics character, Miles Morales becomes one of many Spider-Men as they team up to save New York City from the villain Kingpin. 1 hour, 57 minutes. Community Room
SPECIAL TEEN EVENTS Teen Trivia Night Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. Princeton area high schoolers are invited to create teams of 4-6 students to compete in a trivia night hosted by the Corner House Student Board. The trivia will cover a diverse range of categories including celebrity breakups, music, sports, history, and more. Winners will be awarded Hoagie Haven gift cards. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library and Corner House.
Teen Game-a-thon Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. The library’s Teen Advisory Board leads an afternoon of gaming challenges for students in middle school and up. Games include Twister, Giant Jenga, hula hoop contests, “Minute to Win It” challenges and more. Come show off your gaming chops and win prizes, too! Community Room
FREE HOMEWORK HELP & TEST PREP
RECURRING PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Go Between Club Saturdays, 2 p.m., March 9, April 13, May 11 All sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students are welcome to join us on the second Saturday of every month for a fun discussion of books and other interests. Conference Room To Be Discussed (TBD) Tuesdays, 7 p.m., April 23, May 28 All high school students are welcome to participate in this monthly discussion of great books, films, music, non-fiction, poetry, and all things cultural. Participants may also help create book displays and reading lists for the library, take group trips to see current films, and do group-reads. Story Room Girls Who Code Club Saturdays, 11 a.m., March 9, 16; April 6; May 4, 18 Girls in grades 6 to 12 are invited to explore core concepts of coding while building confidence, learning teamwork and making friends. Activities for all levels of experience will be included. Join the “Girls Who Code Club” mailing list on the library’s events calendar for more information and class updates. Technology Center Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton High School Girls Who Code Club.
Code It Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., March 14, April 11, 25; May 9, 23 Students in fourth through eighth grades are invited to drop in for an hour to learn to code using the programming language Python. Each session includes a core concept and exercise. No coding experience is necessary. Technology Center Co-sponsored by the library and Code Equal.
Girl Code Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2, 16 Girls in grades 4-8 are invited to drop in for an hour of an all-female coding class exploring the programming language Python. In each session, a core concept will be covered, along with an exercise to put your new skills to the test. No coding experience necessary. Sign up to receive class updates via the online events calendar. Technology Center Co-sponsored by the library and Code Equal.
Math Circle for Middle Schoolers Saturdays, 3 p.m., April 20, May 4 Students in grades 6-8 engage in hands-on activities and solve puzzles designed by high school students at PRISMS. Important math concepts, including functions, geometry and combinatorics, will be explored. CoLab Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science.
princetonlibrary.org/brainfuse Brainfuse is made possible through the generosity of
www.princetonlibrary.org
13
SUPPORT
Your support makes library programs possible: princetonlibrary.org/donate Q: How many volunteers keep the bookstore running and how many total hours a week do they work? Claire: We have a core group of almost 50 volunteers who work tirelessly for the bookstore throughout the year, and many more who help out every year at our big Book Sale. In 2018, our core group of volunteers clocked an incredible 2,400 hours working on bookstore activities. Helen: On a normal day, about three volunteerhours go to stocking and refreshing the store. And several times that go into sorting, pricing, and managing inventory, behind the scene.
T
he Friends of the Princeton Public Library have been selling books longer than anyone in the library can remember. In addition to the always successful Annual Sale — this year’s is May 10-12 — the Friends have been running their own bookstore since 2012. Manager Claire Bertrand oversees a small army of volunteers who keep the shelves of the bookstore stocked and manage a sometimes-staggering inventory of daily book donations. We asked Claire and Friends President Helen Heintz, herself a former bookstore manager, about the volunteers who make the bookstore possible. Q: You both started as volunteers in the bookstore. What motivated you to join? Claire: My family moved to Princeton in 2013, and we joined the library straight away. The library was a warm and welcoming place and my children and I enjoyed the collections and free family programs every week. A friend who was on the Friends Council recommended I get involved, and I quickly found a wonderful community of volunteers here. Helen: Have you noticed how rain puddles have a magnetic pull on toddlers? Well, bookstores have that sort of magnetic pull on me. I want to jump in with both feet, stomp around and explore all their mysteries.
14
Q: How do you deal with the scheduling challenges of such a big group of volunteers? Claire: We have a regular schedule for volunteers who stock the store twice daily. Some work in pairs to share the workload and they are such a helpful group that we can always find volunteers to fill in if someone has a conflict. Helen: And our experienced sorting and pricing volunteers work whenever they like. Usually during work-day hours, there are one or two volunteers in what we affectionately call “the penthouse,” happily going through box after box of donations. With our evercurious volunteers, it’s like eating just one more potato chip, you say to yourself “I’ll just go through one more box of books.”And before you know it, you’ve emptied the chip bag, or emptied several boxes of books. The chip analogy breaks down though, in that potato chip bags don’t refill themselves, whereas we often realize that donations have been coming in all the while, just as we think we have “finished.” Q: How do you recruit such a diverse group of people? Claire: Most of our volunteers have heard about our work through word of mouth, but we are always looking for new people to join us, and there are different roles to suit different people. Anyone interested in finding out more should get in touch by emailing booksale@princetonlibrary.org.
SUPPORT
Your support makes library programs possible: princetonlibrary.org/donate Helen: Several of our volunteers are people who started out as bookstore shoppers who happened to strike up a conversation with a volunteer stocking the store, and one thing led to another. Q: Revenue from the bookstore and the Annual Sale continues to grow. How much was raised in 2018 and do you have a goal for the new year? Claire: We raised a record $157,371 for the library in 2018 and are setting new targets for 2019 now. Helen: Setting financial goals is not particularly meaningful since we are entirely dependent on donated books for our sales. The aspects we can control are sale price and presentation and work environment.
Regarding price, we want to keep the books flowing, so we haven’t increased prices in all the years I’ve been involved. In fact, we recently decreased the price of young adult books. Presentation is our most direct influence on sales — by regularly stocking and culling the store, buyers see consistently fresh material whenever they come to shop and that has helped our reputation as a bookstore. One-day, pop-up sales in the Community Room help us smooth out spikes in our inventory and our big Annual Sale is now more manageable since we have stopped using a tent on Hinds Plaza — and by managing our inventory better, the space we work in (the penthouse) is more organized and a better place to work. So we do what we can to improve, and keep our fingers crossed for great donations.
The Friends of the Princeton Public Library
Annual Book Sale May 10-12
SAVE THE DATE
princetonlibrary.org/booksale
Book Lovers Luncheon
author of Alexander
and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and the new collection of verse Nearing 90
Friday, May 17, Noon to 2 p.m. at Springdale Golf Club
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 princetonlibrary.org/friends
www.princetonlibrary.org
Tickets are $75 and include lunch with library staff and a copy of Nearing 90. Proceeds benefit the library. For tickets, please visit princetonlibrary.org/friends
15
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PA I D Princeton, NJ Permit No. 4
Executive Director: Brett Bonfield Assistant Director: Erica Bess Marketing and Communications Director: Tim Quinn Development Director: Lisa Belshaw Ham Public Programming Librarian: Janie Hermann Head of Youth Services: Susan Conlon Head of Adult Services: Morgan Taylor Events Committee: Erica Bess, Mimi Bowlin, Katie Bruce, Amanda Chuong, Susan Conlon, Kim Dorman, Kristin Friberg, Janie Hermann, Jocelyn Jimenez, Martha Liu, Kelsey Ockert, Caroline Quinones, Hannah Schmidl Staff Writer: Amy Hiestand
A Celebration of
Companion
Animals
Featuring Mutts author Patrick McDonnell
Check out our new
INCLUDES – Princeton open space info – Compass – Binoculars – Magnifying glass – Pocket field guides – Nature log – More
Nature Explorer Backpacks
McDonnell will discuss his commitment to helping homeless animals and read from his new books, “The Mutts Summer Diaries” and “You Have Those Wild Eyes Again, Mooch.” Brian Hackett, New Jersey director of the Humane Society of the United States will discuss important state animal initiatives for 2019. Weather permitting, animals from local animal shelters will be available for adoption on Hinds Plaza. Books will be available for sale and signing.
PRINCETON
Co-sponsored by the library and jaZams.
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.
ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday,March 23 10:30 a.m.
Your digital library card
Princeton Public Library App
Story Time with Katey Howes
Story Room
11:30 a.m. Nerdy Derby Meet the Robots
Community Room
2 p.m.
STEAM Studio/CoLab
Make and Take Activities