Monthly Free Programs for Kids, Teens, and Adults

For Adults:

Hispanic Heritage Month Program

Alfredo Franco, Curator of Education at the Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers University, discusses “The Birth of Modernism in Latin America” on Thursday, October 2 at 7pm.

Franco examines the ways in which contemporary society is influenced by Latin American art and culture. He also discusses the changes that took place in Latin American culture and art during the early Twentieth Century. Franco received his graduate degree in Art History from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining the faculty of the Zimmerli Art Museum, Franco was affiliated with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. He also taught art history and American literature at the Technological Institute of Monterrey in Mexico City.

Call 973-736-0198 to reserve your spot in this free program.

Author Visits Library

Award-winning author Kate Christensen visits the Library’s book discussion group on Monday October 6 at 1:30 pm. She’ll discuss her latest novel “The Great Man.” The New York Times described her book as “mischievous, funny and astute.” “The Great Man” won the 2008 PEN/Faulkner Award, the largest peer-juried award for fiction. Christensen also authored “In the Drink,” “Jeremy Thrane,” and “The Epicure’s Lament.” Her essays and articles have appeared in Salon, Mademoiselle, and Elle. This event kicks off the Library’s 2008-2009 book discussion series. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 1:30. All adults are welcome to participate.

Ms. Christensen’s visit is funded by the Florence B. Mantell Memorial Donation. Florence Mantell was a well-loved employee of the Library for over 20 years. Her daughters honored their mother’s memory and her love of the Library with a donation to the West Orange Library capital campaign. Until a building project begins, the interest is allocated for an annual author program at the Library. This is the second program sponsored by the donation. Refreshments will be served.

Call 973-736-0198 to sign up for this free event.

Book Discussion Group

Meets the first Monday of each month @ 1:30pm. Check out a copy of the book at the Library, then share your insights and hear what others think about the book. See the Schedule for titles and dates.

Film & Dessert

Stop by for a film screening and light refreshments the third Friday of each month
@ 2. Program is free; sign ups are not required.

For Teens ( Ages 12& up):

Book Discussion Groups:

Get a free copy of the book of the month, read it, then talk about it with other teens at your own book discussion group!

Read N' Chat for grades 6-8. Meets the second Wednesday of each month @ 7:30pm. Click here to find out what we'll be reading this year.

Talk It Up! for grades 9-12. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month @ 7:30pm. Click here to see what we'll read this year.

For Kids:

Fall Storytimes

Picture books fascinate children with colorful illustrations and help them develop language and listening skills. Fall is the perfect time to gather around for stories at the West Orange Library. Babies and Books is a storytime for children under the age of 2, with rhymes, songs and stories galore. Terrific Toddlers, for children ages 2-3 ½, and Preschool Page Turners, for children 3 ½-5, meet weekly for stories, puppets and songs. Our Eager Readers, ages 5-9, meet after school for their storytime. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, September 16. Click here for the schedule. Stop by the West Orange Library at 46 Mt. Pleasant Avenue or call 973.736.0198 for more information or to register.

Plant the seeds of imagination and harvest a future reader! The Harvest Moon Family Reading Club is a 4-part series designed to encourage family reading. Guided by a librarian, children and parents will explore poetry and rhymes, fairytales, and picture books together. The program incorporates activities that support reading, communication and the creative use of language. The group meets Monday evenings at 7 pm in September at the Library. Participating families will receive a free book bag. They will also get a free book to keep each week. At the final meeting, everyone will enjoy snacks and each family will receive a certificate of participation.

West Orange families with children ages 5-9 are encouraged to sign up (younger and older siblings are welcome). The Harvest Moon Family Reading Club takes place each Monday evening in September at 7pm. Space is limited; please call the Children’s Room at 973-736-0198 to sign up. This free program is funded through a grant from Target.

Hispanic Heritage Month Program

Storyteller Gregorio Pedroza entertains children with bilingual stories at the Library on Monday, September 22 at 4pm.

Pedroza effortlessly blends English and Spanish into imaginary tales drawn from his childhood growing up in a Texas barrio. Through storytelling, he shares his cultural, ethnic and family experiences. Pedroza says his stories celebrate diversity and illustrate how we draw strength from our differences.

An internationally-known storyteller and motivational speaker, Pedroza has toured with the Smithsonian Institute’s Hispanic Heritage Program. Pedroza holds a PhD in chemistry.

This free performance is sponsored by the Estelle Citrin Family Fund. Call 973-736-0198 to reserve your child a spot.

Children's Book Discussion Groups:

Kids love to read and kids love to talk. Second and third graders can do both at the Library’s Yakety-Yak book discussion group. Each month, the group discusses a different book and participates in activities related to the story. Does your 2nd or 3rd grader have a lot to say? Sign your child up! Pick up a copy of the book of the week in the Children’s Room. Yakety-Yak for grades 2 and 3 meets the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30. Click here to find out the books we'll be reading.

SOS: Speaking of Stories for grades 4 and 5 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30. Parents are welcome too! Click here to see what we'll be reading.