Past Events

Help plan the second Annual Teen Film Festival scheduled for the end of the year. Talk about new films and expand our first successful film festival held in 2007. If you already make films, or if you ever wanted to be a filmmaker, this is the group for you. » More for Teens

Band's visit (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret). Israeli; 2007; 89 min. Directed by Eran Kolirin.
An Egyptian police band is looking to play at a new Arab Cultural Center when they get on the wrong bus and go to Betah Tikva, an isolated little town. A comedy and tragedy about the things that separate people.
FREE! Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

Stories, crafts and songs for children two through three years of age accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Continues to August 12. » More for Children

Listen to stories while you munch lunch. For families with children ages three through five years of age. » More for Children

Help plan the second Annual Teen Film Festival scheduled for the end of the year. Talk about new films and expand our first successful film festival held in 2007. If you already make films or if you ever wanted to be a filmmaker, this is the group for you. » More for Teens

Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles. Chinese/Japanese; 2006; 108 min. Directed by Zhang Yimou.
From three time Academy Award nominated director Yimou, a moving story about a Japanese father's journey to a remote region of China seeking reconciliation with his estranged son. Starring the great Japanese actor Ken Takakura.
FREE! Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

Milltown photographer Uri Thier, originaly from Israel, will talk about his work that will be on display through August in the meeting room. Traveling as a computer programmer throughout the world, he always packed his camera.On a Kibbutz in his native home of Israel, photographer Uri Thier began his career with a camera that has taken him to China, Mexico, New Zealand, across the United States and Europe as well as nearby New Jersey locations.

During the month of August, the Milltown artist will be displaying his photos at the Library. Thier will hold a reception and answer questions about being a photographer on Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The photographer, who started out developing photos in makeshift kitchen and basement darkrooms, now enjoys scanning hard copy photos into his computer and working on them, much like an artist uses paints.
His photos have appeared in Israeli magazines and at the Milltown Public Library. His exhibit at the Highland Park Public Library features full panoramic shots from locations such as Yellowstone National Park as well as more intimate portraits of people and objects.

Fridays, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 and 8 3:00-4:30 PM.
All levels are welcome. Please register at (732) 572-2750, and indicate your level of play (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
Join fellow chess players for four weeks of tournament play. Local teen and chess master, Jack Yang, is back to lead the club. You'll learn strategies and how to use them against opponents. » More for Teens » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Stories, crafts, and songs during an evening story time recommended for families with children ages three through five. » More for Children

Help plan the second Annual Teen Film Festival for the end of the year. Talk about new films and expand our first successful film festival held in 2007. If you already make films or if you ever wanted to be a filmmaker, this is the group for you. » More for Teens

Offside. Iranian; 2007; 93 min. Directed by Jafar Panahi.
Part sports film, part feminist comedy. It is also a plea for women's rights in Iranian society.
FREE! Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.

Buggy crafts, games, and stories for children in grades kindergarten through second grade. Registration is required. » More for Children

Join the Friends and become an active member of the Library. The Friends will discuss details about an upcoming book sale and future events at the library.

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

Fridays, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 and 8. 3:00-4:30 PM.
All levels are welcome. Please register at (732) 572-2750, and indicate your level of play (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
Join fellow chess players for four weeks of tournament play. Local teen and chess master, Jack Yang, is back to lead the club. You'll learn strategies and how to use them against opponents. » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Meet award winning New Jersey mystery writers Jeff Cohen, author of It Happened One Knife, a humerous mystery from the Double Feature Series; Ken Isaacson, author of Silent Counsel, a courtroom mystery; and Chris Grabenstein, author of Whack a Mole a shore mystery from the John Ceepak Series.Book signings and refreshments follow the panel discussion.

NEW TEEN CLUB! "GREEN TEENS" will meet on Tuesdays, July 15 - July 29. 2:00-3:30 PM
Highland Park is a Green Community. We'll find out how and why and visit different sites around town to learn the inside story. The Green Teens will have their own service project at the HP Meadows where we'll learn how to transform a nature site. Watch ladybugs and butterflies transform up close (in containers) and how we all make a positive difference.
Written parental permission will be needed for site visits. » More for Teens

After the Wedding. Danish/Swedish/Hindi/English. 2006. 120 min. Directed by Suzanne Bier.
The Academy award nominated emotional drama concerns the secrets and lies that come to light when a desperate Indian orphanage manager travels to Denmark to secure funds from a mysterious, wealthy man.
FREE! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Buggy crafts, games, and stories for children in grades kindergarten through second grade. Registration is required. » More for Children

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

Location: Highland Park Senior Youth Building
Admission: $10. Tickets can be bought at the library in advance.
Recommended for families with children ages 8 and under.Mr. Ray, a children's rock singer will perform a benefit concert for the library. His music caters to the interests of his younger audience while delivering a performance that appeals to all ages. » More for Children

Fridays, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 3:00-4:30 PM.
All levels are welcome. Please register at (732) 572-2750, and indicate your level of play (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
Join fellow chess players for four weeks of tournament play. Local teen and chess master, Jack Yang, is back to lead the club. You'll learn strategies and how to use them against opponents. » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Stories, crafts and songs during an evening story time recommended for families with children ages three through five. » More for Children

Join us as we make props, practice, and perform plays for our youngest patrons. Participants must be able to perform on Thursday, July 24 at our Family Story Time. Registration is required. » More for Children

NEW TEEN CLUB! "GREEN TEENS" will meet on Tuesdays, July 15 - July 29. 2:00-3:30 PM
Highland Park is a Green Community. We'll find out how and why and visit different sites around town to learn the inside story. The Green Teens will have their own service project at the HP Meadows where we'll learn how to transform a nature site. Watch ladybugs and butterflies transform up close (in containers) and how we all make a positive difference.
Written parental permission will be needed for site visits. » More for Teens

My Best Friend. French; 2007; 94 min. Directed by Patrice Leconte.
An arrogant self-centered antique dealer with a fabulous life bets on a valuable Greek vase. He gets to keep it for free if he can prove that he has at least one true friend.
FREE! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Buggy crafts, games, and stories for children in grades from Kindergarten to second grade. Registration is required. » More for Children

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

Fridays, July 18, 25 and August 1, 3:00-4:30 PM. All levels are welcome. Please register at (732) 572-2750, and indicate your level of play (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Join fellow chess players for four weeks of tournament play. Local teen and chess master, Jack Yang, is back to lead the club. You\'ll learn strategies and how to use them against opponents. » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up. Kitty Jones will perform her one woman show that combines history, music, dance, and improvisation where audience members are cast right into the show. The delicate balance of the ecosystem is revealed by Mother Nature and her friends. Funding provided by Clean Communities. » More for Children

Join us as we make props, practice, and perform plays for our youngest patrons. Participants must be able to perform on Thursday, July 24 at our Family Story Time. Registration is required. » More for Children

NEW TEEN CLUB! "GREEN TEENS" will meet on Tuesdays, July 15 - July 29. 2:00-3:30 PM
Highland Park is a Green Community. We'll find out how and why and visit different sites around town to learn the inside story. The Green Teens will have their own service project at the HP Meadows where we'll learn how to transform a nature site. Watch ladybugs and butterflies transform up close (in containers) and how we all make a positive difference.
Written parental permission will be needed for site visits. » More for Teens

The Italian. Russian; 2007; 97 min. Director Andrei Kravchuk.
Based on a true story of a small Russian boy abandoned in a rundown orphanage who is adopted by an Italian family and eventually goes in search of his birth mother.

Buggy crafts, games, an stories for children grades kindergarten through second grade. Registration is required. » More for Children

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, sign up for teen programs and activities where we'll have fun exploring this summer's program theme: "metamorphosis". We'll meet most Monday nights July 14 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up. Jessica Ware and Debin Sun, graduate students in the Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, will talk about insects and touch on metamorphosis, camourflage, and mosquitoes. Live specimens will be shown. » More for Children

Join us as we make props, practice, and perform plays for our youngest patrons. Participants must be able to perform on Thursday, July 24 at our Family Story Time. Registration is required. » More for Children

Borough Artist Rebecca Sedehi, on her journeys, has exhibited as close as the B.Beamsderfer Gallery and as far away as Madrid, Spain, and Rome, Italy. From July 7 until the end of the month, her latest show, Let Us Meet Where We Began: Large Drawings and Paintings, will be at the library. Her art reception will be held Tuesday, July 8 from 6:00 -9:00 PM at the library.The artist, who has exhibited in New York, Massachusetts, and Europe, has a B.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design. Sedehi has also worked as a set designer, costume designer, bartender, art teacher, English teacher and Artist in Residence.
According to the artist, her work is influenced by her travels.
“Travel is an important component in the development of my paintings because it allows me to see new landscapes while providing a visual foundation on which memories can be constructed, stored, and repeatedly remembered and imagined,” said Sedehi. “Over time, details emerge causing these spaces to continuously transform, thus enabling me to explore and make sense of my own life experiences.”

At 3:00 PM, Teen Buddies meet with librarian Lucy Paras in the meeting room. Small Buddies wait in the Children's room at 3:15, where they will meet up with their Teen Buddies. The reading session starts at 3:30 and lasts for one hour. HAPPY READING!!
Note: Parents/guardians of the small buddies must remain in the library during the reading session. » More for Children » More for Teens

Join the Friends and become an active member of the Library. The Friends will discuss details about an upcoming book sale and future events at the library.

Book Buddies. At 2:00 PM, the Teens train for reading sessions. (Then a kick-off party at 3:00 PM, and first reading session at 3:30 PM). » More for Teens

At 3:00 PM, small Buddies and Teen Buddies meet each other at the kick-off party and learn what they can expect to do at Book Buddy reading sessions. Parents and siblings are invited to attend. The Buddy pairs start their first reading session together at 3:30 for one hour. » More for Children » More for Teens

Sign up for the summer reading club and get your reading club folder. Enjoy the kick-off party with Magician Mark Zacharia. Start your summer with a magical reading adventure. » More for Children

It's summer and there's more time for everything - including time to choose summer activities and enjoy reading for pleasure. At the kickoff meeting, we'll have fun and refreshments and sign up for teen programs and activities. This summer's Teen program theme is METAMORPHOSIS! We'll also enjoy Louis Wells - from George Street Playhouse, who is a local artist and teacher - and his improv comedy experience.
We'll meet most Monday nights July 7 to August 18 for discussion, games, contests, prizes and cool summer treats. You never know how much we can change, transform, and grow in a single summer. Join us! All teens welcome.
Also, please visit or call the Library to register for programs at (732) 572-2750. » More for Teens

Book Buddies one-hour reading sessions will begin on 6/26! Sign up now to get a Book Buddy and your t-shirt. » More for Children » More for Teens

Anyone in good health, weighing 110 pounds, and 18 years of age, and over can donate blood every eight weeks. By hosting a community blood drive, the library is trying to prevent a blood emergency in this area. Although blood donations drop during the summer due to vacations, the need for blood by patients does not. To donate call the library at 732-572-2750.

This is our wrap-up meeting before the Spring '08 issue! Bring your final submissions and your editing skills. Celebration snacks provided! » More for Teens

Teen Book Club.
Book to be determined, but snacks are definite. » More for Teens

Dr. Indrana Choudhury, who has had a career as a biomedical research scientist for 25 years in both India and the United States, began painting full time in 2005.
"I set up an easel in my guest room and returned to a childhood passion," Dr. Choudhury said. "Since then, my work has been developing in new technical and imaginative directions." This exhibition catalogues the three year creative journey of this self-taught artist. See paintings by this artist.

This is the first meeting where we share technology tips. Today we'll be recording podcasts. Bring your radio voice and get ready to create files that we'll link to the Internet. Got a technology tip? Bring it along. » More for Teens

Bring more art, fiction, poetry and other submissions to put together the Expresso Spring '08 issue! We always need new ideas, so bring a friend. Snacks provided! » More for Teens

Sometimes you just want to relax and have fun!
Join other teens for an afternoon of friendly competition.
Bring your favorite board game or play one of ours. We'll have chess, checkers, monopoly, scrabble and Nintendo. Come try it out! Snacks and drinks will be provided. » More for Teens

The featured poet is Jessica de Koninck. Refreshments and an open mike follow the reading.Jessica de Koninck published "Repairs," a collection of poems about loss and healing, by Finishing Line Press in 2006. It was a finalist in the Ledge 2005 poetry competition, a semifinalist in the 2005 Black River Chapbook Contest, and won Honorable Mention in the 2005 Juniper Tree Chapbook contest.
De Koninck is director of Legislative Services for the New Jersey Department of Education and a former two-term Montclair councilwoman.
Her poems have been published in "The Jewish Women's Literary Annual," "Edison Literary Review," "Exit 13," and "Bridges." They have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
Humankind is at risk from an alien insectoid "Bugger" race, and Ender's help is on the way. Action/science fiction with a plot that has something for everyone. According to IMDb, Orson Scott Card wrote the screenplay and the movie is in pre-production, so let's talk about the book now! P.S. Bring any O.S. Card book you've read, or any book you've read. We'll be talking new books! Baked snacks provided. » More for Teens

John Bianculli Trio with vocalist Jackie Jones perform a jazz concert to help raise funds for the library. Enjoy a program of jazz, Latin, Brazilian, rhythm and blues, and Afro-Cuban. Bianculli 's song "Bittersweet" made the Contemporary Jazz Charts top-ten list. Jackie Jones has opened for Lou Rawls and many others. Tickets are $15.Help support the library!

For more information, see John Bianculli's website.

Baritone Anton Belov, the State Theatre’s 2008 Bristol –Myers Squibb Artist in Residence, will perform a free concert. The Russian born singer has performed in major opera houses and concert halls across the United States.He has had the title role in Delaware Opera’s Don Giovanni, John Sorel in Menotti’s The Consul with Opera Boston and Chamber Opera of Chicago, Malatesta in Don Pasquale with Opera Providence, and Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro and Ping in Turndot with Opera New Jersey and in many other productions in major cities.
Belov was winner of the 2002 Young Concert Artists International Auditions that led to his performing over 40 recitals throughout the United States. He is on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, where he teaches voice, singer’s diction, chorus, opera workshop, and voice ensemble.
Belov graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and an Artist’s Diploma and Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School.

Highland Park Arts Commission presents long time Highland Park resident Eric Krebs, who will speak about the founding of the George Street Playhouse and his 40 year career as theatrical producer and professor of theater production.

Indian film, 2006, director Deepa Mehta, 117 min.
Set in the days of the British Raj, this film explores the plight of widows forced to live in poverty at a temple in a holy city.
Free! Sponsored by the Friends of the Highland Park Public Library. Films are shown in the Library meeting room.

Authors Talk for the Whole Family. "The Seems: The Glitch in Sleep".
Authors John Hulme and Michael Wexler.
When you read this new popular teen novel about Becker Drane who was recruited by a secret organization to help save the world, you will be surprised that it takes place in Highland Park. The authors grew up here, and let you in on some secret places in this fantasy book that empowers middle schoolers. The book will be made into a movie from their own screenplay!
Both live in the borough after graduating from the University of Michigan and Princeton University, respectively.
Pick up a copy of "The Seems" at the library and join us to meet and talk to the authors!

Highland Park Arts Commission presents Alfredo Franco, Curator of Education at the Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers University. He will present an illustrated overview of the Zimmerli's diverse collections, including Russian, Soviet, French and American Art. Franco will also discuss the Zimmerli's history and its wide array of public programs.

Nursery Rhyme Time
Wednesdays, April 2-May 7, 10:30 AM.
Rhymes, music and books for 12-24 months accompanied by an adult. » More for Children

FREE! Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.
Learn a range of digital photography tips, from selecting cameras to enhancing photo images on your computer to storing and protecting your hundreds (thousands?) of new picture files. Instructor and Highland Park photographer Bill Bonner has captured multitudes of Highland Park images. He'll teach how to use a digital camera to compose an image and your computer to digitally enhance each image. Register at the Library or call (732) 572-2750. » More on technology...

All teens are invited to meet and start putting together the art, announcements, fiction, poetry and more for the Spring '08 issue. Haven't submitted anything? We'll have easy ideas for you right there. Meeting snacks provided. » More for Teens

Nursery Rhyme Time
Wednesdays, April 2-May 7, 10:30 AM.
Rhymes, music and books for 12-24 months accompanied by an adult. » More for Children

TNT (Twos and Threes)
Tuesdays, April 1-29, 10:30 AM.
Crafts, stories and rhymes for two and three year olds accompanied by a parent. Registration is required. » More for Children

Book Break
Tuesdays, April 1-29, 1:30 PM.
Crafts, stories and games for ages 4-5. Registration is required. » More for Children

Highland Park Public Library will host author Bob Golon as he presents his newly released book, "No Minor Accomplishment: The Revival of New Jersey Professional Baseball."
Golon will give historical glimpses in the history of New Jersey baseball, from the first modern game in 1846 in Hoboken to the Trenton Thunder team today.
Join us to find out how the eight minor league and independent professional teams fit into the New Jersey sports landscape. A book signing and reception will follow the talk.

Nursery Rhyme Time
Wednesdays, April 2-May 7, 10:30 AM.
Rhymes, music and books for 12-24 months accompanied by an adult. » More for Children

TNT (Twos and Threes)
Tuesdays, April 1-29, 10:30 AM.
Crafts, stories and rhymes for two and three year olds accompanied by a parent. Registration is required. » More for Children

Book Break
Tuesdays, April 1-29, 1:30 PM.
Crafts, stories and games for ages 4-5. Registration is required. » More for Children

The featured poet is Daniel Zimmerman. Refreshments and an open mike follow the reading.Daniel Zimmerman, chairperson of the English Department at Middlesex County College, is author of the poetry collection "Post-Avant," published by Pavement Saw Press 2001, with an introduction by the poet Robert Creeley. Has he been editor of the single issue journals, "The Western Gate" and "Brittannia" and has served as associate editor of "Anonym," which first published Ezra Pound's last canto.
His work is included in the anthology "The Poets of New Jersey" and the journals Chain, Tinfish, Chelsea, New York Quarterly, Rubber Chicken and many others.

Expresso Planning Meeting. OOPS - it's Spring Break week, but we'll meet anyway. All writers and aspiring writers are welcome. For new writers we'll have a poetry writing exercise that results in a poem. We'll also start planning the next issue of Expresso. Pick up the new Winter '08 issue at the library or on the Teen webpage. » More for Teens

Join us for an hour of fun. Bring your favorite game to the library or play one of ours. Refreshments will be served. For children in grades 3-5. » More for Children

Jump into Spanish
Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 PM.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of dance, music and stories with Senora Jackie from "Salta". Salta is a Spanish enrichment program designed to enhance a child's love of learning a new language and take advantage of their innate ability to acquire multiple languages. Registration is required. Call the library at (732) 572-2750.

Nursery Rhyme Time
Wednesdays, April 2-May 7, 10:30 AM.
Rhymes, music and books for 12-24 months accompanied by an adult. » More for Children