Upcoming events.
Fun & Fit with Just Gaines
Fun & Fit introduces little ones to exercise and nutrition concepts, while building a strong foundation for healthy habits as they grow and thrive!
This program is led by local resident Courtney Gaines, owner/operator of Just Gaines, who holds a number of certifications in fitness, health, and nutrition.
This program is best suited for ages 2 - 5. Registration is not required, but space is limited.
Finger Paint Friday, ages 2+
Make some messy art at the library! This program is best suited to children ages 2+ with a caregiver. Dress for a mess.
No Tech Help
Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on January 7th 2025.
Graphic Novel Book Club, grades 3-5
Fans of graphic novels and comics in grades 3-5 are invited to join us for Graphic Novel Book Club.
This month, we’ll be reading Explorer: The Hidden Doors edited by Kazu Kibuishi.
Registration is required and space is limited. Once you’ve registered, you can stop by the library to check out a copy of the graphic novel.
No Tech Help
Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on January 7th 2025.
STE(A)M with Beam, ages 8+
Join Beam Camp staffers to create amazing stained glass art!
Family Storytime: Penguins
Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for family storytime! This week, Ms. Grace will be sharing stories about penguins and leading a fun craft. No registration is required, just drop in!
This program meets in room 204 of the Cranford Community Center, located on the second floor of the building. The room is accessible by elevator.
Romance Readers Book Club
Join us for December’s Romance Readers Book Club. This month we've decided to read TBD If you don't want to read that book, or for some reason can't find a copy, feel free to come anyway to discuss whichever romance you've recently read.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Movie Night
Every month the library will debut new popular films, as soon as they're available! Today's movie is TBD
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
Good news! The January 2025 book sale is on! Looking for some good reading at bargain prices? The Friends of the Cranford Public Library invite you to visit their Used Book Sale in the Cranford Public Library’s Friendly Book Cellar from Thursday, January 9 , through Saturday, January 11, 2025. Saturday is bag day. We provide the bags. Browse through thousands of books at low prices. This sale is open to all, and registration is required.
Attendees are invited to sign up for a one hour session, starting on the hour. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ONE SESSION ONLY; reservations for multiple sessions on one day will be canceled except for the first session booked .
Only cash and checks are accepted; no credit or debit cards.
Literary Cafe
Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here
Winter Wonderland Family Storytime
Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for family storytime! This week, Ms. Grace will be sharing stories about winter and leading a fun craft. No registration is required, just drop in!
This program meets in room 204 of the Cranford Community Center, located on the second floor of the building. The room is accessible by elevator.
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD
Adults Create!
Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month for crafts and conversation! There will be a new project each month. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Space is limited and opens up the month prior to each program.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Vinyl Revival
Did you know: that we are in the midst of a resurgence of vinyl records? In 2022, vinyl record sales in the US outperformed CDs for the first time since 1987.
Most of the record albums being reissued are from the early ‘60’s up through the 70’s, and record collectors are looking for the ORIGINAL copies of these reissues and as a result, values have increased significantly.
Are there hidden gems packed away in that cardboard box that could be worth hundreds or even thousands? Are you interested in knowing how to determine if a record you own is valuable?
Join Lance Jacobs, Scotch Plains resident (and record collector) as we explore how to “read” a record. Websites considered by many as authoritative regarding values will also be discussed and shared.
You can actively participate by bringing a record you think may have some value.
Theater Project
We are thrilled to begin the 2024 season of "Perfecting the Play!"
New Jersey’s own Theater Project will present a reading of an original short play. The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Funds benefiting the Theater Project have been provided by the Union County LAP Grant and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. No registration needed!
Join us this month for "Vile Things In Dark Corners" by Lynn Marie Macy.
ASK: Adult Services Kiosk
Do you have questions about services for seniors or their caregivers? Come visit the Aging Services Kiosk, speak to our specialists and get answers to your questions about:
Pharmaceutical Assistance
Home Energy Assistance/USF
Cooling Assistance
Home Care
Home Delivered or Congregate Meals
Medicaid Eligibility
Social Security
Caregiver Relief Programs
Transportation
And much more!
Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts
Join us in the teen zone for a new monthly adult craft program on Wednesday mornings! Today’s craft will be puzzle mosaics All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Trivia Night
Join us for another fun evening of trivia! This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Join us in the Community Room on the first floor of the Community Center! Feel free to bring your own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Prizes awarded to the winning team.
Family Storytime: Snakes
Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for family storytime! This week, Ms. Grace will be sharing stories about snakes to tie in with Lunar New Year (2025 is the year of the snake!) and leading a fun craft.
No registration is required, just drop in!
This program meets in room 204 of the Cranford Community Center, located on the second floor of the building. The room is accessible by elevator.
Paint with Coffee and Matcha Powder @ The Morning Roast
Join us at The Morning Roast to learn watercolor techniques with coffee and matcha powder led by a local teaching artist. All supplies will be provided (coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase). Open to adults and teens 11+. Space is limited and registration is required. This free class is sponsored by The Friends of the Cranford Public Library. The address for The Morning Roast @ YTB is 26 Eastman St, Cranford, NJ 07016.
Going, Going Gone!
In “Going Going Gone” Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta will take a walk down memory lane and talk about products that are either on their way out the door, or completely obsolete. Some may surprise you! Items we’ll discuss include VHS video tapes, phone booths (and making phone calls in general!), newspapers, maps, dial-up internet, encyclopedias, CDs, landline phones, jukeboxes, green stamps, address books, subway tokens, and red pistachio nuts!
Which of these items do you miss? Which ones do you still use? And what, do you feel, is the greatest invention you’ve seen during your lifetime? Christiano-Mistretta will jolt your memory discussing other stuff we’ve long forgotten about. Come share your views and memories in this interactive lecture! Audience participation is greatly encouraged! Feel free to bring your old items for “Show &Tell!” And check out Maryanne’s traveling “museum” of odd items from yesteryear.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library and in partnership with the Cranford Community Center.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Romance Readers Book Club
Join us for December’s Romance Readers Book Club. This month we've decided to read TBD If you don't want to read that book, or for some reason can't find a copy, feel free to come anyway to discuss whichever romance you've recently read.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Movie Night
Every month the library will debut new popular films, as soon as they're available! Today's movie is TBD
Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement Concert/Lecture
Join Galen, an extraordinary flutist with an extensive performance career, for this program that is part concert part lecture. Galen is a musician and a riveting speaker with encyclopedic knowledge on the history of jazz and the Civil Rights Movement. Galen studied at Berklee College of Music and holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Performing Arts from Rutgers University, New Jersey. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library and in partnership with the Cranford Community Center. No registration needed.
Literary Cafe
Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD
Adults Create!
Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month for crafts and conversation! There will be a new project each month. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Space is limited and opens up the month prior to each program.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Trivia Night
Join us for another fun evening of trivia! This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Join us in the Community Room on the first floor of the Community Center! Feel free to bring your own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Prizes awarded to the winning team.
Pedal Steel Guitar Concert
Join us for tunes from the British Invasion played on the Pedal Steel Guitar! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library and in partnership with the Cranford Community Center.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Virtual Opera Talks: Marian Anderson
Join Tanisha Mitchell—opera singer, librarian/archivist, and creator of "Opera Talks”— for this virtual program all about Marian Anderson.
Marian Anderson (1897-1993) is a cultural icon whose contralto voice broke through racial barriers in the operatic world and ultimately in American society. Her beautiful illustrious voice is most memorable through her controversial recital on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Cranford Public Library.
Please follow the link to register for this program (link coming soon!)
Tosho-con
Join us for our 3rd annual Tosho-con! This free, full-day, all-ages comic, anime, and pop culture convention will include panels, interactive workshops, crafts, special guests, dance parties, a cosplay contest, Artist Alley and more!
No registration needed! Follow our Facebook event page for up-to-date program and guest information.
Co-sponsored by the Cranford Public Library and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Thanks to our partners at the Cranford Community Center and Downtown Cranford.
Trivia Night
Join us for another fun evening of trivia! This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Join us in the Community Room on the first floor of the Community Center! Feel free to bring your own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Prizes awarded to the winning team.
Darkroom Drop-in
Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.
Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.
Writing Workshop, grades 6+
Join us for a free eight-week writing workshop run by author Brigit Young. Workshop participants will learn what makes a story tick and how to dive into writing their own! By the end of class, children will have a completed work of writing or - in the case of much longer pieces - a plan for how to move forward with their piece. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Applications for this class will be open until September 25. Participation is not guaranteed, this class is limited to Cranford residents and cardholders.
Adult Grab & Go Craft
Stop by the library and pick up this month’s adult craft! This month is fabric birds. .Thanks to the Friends of the Cranford Public Library for sponsoring this monthly program! While supplies last.
Adult D&D Bookwyrms Launch Party
Join the Bookwyrms on Dec 17, 6:30 PM at Cranford Community Center to roll characters, explore lore, and dive into 2024 D&D rule updates!
Kick off an epic adventure with fellow adventurers and dive into the world of our new campaign. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, there's something for everyone:
Roll Your Characters – Create your hero for the campaign with guidance from our team.
Discover the World – Get an introduction to the lore and premise of the campaign setting.
Learn What's New – Explore the latest updates in the 2024 D&D 5e ruleset.
Don’t miss this chance to gear up and be part of a thrilling adventure from the very start. Bring your imagination—we'll provide the rest!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library and in partnership with the Cranford Community Center.
RSVP now and let the journey begin!
Gingerbread House Baking Party, ages 6+
Welcome to the Gingerbread House Baking Party! Join us in the Cranford Community Center kitchen for a fun-filled day of holiday cheer. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab some icing, and bake and decorate your very own gingerbread house cake.
This in-person event is perfect for ages 6+ who love getting creative in the kitchen. Don't miss out on this festive opportunity to show off your baking skills and spread some holiday joy. Mark your calendars and get ready to bake up some memories!
Gingerbread House Baking Party, ages 10+
Welcome to the Gingerbread House Baking Party! Join us in the Cranford Community Center kitchen for a fun-filled day of holiday cheer. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab some icing, and bake and decorate your very own gingerbread house cake.
This in-person event is perfect for ages 10+ who love getting creative in the kitchen. Don't miss out on this festive opportunity to show off your baking skills and spread some holiday joy. Mark your calendars and get ready to bake up some memories!
Craft Closet Cleanout, grades 3+
You may have heard that the Children’s Department is set to begin an expansion project. Help us clean out our closets before we move to our temporary location! Stop by on Tuesday, December 3, 10, and/or 17 to work on a variety of art projects.
We’ll have an assortment of craft remnants, leftover kits, and more for children to choose from. Please be aware that it may be difficult or impossible for everyone to work on the same project.
Projects will be suitable for older elementary-aged children; student artists in grades 3+ are welcome to join us. No registration required.
Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments
Sign up for one of our 15-minute sessions and ask one of our librarians your tech questions! Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other device. In partnership with Cranford Community Center. Click the registration link below to sign-up.
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
Craft Closet Cleanout, Adults
You may have heard that the Children’s Department is set to begin an expansion project. Help us clean out our closets before the Children’s Department moves to their temporary location! Drop in on Tuesday, December 3, 10, and/or 17 to work on a variety of art projects. Crafts will take place in the main area of the library.
These projects will be tailored for adults — The Children’s Craft Cleanout program takes place from 3pm-4pm on the same days.
We’ll have an assortment of craft remnants, leftover kits, and more for children to choose from. Please be aware that it may be difficult or impossible for everyone to work on the same project. No registration needed.
Readers Forum Book Club
All are welcome at the Readers Forum monthly book club! Additional copies of the book to check out are available at the Circulation Desk.
This month’s book is: The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa (2003). A touching and poignant story of an empathetic housekeeper of a mathematician with memory loss.
Dinosaurs Arise!
Please note: this event, originally scheduled for November 18, has been postponed and is now scheduled for December 16.
Celebrate Dino-vember with us! Learn about the time periods that dinosaurs once roamed the earth as well as their diets, habitats, where they lived, and what their names mean. Budding paleontologists will enjoy digging for fossils as they learn about how paleontologists dig in real life. Best of all, participants will interact with realistic-looking dinosaurs!
Space is limited; registration is required and will begin two weeks before the event. A limited amount of spots will be made available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program.
Writing Workshop, grades 4-5
Join us for a free eight-week writing workshop run by author Brigit Young. Workshop participants will learn what makes a story tick and how to dive into writing their own! By the end of class, children will have a completed work of writing or - in the case of much longer pieces - a plan for how to move forward with their piece. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Applications for this class will be open until September 25. Participation is not guaranteed, this class is limited to Cranford residents and cardholders.
Literary Cafe
Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here
Pajama Storytime
Friends in grades K+, it's time to wear our pajamas & relax as we listen to How to catch a snowman and make some crafts!
Join us in the Raddin Room, located in the back of the Children’s Department. No registration required.
Video Game Afternoon
Join the teen librarian in the Teen Zone to play video games!
Ages 11+
Fun & Fit with Just Gaines
Fun & Fit introduces little ones to exercise and nutrition concepts, while building a strong foundation for healthy habits as they grow and thrive!
This program is led by local resident Courtney Gaines, owner/operator of Just Gaines, who holds a number of certifications in fitness, health, and nutrition.
This program is best suited for ages 2 - 5. Registration is not required, but space is limited.
*Cancelled* Seed Packing Party
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this program is cancelled. Thanks for your understanding*
Volunteers are invited to help us pack seeds into envelopes to be distributed in the seed library. Participants will be gluing labels, making parchment containers for seeds, and packaging seeds into coin envelopes.
Drop in for half an hour or stay the whole time, no registration is required. All materials are provided. Any youth volunteers require a responsible adult.
Teens Lead: Bath Bombs
Teens Lead: Bath Bombs is for ages 8 and up. Teen volunteers lead a bath bomb making workshop for younger children. No registration required.
Writing Workshop, grades 6+
Join us for a free eight-week writing workshop run by author Brigit Young. Workshop participants will learn what makes a story tick and how to dive into writing their own! By the end of class, children will have a completed work of writing or - in the case of much longer pieces - a plan for how to move forward with their piece. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Applications for this class will be open until September 25. Participation is not guaranteed, this class is limited to Cranford residents and cardholders.
Adults Create!
Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month for crafts and conversation! There will be a new project each month. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today we will be painting snowmen (or whatever you want!) on recycled keys. Space is limited and opens up the month prior to each program.
Craft Closet Cleanout, grades 3+
You may have heard that the Children’s Department is set to begin an expansion project. Help us clean out our closets before we move to our temporary location! Stop by on Tuesday, December 3, 10, and/or 17 to work on a variety of art projects.
We’ll have an assortment of craft remnants, leftover kits, and more for children to choose from. Please be aware that it may be difficult or impossible for everyone to work on the same project.
Projects will be suitable for older elementary-aged children; student artists in grades 3+ are welcome to join us. No registration required.
Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments
Sign up for one of our 15-minute sessions and ask one of our librarians your tech questions! Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other device. In partnership with Cranford Community Center. Click the registration link below to sign-up.
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
Craft Closet Cleanout, Adults
You may have heard that the Children’s Department is set to begin an expansion project. Help us clean out our closets before the Children’s Department moves to their temporary location! Drop in on Tuesday, December 3, 10, and/or 17 to work on a variety of art projects. Crafts will take place in the main area of the library.
These projects will be tailored for adults — The Children’s Craft Cleanout program takes place from 3pm-4pm on the same days.
We’ll have an assortment of craft remnants, leftover kits, and more for children to choose from. Please be aware that it may be difficult or impossible for everyone to work on the same project. No registration needed.
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD
Cookbook Club Cookie Swap
This month cookbook club will do a cookie swap! Make enough of your favorite cookie recipe for everyone registered. The maximum amount of participants is 24.
Registration required
Writing Workshop, grades 4-5
Join us for a free eight-week writing workshop run by author Brigit Young. Workshop participants will learn what makes a story tick and how to dive into writing their own! By the end of class, children will have a completed work of writing or - in the case of much longer pieces - a plan for how to move forward with their piece. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Applications for this class will be open until September 25. Participation is not guaranteed, this class is limited to Cranford residents and cardholders.
International Film
Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 2pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD