Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  TikTok  YouTube

November 18 - 24

Message from the Director


Greetings!



As we move closer to the holiday season, I am reminded how lucky we are to have a community that loves stories in all their forms. This week at Hoboken Public Library, we are celebrating that love of reading and learning with programs that bring authors, ideas, and neighbors together under one roof.


I am especially excited to welcome journalist Ryan Goldberg, author of Bird City, who will be in conversation with local environmental activist and birder Jeffrey Train. Their discussion will shine a light on the surprising bird life along our own waterfront and the ways everyday residents can help protect it. I hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspiring evening about nature, place, and community.


We are also delighted to host author Dashawn Simms for a special Saturday story time featuring Kindness Looks Like Love, a beautiful reminder that small acts of care can have a big impact. Alongside these visits, you will find creative programs like Painted Holiday Baubles, Cooking with Sonia, and our ongoing book clubs and family story times. Each one offers a chance to slow down, learn something new, and connect with others.


Whether you come for an author talk, a craft workshop, or a quiet moment with a book, I hope you feel at home here. Thank you for making the Library part of your week.



Regards,

Jennie Pu

Library Director

Featured Programs

Cooking with Sonia

Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30 PM

Main Library, Large Program Room


Learn the essentials of meal prep and how a little planning can make a big difference! We’ll cover the basic principles of food preparation, why it matters, and simple time-saving techniques. Together, we’ll prepare a grain, protein, and vegetable while discussing how to plan a week of balanced meals using a provided template and worksheet. Participants will also receive a budget-friendly grocery list of staple items to keep on hand for easy, healthy cooking.

Author Event: Ryan Goldberg in-conversation w/ Jeffrey Train

Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 PM

Main Library, Large Program Room


Join us for an engaging evening with award-winning journalist Ryan Goldberg, author of Bird City, in conversation with Jeffrey Train, Hoboken environmental activist, birder, and co-founder of Our Tern. Together, they will explore the stories and species that inspired Bird City and discuss how local conservation efforts are helping protect nesting birds along the Hoboken waterfront. Copies of Bird City will be available for purchase beginning at 6:00 PM, courtesy of Little City Books. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about nature, community, and the surprising wildness thriving in our own backyard.


 

Painted Holiday Baubles

Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 AM

Main Library, Large Program Room


Get into the festive spirit at our cozy, hands-on Holiday Ornament Painting Workshop! Participants will design and paint their own unique baubles using acrylic paints, metallic details, and creative prompts. Each guest will leave with 2 to 3 beautifully customized ornaments, perfect for decorating, gifting, or adding a personal touch to the season. No experience is needed, just a love for creativity and a little holiday cheer.


This program is for adults only, and all materials will be provided.

Weekly Programs

 

Picture Book Playtime

Wednesdays at 3:30 PM

Grand Street, Program Room


Join us at the Grand Street Branch on Wednesdays in November for Picture Book Playtime! Open to children of all ages. We'll read a story together, then offer different ways to play: play-dough, building, and coloring based on that week's book. Board games are available for older children and families!


Poetry and Healing

Wednesday, November 19 at 4:00 PM

Main Library, Reading Room


Our monthly Poetry and Healing Group is your opportunity to discover great poetry and get writing! Read published poems and write your own poetry directed by various prompts. Each month has a fun theme. This is a great relaxing activity to meet new people and share your thoughts.

Saturday Story Time (w/ Dashawn Simms)

Saturdays at 10:30 AM

Main Library, Children's Room


Join us for a heartwarming story time featuring Kindness Looks Like Love, read aloud by author Dashawn Simms. This beautifully illustrated tale celebrates the power of love, kindness, and connection within a family, reminding young readers that small acts of care can make the biggest difference. Perfect for families and children of all ages, this special event promises warmth, laughter, and inspiration through the joy of storytelling.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club

Monday, November 24 at 6:00 PM

Main Library, Small Program Room


Join us for our monthly Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club, meeting every fourth Monday of the month. This November, we will be discussing Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel, a sweeping reimagining of the Indian epic Ramayana told from the perspective of a fierce and overlooked queen. Blending myth, history, and imagination, Patel’s novel explores themes of destiny, power, and defiance. Whether you are a lifelong fantasy reader or new to the genre, this is the perfect space to share ideas, discover new stories, and connect with fellow fans of speculative fiction.

 

Featured E-Resource

 

Hoopla


Get cozy this holiday season with Hoopla, your all-in-one digital library for movies, music, eBooks, and more. With your Hoboken Public Library card, you can stream festive favorites, discover heartwarming Hallmark-style movies, or enjoy a new audiobook while wrapping gifts.


Hoopla’s BingePass feature lets you stream specially curated collections for seven days with just one borrow, perfect for a weekend movie marathon or a holiday crafting session.

Staff Book Picks

ADULT PICK



Fire Exit

by Morgan Talty


This novel follows Charles Lamosway, a man caught between the life he lives and the Penobscot community he left behind. When the daughter he’s secretly watched grow up disappears, he’s forced to confront his past—lost family, a broken relationship, and the truth he’s long hidden. It’s a powerful story about belonging, identity, and finding the courage to claim where you come from.

YOUNG ADULT PICK



Sunrise on the Reaping

by Suzanne Collins


Journey alongside a new generation of heroes who must navigate a landscape fraught with political intrigue and personal discovery. Their courage and resilience will be tested as they forge a path toward a more hopeful tomorrow. 






KID PICK



Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo

by Bess Kalb


Each day, Buffalo Fluffalo enjoys his perfect routine of grazing, playing with friends, and napping in the shade. Then one morning, everything changes with the arrival of tiny, wide-eyed Puffalo. As they wander together and share cozy naps, Fluffalo realizes that even if Puffalo slows him down, life is fuller and sweeter with him by his side.

Celebrate Sinatra