FRIENDS ONE DAY BAG-OF-BOOKS SALE

Saturday, February 21 / 10am to 4pm at Main Library

$10 per bag. Bring your own grocery-sized bag: 12"W x 17"H x 7" bottom. Larger bags will be charged accordingly.

NO donations are being accepted at this time.

LEYLA MCCALLA BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONCERT

Thursday, February 5 / 6:30 pm at Main Library

Leyla McCalla, the Montclair State University John J. Cali School of Music’s 2025–26 Artist-in-Residence and a graduate of SOMSD, appears in a solo performance followed by a conversation with Anthony Mazzocchi, President & CEO of Kaufman Music Center in NYC.

IMANI PERRY:
A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY

Friday, February 27 / 7 pm at Main Library

The Importance of History in a Time of Erasure with critically-acclaimed author Imani Perry. Perry’s work reflects the deeply complex history of Black thought, art, and imagination. Says Perry, “If there were one impact I’d like my work to have, it would be that people would cease talking about African American history and culture in terms of deprivation or inadequacy and actually acknowledge its depth and complexity and beauty.” 

Perry’s books will be for sale and signing.

STEPHANIE PENN:
OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ARTIST
Main Library, first floor walls 

Stephanie Penn is a Black visual artist inspired by ancestor connection, generational stories and imagery. She has lately been considering storytelling that includes the real and fantastical, exploring the push and pull of line, brushstroke, and color to tell those stories.

BLACK HISTORY READING CHALLENGE

February 1st - 28th

For kids in 5th grade or younger ON BEANSTACK

Read 10 books by or about an African American in February and get a chance to win a gift certificate to Palmer’s, Words, or Honey and Hive.

HEALTH HANDS-ON COOKING

Tuesday February 10 / 6:30 pm at Hilton Branch

For ages 8 and up & families

Participants will learn how to make their own delicious Vegan Soul Food Bowls with Chef Afi Green. REGISTER.

KIDS SPEAK OUT! Art & Poetry Reception

Tuesday February 24 / 4 pm at Main Library

Kids Speak Out is our annual display of art, poetry, and thoughts on identity and social justice by local elementary school students. Hear what our next generation is thinking and how they'd like to change the world. Open mic for students!

Presented in partnership with SOMSD.

DIGITAL DEVICE CLINICS

Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26

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.

FIBER ARTS GROUP
Bring your projects!

February 7 / 10-1 at Main Library

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

MEMORY CAFE: 
A dementia-friendly social gathering

Main Library: February 21 /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 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.

AMA: ASK ME ANYTHING

Tuesday, February 24 / 5:30-7 pm at Hilton Branch

Have questions about money, investing, retirement, or your overall financial picture? Join us for a free, informal “Ask Me Anything” session with an experienced local Financial Advisor Gary Jones. Drop in to ask questions, get clarity, and explore your options—no sales pitch and no obligation.

Future dates: March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30

Maplewood resident Gary T Jones is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner professional with Series 7 and 66 registrations and NJ life, health, variable life and annuity insurance licenses. 

ESOL IN-PERSON CONVERSATION CLASSES

For students with a good command of English who want to improve their vocabulary and expressive skills.

Thursdays, February 19 to March 26, 6:30 pm at Hilton Branch.

You must REGISTER HERE and take a pre-test to join the class.

The pre-test will be given on February 12, 2026, at the Hilton Branch Library at 1688 Springfield Ave. between 6:30 and 7:30 pm.

Limited Space Available

TEEN GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB

Main Library: February 4 at 4 pm

In this first meeting of the Teen Graphic Novel Book Club, we'll be discussing Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang.

ACHIEVE DROP-IN TUTORING

Main Library: February 7, 21 & 28 / 2-4 pm

For SOMSD students in 5th grade and up

STEM WORKSHOP: OOBLECK

Main Library: February 7/ 2 pm at Main Library

REGISTER Students will explore the chemical magic of Oobleck, a non-Newtonian mud that changes behavior when you touch it. Can you figure out how it acts like a solid one moment and a liquid the next?

SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND LOANS (Virtual)

Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 pm REGISTER

In this workshop, families will:

Discover strategies to significantly reduce costs

  Learn methods for savings, borrowing, and asset management

  Gain insider knowledge on scholarships, grants, and loans

APPEALING FOR MORE FINANCIAL AID (Virtual)

Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 REGISTER

Now more than ever, colleges are more willing to say “yes” to appeals for more financial aid and scholarship money for both new and returning students. This workshop provides detailed guidance for families on how to improve the likelihood of a successful appeal.

SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS (Virtual)

February 25 at 7:30 pm REGISTER

For high school freshmen, sophomores & juniors.

The session will cover current admissions trends and strategies, the evolving test optional environment, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find the right fit, and key timelines and action steps that can make this season productive while easing stress along the way.