Princeton Public Library Connections magazine Winter 2018-19

OUTreach The library in the community

ALSO A dozen authors, including Ayesha Harruna Attah and Jamie Bernstein Indigenous Communities and Climate Change Winter fun for families Annual giving questions answered Exploring privacy in a Glass Room

FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRETT BONFIELD Read Brett Bonfield’s weekly column in This Week at Princeton Public Library

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he quality that sets Princeton apart from any community I have ever encountered is our collective devotion to service. We give our time and resources locally, regionally, nationally and globally. While some of us have more time and some more resources, most everyone I have met gives what they can.

For a library in a town our size to have 350 volunteers borders on the miraculous.

As you likely know, the library’s existence and extraordinary standard of service are the result of a publicprivate partnership, with 75 percent of annual funding coming from the Municipality of Princeton and 25 percent from private support.

Were it not for the approximately 1,000 households each year who support the library, we would not be able to provide many of the classes, lectures and events featured in this publication, and the library’s collection and other services would be scaled back as well. We would still have a library, just not the worldclass library our community relies on and cherishes.

Fortunately, our community’s generosity with time and resources extends to a generosity of spirit. Rather than compete for volunteers or donors, Princeton’s nonprofits and community organizations have a culture of partnership and mutual support. From humble food or clothing drives and GoFundMe campaigns to the periodic capital and endowment campaigns that enable both our new and more established agencies and institutions to meet and anticipate demands, we believe that everyone thrives when we work together. We tell a part of that story explicitly and narratively in this issue of Connections, and it is a story we especially enjoy sharing with you. We also share it year-round, if a bit more subtly, when we work with and credit our nonprofit and corporate partners, along with our individual donors. Together, we bring you the collections, programs and other services that make me, and many others, proud to proclaim this library our favorite place in Princeton.

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.

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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

COVER STORY For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

The OUT in outreach When library staff members go out into the community, what they do reflects and informs what happens inside the building

By TIM QUINN Library Staff

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moke from a barbecue greets neighbors as they approach the picnic pavilion in Community Park South to the sound of dance music. At the grill are officers from the Princeton Police Department’s Safe Neighborhood Unit, while the music is provided by Princeton Councilwoman Leticia Fraga. Behind a table laden with food, standing between members of the Princeton Human Services Commission and Committed and Faithful Princetonians, dishing out picnic fare, are library staff members Kim Dorman and Hannah Schmidl. Nearby, players warm up for a softball game as neighbors line up for food or dance off to the side. The cherished diversity of Princeton is on full display, not in a civic forum covering a serious issue inside the Sands Library Building, but at an old-fashioned neighborhood picnic on a warm August night.

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tory time is winding down at the Atkinson Child Development Center at HomeFront’s Family Campus in Ewing and librarian Katie Bruce is sitting behind a circle of preschoolers, following the lead of her colleague Caroline Quinones, “clapping and flapping” along to an interactive song when she notices she has drawn the attention of one of HomeFront’s young clients. “Whenever my arms were still, he would reach over and lift up my arm so that it was snuggled against him,” Bruce said. “I guess he just needed a hug that day, which I was happy to give.”

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he boy sits still during the flurry of activity that marks a story time for preschoolers at Princeton Nursery School.

Librarian Jocelyn Jimenez is covering for Martha Perry Liu, who usually makes the twice-monthly trip to Leigh Avenue to read stories and sing songs, and notices the boy. “He wasn’t really participating in the songs or engaging with the interactive books,” Jimenez recalls, “but when I translated one of the songs into Spanish, he lit up. He was clapping his hands and smiling and singing along. If I hadn’t been right in the middle of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It,’ I probably would have cried.

It is one of my favorite PPL memories.”

www.princetonlibrary.org

Photography by Saed Hindash

Community Engagement Coordinator Kim Dorman organizes many of the library’s outreach efforts.

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emorable moments such as these, which reflect the evolving role of public libraries in civic life, are part of Princeton Public Library’s expanding outreach program. While just about everything libraries do qualifies as “outreach,” at Princeton Public Library, staff members are increasingly leaving their desks and going out into the community, providing services to those who might be unfamiliar with library services or who don’t visit the library.

In addition to reaching under-served populations — a goal consistent with the library’s annual and strategic plans — these outreach efforts have the added benefit of helping staff identify ways to improve programs and services offered inside the library.

Supporting many of these outreach efforts is Kim Dorman, a veteran staff member who was appointed community engagement coordinator in 2017, after years planning and presenting programs under the guidance of Public Programming Librarian Janie Hermann.

“We work to improve literacies in so many ways, in and outside of the library,” Dorman said. “We go outside the walls of the library so that we can gain a better understanding of the things that different members of our community are working on, so that we can see if there are ways the library can support the work that they are doing, or if there might be something the library is not doing, but possibly should to better support the community. Finally, even if we might not be the solution, we may be able to connect them to people and organizations together who could be.”

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COVER STORY For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events This means a very small part of Dorman’s job is spent spooning out pasta salad at community picnics. Much more of it involves sitting down with other groups and attending community meetings outside the library to identify needs in Princeton.

“I’m a community member myself,” said Dorman, who grew up in Princeton and lives in town. “I often attend community meetings as a citizen, but I always have my library glasses on. One example is my attendance at a Princeton Housing Authority meeting. The board was discussing the new, streamlined, online application for affordable housing. There was concern that people might have difficulty filling in an online application, because of lack of access to a computer, internet, or familiarity with computer forms. I was able to share that not only were computers available at the library, but that we have staff members who speak both Spanish and Mandarin and if someone made an appointment, they could get the help that they needed to fill in the application. I don’t know how many people took advantage of the library for housing applications, but it was a great way for the library to support the needs of our community and work alongside non-profit and municipal organizations.”

Municipal organizations and non-profits have taken notice, notes Ross Wishnick, chairman of the Princeton Human Services Commission.

“Over the years, Princeton Public Library has been a vital and dynamic partner of Princeton Human Services Department,” Wishnick said.

“Our primary point of contact is Kim Dorman. Her energy and her interest in the work of Human Services serves the Princeton community in a special and well-appreciated manner. From programs for the undocumented, to wage theft programs for local employees to picnics at Community Park, Redding Circle and elsewhere and social work intern services now being provided at the library, Kim’s efforts are extraordinary.”

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or library staff, outreach can mean engaging in weighty discussions with community partners on issues such as racism and addiction or it can be as lighthearted and formative as a story time. Under the leadership of Susan Conlon, the Youth Services Department has a long history of providing the latter in venues such as the YWCA Princeton’s Young Wonders Child Development Center, which is visited weekly

by Katie Bruce and Caroline Quinones, and Princeton Nursery School, where Martha Perry Liu is a regular.

“I walk through the classroom door at PNS, I am greeted with hugs and when I get up to leave after a visit, I am often bombarded with hugs that nearly knock me over,” Liu said. “It is an incredible feeling. This love of the books we share, our special time together and the relationship we cultivate translates into a hugely positive impression from an early age that these preschool children have of the library.”

In 2018, Youth Services expanded its outreach efforts to HomeFront, an organization founded in Princeton and dedicated to ending homelessness and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Mercer County.

Mimi Bowlin and Quinones organize twice-monthly story times in the preschool class at the Atkinson Child Development Center.

“Our outreach initiative to HomeFront is supported by the PLAY (Preschool Literacy and You) grant,” said Bowlin. “This grant supports early literacy outreach efforts beyond the walls of the library specifically targeted to bring the love of reading and books to families that may not have access to resources and materials that promote, support and encourage early literacy.”

“About once a month we bring along individual gift bags filled with literature about early literacy, including songs and rhymes and book lists for babies and preschool children,” Quinones added.

“Also included in these bags are two books purchased with the money from the PLAY grant. These bags are given to Martha Perry Liu, seen leading Baby Storytime in the library, makes regular visits to conduct story times at Princeton Nursery School.

COVER STORY For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events our contacts at HomeFront to share with the families as new babies are born or arrive at HomeFront.”

The story times are a big hit with HomeFront’s young clients who participate in this outreach effort.

“The kids really look forward to seeing Ms. Mimi and Ms. Caroline with their big plastic box,” said preschool teacher Shaneica Kutisha. “The librarians are wonderful — funny and creative. Every visit is like an effortless show; the kids don’t realize that they’ve learned a new song, dance or vocabulary word. They help to make my job as an educator easier with their wonderful box of goodies!”

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nvolvement with students doesn’t end in preschool. Youth Services staff are out in Princeton’s elementary schools every spring to promote summer reading, and whole classes of kindergarteners and sixth-graders are invited to tour the library to learn all they can do in the building. In addition, staff go into John Witherspoon Middle School to practice the librarian’s artform: booktalking, a kind of spoken word performance intended to spur interest in a particular title or in reading in general.

“Our JWMS booktalking visits are my favorite days of the year,” said Teen Services Librarian Jocelyn Jimenez. “They require a lot of prep and it’s a long day, as we see an entire grade (around 300 students) over the course of one day, but the benefits of doing so are worth every second. Besides the fact that following the visit, our circulation stats increase significantly, it is so exciting to see teens rush to the library after school looking for the books we talked about. It’s also funny to hear them try to reiterate the premise of the book because they forgot the title, things like ‘They said it was about a train and an old guy,’ ‘Something about mummies coming back to life.’ It’s very entertaining to witness, but also shows that they’re listening and paying attention when we visit them. This year, our Teen Advisory Board members stressed how much they miss the book talks from middle school, so much so that we’re going to try to see if we can replicate it on a high school level.”

Whether to encourage a variety of literacies or to connect people with others in the community who are trying to contribute to the greater good, there is a growing demand for the library’s outreach services, one the staff is happy to fulfill.

“We do outreach to other libraries and other organizations to learn ways that they deepen their understanding of community and ways that they work to build community to inform the collaborations we cultivate,” Dorman said. “Collaboration can be challenging but it is important for a holistic approach to society to share resources, expertise and knowledge thoughtfully. Everyone has something of value to offer.”

Pictured in the library, Mimi Bowlin, left, and Caroline Quinones, organize twice-monthly story times at HomeFront’s Atkinson Child Development Center for preschoolers who have experienced homelessness.

Photography by Cie Stroud

www.princetonlibrary.org

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

AUTHORS Patricia O’Toole Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

The acclaimed author discusses “Woodrow Wilson and the World He Made,” her biography of one of the most consequential and controversial U.S. presidents and a cautionary tale about the perils of moral vanity and American overreach in foreign affairs. Community Room Paul Zeitz Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

The author, a physician and activist, discusses his memoir “Waging Justice: A Doctor’s Journey to Speak Truth and Be Bold” in which he shares a lifetime of struggles and hard-won lessons. Newsroom David Howard Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.

The author discusses “Chasing Phil: The Adventures of Two Undercover Agents with the World’s Most Charming Con Man,” his true-crime story about the high-stakes 1970s FBI pursuit of notorious con man Phil Kitzer. Newsroom Andrew Curran Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.

The author discusses “Diderot and the Art of Thinking Freely,” a spirited biography of the prophetic and sympathetic philosopher who helped build the foundations of the modern world. Newsroom Donna Clovis Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

The author discusses “Time is the Length to Forever,” her fourth book about Princeton, called “an inspiring, lyrical fusion of pertinent social issues and the writer’s own experiences” by Kirkus Reviews. Newsroom

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.

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Audra Wolfe Thursday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.

The writer and historian discusses her book “Freedom’s Laboratory: The Cold War Struggle for the Soul of Science.” The book explores science’s link to U.S. propaganda and psychological warfare campaigns during the Cold War and closes with a discussion of the prospects for science and science diplomacy in the Trump era, demonstrating the continued hold of Cold War thinking on ideas about science and politics in the United States.

Community Room Sunday Book Brunch with Ayesha Harruna Attah Sunday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.

The author discusses and signs copies of her novel, “The Hundred Wells of Salaga.”

Based on true events, the book tells a story of courage, forgiveness, love, and freedom in precolonial Ghana, told through the eyes of two women born to vastly different fates. Community Room The doors on Hinds Plaza will open at 11 a.m. when tea and pastries will be served. The author talk begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a book signing.

Robert McGreevey Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

The author discusses “Borderline Citizens: The U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Politics of Colonial Migration” which explores the intersection of U.S. colonial power and Puerto Rican migration and shows the dynamic and contested meaning of American citizenship. Community Room Briallen Hopper in conversation with Rebecca Rainof and Bill Gleason Thursday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

The author discusses “Hard to Love,” her debut collection of essays, which honors categories of loves and relationships often seen secondary to marriage. She will be joined in conversation by Bill Gleason and Rebecca Rainof of Princeton University’s English department. Community Room

Part of the Library Live at Labyrinth series co-sponsored by the library and Labyrinth Books.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events James Cone Tribute featuring Elaine Pagels and Chris Hedges Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.

Elaine Pagels, Princeton University professor of religion and Chris Hedges, journalist, Presbyterian minister and former Princeton University lecturer, pay tribute to the life and work of James Cone and discuss his posthumously published book “Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody: The Making of a Black Theologian.”

Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St.

Part of the Library Live at Labyrinth series co-sponsored by the library and Labyrinth Books.

Jamie Bernstein Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

The eldest daughter of revered composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein discusses her book “Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing up Bernstein.”

Community Room

LECTURES/PANELS Indigenous Communities and Climate Change Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

A panel of three eminent investigative journalists and scholars, specializing in the impact of climate changes on indigenous communities, will speak about their research, social activism, and recent publications.

Panelists include Candis Callison (“How Climate Change Comes to Matter: The Communal Life of Facts”) and Tanya Talaga (“Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City”). Kyle Whyte of Michigan State University will serve as moderator. All members of the Princeton community are invited to attend, and participate in the discussion. Part of the International Symposium on Indigenous Communities and Climate Change. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton University Program in Canadian Studies and Program in Journalism with support from Princeton Environmental Film Festival.

Rethinking Society: Challenges and Hopes for the 21st Century Monday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Marc Fleurbaey, Princeton University professor and codirector of the International Panel on Social Progress, will present highlights and key findings from “A Manifesto for Social Progress,” the companion book to IPSP’s threevolume report “Rethinking Society for the 21st Century.”

The book brings together the key messages of 300 researchers from around the world who worked for three years on the prospects for social progress in the light of today’s social sciences. Filmmaker Sofie Wolthers will screen her documentary about IPSP and join Fleurbaey in a post-event discussion on the challenges and hopes for the 21st century. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton University.

Between War and Peace: The Origins of Queen Christina’s and other Swedish Art Collections of Her Time Sunday, Jan. 13, 3 p.m.

Thomas Kaufmann, professor of art and archeology at Princeton University, gives a talk in advance of the Dryden Ensemble’s Jan. 20 “Queen Christina Goes to Rome” concert at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Newsroom Co-sponsored by the library and the Dryden Ensemble.

Financial Literacy: Becoming an Informed Investor Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

This presentation provides real world education regarding financial literacy and provides a foundation for becoming an informed investor. Newsroom Co-sponsored by the library and the Investor Advocacy Project of Seton Hall Law School.

The Media in Movies and TV: Hollywood Investigates Journalism Tuesday, Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Cinema historian Max Alvarez gives a multi-media presentation about the cinema’s love/hate relationship with print and television journalism. Newsroom More Lectures/Panels: Page 10

B OOK G ROU P S BLACK VOICES

Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Princeton Room

Dec. 13, “Swing Time” by Zadie Smith; Jan. 10, “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein; Feb. 14, “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Conference Room

Dec. 13, “The Essex Serpent” by Sarah Perry; Jan. 10, “Autumn” by Ali Smith; Feb. 14, “Asymmetry” by Lisa Halliday

HISTORICAL FICTION

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Updike Farmstead 354 Quaker Road

Jan. 15, “Telex from Cuba” by Rachel Kushner. Led by Jeremy Adelman, the Henry Charles Lea Professor of History and director of the Global History Lab at Princeton University

MYSTERY

Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Quiet Room

Dec. 3, “The Usual Santas, A Collection of Soho Crime Christmas Capers”; Jan. 7, “Weeping Waters”

by Karin Brynard; Feb. 4, “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” by Ruth Ware

The Historical Fiction Book Group is co-sponsored by the library and Historical Society of Princeton.

www.princetonlibrary.org

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

“Three Identical Strangers”

“RGB”

“The Charm of Impossibilities”

DOCUMENTARIES

All screenings are in the Community Room.

Screening and discussion: “RBG” Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.

The filmmakers explore how the early legal battles of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg changed the world for women.

A post-screening discussion will be led by members of the YWCA Next Gen Board. 1 hour, 38 minutes Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton YWCA.

“Three Identical Strangers” Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

An astonishing coincidence brings together identical triplets, separated at birth, and adopted by three different families. 1 hour, 36 minutes “The Charm of Impossibilities” Sunday, Feb. 3, 3 p.m.

This film tells the story of the genesis of the “Quartet for the End of Time,” a piece that was composed and interpreted during World War II in a prisoner-of-war camp 1 hour, 20 minutes

“The B Side”

discussion between director Jacqueline Gares and Robt Seda-Schreiber of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice. 1 hour, 37 minutes

Co-sponsored by the library, the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice and Campaign to the End the New Jim Crow.

“The B Side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography,” Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

The life and career of American portrait photographer Elsa Dorfman is explored. 1 hour, 16 minutes

PRINCETON INTERNATIONAL CINEMA SERIES

All screenings at the Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street. 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.

Part of the Princeton University Concerts series.

Screening and director discussion: “Free CeCe!” Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.

The controversial imprisonment of trans woman and LGBTQ activist CeCe McDonald is the subject of this documentary. The screening will be followed by a

“Mary and the Witch’s Flower” Thursday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.

In this Japanese film, a girl is whisked away to a school of magic where terrible things are happening.

1 hour, 43 minutes

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.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

“Free CeCe”

“Liyana”

“The Guilty”

“Mary and the Witch’s Flower”

FRIDAY FEATURES

Dec. 21, “Crazy Rich Asians,” 2 hours Community Room Jan. 4, “Searching,” 1 hour, 42 minutes Newsroom Feb. 8, “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” 1 hour, 36 minutes Community Room Feb. 22, “Juliet Naked,” 1 hour, 45 minutes Community Room

MORE FILMS ABBA MOVIE DOUBLE FEATURE

Sunday, Dec. 30, Community Room 1 p.m., “Mamma Mia!” 1 hour, 49 minutes 3 p.m., “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” 1 hour, 54 minutes

www.princetonlibrary.org

All screenings are in the Community Room.

“Wonderstruck” Wednesday, Dec. 26, 3 p.m.

2 hours

“Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” Thursday, Dec. 27, 3 p.m.

1 hour, 29 minutes “Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash” Friday, Dec. 28, 3 p.m.

1 hour, 18 minutes “The Incredibles” Saturday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m.

1 hour, 56 minutes “The Incredibles 2” Saturday, Dec. 29, 3 p.m.

2 hours, 5 minutes

APRIL 8-14, 2019

“The Guilty” Thursday, Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m.

In this Danish thriller, a former police officer races against time to find a woman and her kidnapper.

1 hour, 25 minutes

WINTER BREAK FAMILY MOVIES

SAVE THE DATES/CALL FOR ENTRIES

“Liyana” Thursday, Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m.

In this documentary, children in a storytelling workshop in a Swaziland orphanage, create a character whose trials and tribulations mirror their own. 1 hour, 17 minutes

2019

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events Art Talk Monday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

Artists Robert DiMatteo and Terri Riendeau discuss their work on display on the second floor of the library.

DiMatteo’s exhibit in the Technology Center is an interpretation of the Periodic Table through painting and drawing. Riendeau, whose works in the Reading Room are mostly explorations of technique, color and form, began painting in 2017 while recovering from a serious concussion. Newsroom Barry Schneier Sunday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m.

The photographer talks about “Bruce Springsteen: Rock and Roll Future,” his book of images from the May, 1974, concert that changed the trajectory of Springsteen’s career. Community Room New Jersey Originals: Technological Marvels, Odd Inventions, Trailblazing Characters, and More Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

Author and retired teacher Linda J. Barth gives a talk about innovators and inventions rooted in New Jersey, from the creations of Bell Labs and Thomas Edison to more quirky and lesser known individuals and innovations. Community Room

Dan Rauchwerk CD Release with TR Peterson Sunday, Dec. 16, 3 p.m.

New York-based Rauchwerk, a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, launches his debut album, “We are More Than What We Leave Behind.” He will be joined by writer TR Peterson, who will give relevant readings.

Community Room “Get Ready for Mardi Gras” with Gordon James Sunday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m.

Trumpeter and vocalist Gordon James and his band perform original songs from his newly released New Orleans-style CD and popular songs from other artists.

Community Room

MISCELLANEOUS Origami Club for All Ages Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13 Anyone interested in the traditional Japanese art of paper folding is invited to meet for 90 minutes of new, often seasonal, folding. Beginners are welcome. Adults must accompany children younger than 8. Quiet Room Meet the Mayor Fridays, 8:30 a.m., Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 22, Princeton residents are invited to discuss concerns with Mayor Liz Lempert through 10 a.m. Lobby

Screenings of the 10-part Hulu miniseries

THE LOOMING TOWER Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13; Jan. 3-31; Feb. 7-28 IN THE NEWSROOM, SECOND FLOOR

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PERFORMANCES

Ask a Lawyer Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Lawyers will be at the library for free, private consultations on immigration and general legal issues. Registration is from 7-7:30 p.m. Spanish translators will be available and referrals will be made when necessary. Conference Room Tabletop Game Nights Thursdays, 6 p.m., Dec. 27, Jan. 24, Feb. 28 Everyone 16 and older is invited to unplug for a while and enjoy an evening of playing tabletop and strategy games. The library will provide several games to choose from but you’re also welcome to bring your own. Community Room PSG Workshop Mondays, 10 a.m., Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11 Professional Service Group of Mercer County presents a series of workshops designed to help those in transition build technical skills to use in their job search. Technology Center

For details on related programming, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

Co-sponsored by the library and the Professional Service Group; of Mercer County.

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 YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events Lit Lab Wednesdays, 4 p.m., Dec. 5, Jan. 2, Feb. 6 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 Indoor Snow Day Saturday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.

The library’s Teen Advisory Board will transform the Community Room into a winter wonderland and lead an afternoon of games and other winter-themed activities including an indoor snowball fight. The fun-filled afternoon also includes a hot cocoa bar and other tasty treats. Community Room

STORY TIMES W E E KDAY STORY TIME S Dec. 3-20; Jan 14-Feb. 28 No weekday Story Times Dec.24-Jan. 10.

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., Dec. 3-17; Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25 Letra Pequeña, Mondays, 11 a.m., Dec. 3-17; Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 4-25

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Dec. 1–Feb. 24 10:30 a.m., Saturday Stories (2 years and older) 3 p.m., Sunday Stories (2 years and older)

WORLD LANGUAGE STORIE S French, Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 29, Jan. 26, Feb. 23 Japanese, Saturdays, 2 p.m., Dec. 15, Feb. 2 Portuguese, Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 22, Jan. 26, Feb. 23 Science Circle Saturday, 3 p.m., Dec. 8, Jan. 12 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. Co-Lab

Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science.

Maker Mondays: Build with Lego Mondays, 4 p.m., Dec. 3, 17; Jan. 7; Feb. 4, 18 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.

www.princetonlibrary.org

Russian, Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2 PreK Russian, Saturdays, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2 Spanish Stories, Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 8, Feb. 9

SPECIAL WINTER STORY EVENTS The Gift of Books Saturday, Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.

This special story time featuring​new picture books to share with your family or give as gifts. A book list of new books for children will be available to take home. Story Room

A Winter Wonderland of Stories Thursday, Dec. 27, 10:30 a.m.

Children ages 2 and older are invited to hear winterthemed stories in the Story Room with crafting to follow at 11 a.m. in the STEAM Studio.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

Make Your Own Puppet Workshop is Dec. 14.

Make Your Own Puppet Workshop Friday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m.

Children ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult, are invited to develop puppetry skills by designing, making and learning to use their own puppet to keep. All materials are provided. Limited to 15 children. Online registration through the library’s events calendar begins Dec. 13. Story Room Family Fort Night Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.

Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for a night of fort building. We will use blankets to transform library furniture and shelving into fantastical forts. Then, we’ll snuggle into our forts with books and a flashlight for some cozy reading time. We will have a limited number of blankets and flashlights available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you are also welcome to bring your own. Third Floor Celebrate Eric Carle Day Saturday, Jan. 12 10:30 a.m. story time; 11 a.m., crafts Following a special story time celebrating the books of Eric Carle, especially his treasured classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” join us for activities and crafts. For children ages 2 and up. STEAM Studio Chemistry Saturday Saturday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m.

Graduate students from Princeton University’s chemistry department conduct exciting hands-on experiments that make science fun. For children 6-13 years old; children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

STEAM Studio Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton Chemistry Graduate Student Organization.

The Write Stuff Wednesdays, 4 p.m., Jan. 16, Feb. 20 Reading and writing workshop for grades 3-5 exploring genres such as short stories, graphic novels and mysteries. STEAM Studio

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Chinese New Year Celebration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m.

Princeton High School Mandarin classes and the school’s Chinese Club host a celebration of Chinese New Year for all ages featuring traditional music and instruments, martial arts, calligraphy, painting, dance, origami, games and crafts. Community Room

Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton High School Chinese Club.

Celebrate National Inventors’ Day Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m.

Ever wonder how the speedometer in a race car works?

Or how a roller coaster stops? Learn about these cool inventions and many others during an afternoon of hands-on science activities in celebration of National Inventors’ Day. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton University.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover Saturday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m.

Children ages 3 and older are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to a special story time at 5 p.m.

Youth Art Exhibition The World in 4 x 6: Postcards From The Future

In association with the Princeton Environmental Film Festival.

Accepting submissions through March 15, 2019.

Open to students grades 1-12 from the Princeton community.

Details at princetonlibrary.org/peff

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events after which they can leave their animals overnight at the library. Animals, along with photographs showing what kind of fun they had and mischief they made, can be picked up when the library opens at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Please arrive by 4:30 p.m. to register your stuffed animal. Story Room This is Why We Heart You Thursday, Feb. 14, 4:30 p.m.

Children are invited to show their family and friends how much they love them by crafting a valentine. Members of the library’s Teen Advisory Board will be on hand to help out and to inspire creativity. Story Room

TEEN EVENTS A Cappella Night Friday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

This annual, teens-only event features vocal groups from Princeton’s four high schools and is only open to students who attend the schools. Please note that the library will close at 6 p.m. for this event. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library, Corner House and the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance.

Chill Out Friday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m.

Teens are invited to relax after midterms by spending some time reading, playing board games, crafting, knitting and swapping books with other teens while enjoying hot chocolate. Community Room Go Between Club Saturdays, 2 p.m., Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9 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

VOICES (Voices on Important Conversations Engaging Students) Saturdays, 3 p.m., Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16 Meet other high school teens who are passionate about activism at these moderated discussions of hot topics in the news, such as racial profiling, global warming and international politics. Conference Room Co-sponsored by Redefy and Not in Our Town Princeton.

To Be Discussed (TBD) Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Jan. 29, Feb. 26 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., Dec. 1, 15; Jan. 5, 19; Feb. 2, 16 Girls in grades 6-12 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., Dec. 13, Jan. 10, 24; Feb. 14, 28 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. Sign up on the online events calendar to receive class updates. Technology Center Girl Code Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 20; Jan. 3, 17, 31; Feb. 21 Girls in fourth through eighth grades 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 on the online events calendar to receive class updates. Technology Center Math Circle for Middle Schoolers Saturdays, 3 p.m., Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2 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. Co-Lab Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science.

Brainfuse is made possible through the generosity of

www.princetonlibrary.org

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SUPPORT

Your support makes library programs possible: princetonlibrary.org/donate

Five answers on annual giving With the library embarking on its Annual Appeal, we asked Development Director Lisa Belshaw Ham to discuss the importance of annual giving to sustaining the library.

Q: You recently marked your first anniversary working at the library. What are your impressions of the library as an employee as opposed to as a customer?

A: First of all, I am in awe of how caring and hard-working the staff is and how dedicated they are to making Princeton Public Library an innovative library that serves the town and all its residents. My colleagues are open, warm, eager to help and flexible. They make the library a very pleasant and inspirational place to work.

The second thing that has impressed me is how busy the library is every day. On average, 2,220 people use the library every day. More than 79,000 people attend over 2,300 programs a year. Last year, more than 785,800 people used the library. The library has long been called “the community’s living room.” But it is more than that: It is the heart of Princeton.

Q: You’ve set a short-term goal of bringing the number of people who support our annual appeal up to 1,000 donors. Where is that number now and how do you plan to get us there?

A: As of today, 336 people have given to the 2018 Annual Appeal. Considering how many people use the library — there are over 30,000 cardholders — I believe that the messaging needs to improve so that the patrons become aware of how the library relies on private donations. I plan to better message the need for donations throughout the library, online and through Annual Appeal letters. I might as well start right here in Connections. Please, if you are reading this, consider supporting your library as best as you can so that we

BIG CHECK— The co-owners of jaZams recently visited the Youth Services Department to drop off the proceeds from sales of books at the Princeton Children’s Book Festival. From left, Youth Services staff members Martha Perry Liu, Caroline Quinones and Mimi Bowlin; Public Programming Librarian Janie Hermann; jaZams owners Dean Smith and Joanne Farrugia; Youth Services staff members Amanda Chuong, Susan Conlon (department head), Katie Bruce, Jocelyn Jimenez; and Assistant Director Erica Bess.

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can continue to provide the wonderful collection and programs that our community is accustomed to. Thanks!

Q: How important is the annual giving to the library?

A: The library is a public-private partnership. The municipal government is generous toward the library, providing 75 percent of the library’s budget. But there is that 25 percent gap that needs to be filled with private donations so that the library can continue our exceptional programming and collections. That’s one thing I’d like to add: There were 438,790 items borrowed in 2017. What an amazing well-read community we live in!

Private donations support the library with funds for youth programs, after-school programs for thousands of children and teens, engaging and innovative lectures, classes, discussions, film screenings, adult programs, lectures, technology classes and outreach programs to members of our community. Donations allow the library to purchase of thousands of books, both physical and digital. Because of private donations, patrons who would otherwise be unable to can access computers and the internet.

Q: What happens when we reach 1,000?

A: I’ll go to Halo Pub and buy a coffee ice cream cone.

My favorite. And then, being who I am, I will start a new challenge to get more cardholders to give. Aim higher to try to reach another 1,000 donors.

Q: You grew up in Princeton, moved away for a time and then returned. What the best change you’ve noticed?

A: I moved to London with my family in 2003 when the old library was still standing. When I returned 10 years later, I found a beautiful, new transformed library in its place. It just goes to show how much Princeton residents value their library.

SUPPORT

Your support makes library programs possible: princetonlibrary.org/donate

Beyond Words 2018 Library supporters enjoyed a conversation between social commentator Fran Lebowitz and Don Gilpin of Town Topics on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Nassau Presbyterian Church as the annual Beyond Words benefit got under way. Following the talk, the evening continued at the Lewis Arts Complex with a cocktail reception, book signing, silent auction and dinner catered by Fenwick Group Catering featuring Cargot. The award-winning Princeton High School Studio Band provided entertainment during the successful event, which raises funds for the library collections and programs.

www.princetonlibrary.org

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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 Interim Head of Adult Services: Ji Hae Ju 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 Editing and Design: Tim Quinn Staff Writer: Amy Hiestand

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS For details and a listing of all library events, visit princetonlibrary.org/events

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he Glass Room Experience is an interactive exhibition on data and privacy that prompts reflection about how our data is generated, harvested, traded and sold every day. Through objects based on those from the Glass Room installations in New York and other locations, issues around online privacy and data collection are made accessible and tangible. The exhibit demonstrates the scale of the companies behind the platforms visitors use every day, provides an understanding of what data can be gleaned from selfies and reveals what we’re agreeing to with the privacy policies we rarely read.

LGBTQI Cultural Competencies Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.

A panel presentation moderated by Robt Seda-Schreiber Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, 21 Wiggins Steet Co-sponsored by the library, the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, PFLAG Princeton and HiTOPs

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2019

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