Starting the New Year Strong

JOIN THE WINTER READING CHALLENGE -- FOR ALL AGES!

From January 1-31, Maplewood Library is participating in Beanstack's “Read with Benny” Winter Reading Challenge for Adults, Teens and Kids.

We challenge our community to read at least 5 hours (or more!) during the month and keep track of your reading on our Beanstack site or the Beanstack app.

All participants who log a minimum of 5 reading hours will be eligible to win one of three [words] Bookstore gift cards!

Increase your chances of winning by logging more hours and submitting book reviews. Grab a book and join Benny for an unforgettable reading adventure!

Happy winter reading, Maplewood!

FOR ADULTS

FIBER ARTS GROUP
Bring your projects!

January 3 / 10-1 at Main Library

Unwind, connect, and get support among fellow crafters while working on your projects. Drop in.

NEW YEAR. SAME YOU. BUT BETTER

Thursday, January 8 / 6:30 pm at Main Library

Insights on organizing, decluttering, and
mindset shifts for the new year.

Start the year feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes your way — without trying to reinvent yourself. Join Leydi, organizing and design expert and founder of The Organized Leydi, for an inspiring and practical conversation about building better habits, spaces, and systems that actually fit your real life. Drop in.

DIGITAL DEVICE CLINICS

Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29

11-1 at Main Library

Drop by for free one-on-one support for using your phone or electronic device. (This is not a repair clinic.) Check our website for any cancellations.

MEMORY CAFE:
A dementia-friendly social gathering

Main Library: January 17 /10:30 am to 12:30 pm

The Memory Cafe is a safe and welcoming space for individuals experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, and symptoms of dementia, and their caregivers. In this stigma-free space, participants can interact and connect over an engaging lunch, arts and crafts, live-music, and other activities beneficial for relaxation, stress reduction, and cognitive improvement.

Presented by The Neuroscience Society at Seton Hall University and Maplewood Library.

Free and open to all. Drop in.

Future dates: Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 18

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR

Main Library: January 24 /1:00 - 4:00 pm

An opportunity to talk with local sustainability experts and learn how you can support sustainable action in our community and in your home. Become a part of SOMA's Green Scene!

More info on our web calendar.

ACHIEVE DROP-IN TUTORING

for SOMSD students in grades 5 and up

Main Library: Tuesdays 4-6 pm / Saturdays 2-4 pm (except holidays)

SAT & ACT SUCCESS (VIRTUAL)

January 20 at 6:30 pm

This comprehensive workshop will answer all of your questions about college entrance exams. Families will learn key differences between the SAT and ACT (especially with the new digital SAT format), the best time to start studying, keys to achieving one’s highest score, and how the SAT/ACT can impact merit aid and scholarships. This workshop also reviews the income, savings, and asset strategies to reduce costs. REGISTER.

CAREER PLANNING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 27 at 8 pm

Proper career planning can help focus the college experience, minimize unnecessary student loan debt, facilitate on-time graduation, and be a stepping stone to a purposeful and prosperous career. This workshop also reviews the income, savings, and asset strategies to reduce costs. REGISTER.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS COMES TO MAPLEWOOD!

Two programs for tweens & teens.

Paint Derpy the Tiger

Wednesday, January 28 / 3:30-5 at Main Library

Paint a certain loveable blue tiger using acrylic paint. Recommended for those 10 and up. REGISTRATION is required to ensure sufficient supplies for everyone. Be sure to wear clothing you don't mind getting messy.

KPop Demon Hunters Singalong and Q&A

Saturday, January 31 / 2-3:30 pm at Main Library

Featuring MapSO musicians who were involved in the film's soundtrack!

Composer Greg Polzak and singer Julie Bennett will share their experience working on the music for KPop Demon Hunters, the most-watched original title in Netflix history. A singalong of popular songs from the movie will follow.

Visit our TEEN PAGE for more programs.

FOR KIDS

Walter Bolin Magic Show: Almost Impossible

Tuesday, January 13 / 1:30 pm at Main Library

Prepare to be amazed! MMS 6th grader will perform a magic show. For ages 5 & up. If you like magic, or just want to be amazed ... come to the see Maplewood's astounding Tween Magician. Our review is: "Wow!!!"

For kids, tweens, and families ... ages 5 and up. Drop in.

Library Children's Programs are designed for individuals and families, and not for preschool classes or groups. Groups may call us to arrange a special program and class visit to the library: 973.762.1688 ext 5001 or email us at kids@maplewoodlibrary.org

Program dates are subject to change. Please check our online library calendar the morning of the event for any updates.

SEE ALL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS HERE.

FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Baby Lapsit Storytime

For ages birth to 18 months, with a participating adult

For very young children you can hold in your arms or who are learning to crawl. Experience a lively storytime with songs and rhymes that foster a love of reading.

Main Library: Thursdays @ 10 am - January 8, 15, 22

Hilton Branch: Mondays @ 10:30am - January 5, 12, 26

Toddler Storytime

For ages 1-3, with a participating adult

Early literacy fun with stories, songs, movement and rhymes. This program is designed for toddlers and young preschool children.

Main Library: Tuesdays @ 10 am - January 6, 13, 20

Hilton Branch: Wednesdays @ 4pm - January 7, 14, 21

Wilma and the Wingers

Main Library: Saturday, January 10 @ 11am

Inclusive storytime with live music for kids of all ages

FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

Homework Quiet Zone for grades 2-5

Main Library: Monday - Thursday afternoons while school is in session (unless another program is scheduled)

A quiet space for kids in grade 2 - 5 to study, read, or do homework.

Winter Writing Workshop

Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 / 4 pm at Main Library

For ages 9-11 Register

In this magical workshop, students will write, edit, and complete their own short stories; read and analyze excerpts from timeless writers; share ideas and receive feedback in a supportive environment; and develop their vocabulary, plot-building, character creation, and descriptive writing skills.

Homeschool Tuesdays

Main Library: Tuesday, January 13 / 11:30am - 1:30pm

A meet up & resource sharing for homeschooling families and families who want to know more about homeschooling. Families of all ages are welcome.

MAPLEWOODLIBRARY.ORG / 973-762-1688

MAIN LIBRARY, 51 BAKER ST.

HOURS:

Monday to Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm

Friday & Saturday:10 am - 5 pm

Sunday: closed

HILTON BRANCH, 1688 SPRINGFIELD AVE.

HOURS:

Monday & Wednesday: 10 am - 5 pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 12 pm - 8 pm

Friday: closed

Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm

Sunday: closed