Hello Patrons of the Hackettstown Free Public Library!
The year continues to "march" on and we continue to have exciting things happening at the library.
Our Museum Passes have started to arrive and those are available for you to take out. Thanks to our Friends organization for funding those for this year! In addition, we are anxiously awaiting the opening of our new Makerspace items thanks to a grant from the Hackettstown Rotary. Please check our website to see when those will become available.
This month marks the 11th NJ Makers' Day, which we will be celebrating from March 20-22. We have events for kids, teens, and adults, so please take a look and register for some creative and engaging programs.
Also, "Spring Into Reading" begins on March 1 on Beanstack and runs until the end of April. Log your reading and related activities in order to win one of six prizes. You have to be in it to win it, so please register on Beanstack today!
As a member of the Main Library Alliance, we are transitioning to a new computer system (Koha) this month so, here are some things to be aware of:
No new holds are able to be placed until March 26 (this started on February 14)
We will need to be offline for a couple of days, so you will notice slight interruptions in service, but nothing major
You will likely be logged out of library service accounts and your PIN may change - keep an eye on our website for more details as the end of March nears
We will be running a contest to win a bag of library swag, including a small plush kiwi (the bird) to celebrate our switch to Koha. Everyone who signs up for a new library card in the month of March will be entered and a winner will be chosen at random!
Of course our calendar of events is full of amazing goings-on, so please take a look and register for anything that interests you.
Come and visit us soon! We can’t wait to see you!
Hello Patrons of the Hackettstown Free Public Library!
The year continues to "march" on and we continue to have exciting things happening at the library.
Our Museum Passes have started to arrive and those are available for you to take out. Thanks to our Friends organization for funding those for this year! In addition, we are anxiously awaiting the opening of our new Makerspace items thanks to a grant from the Hackettstown Rotary. Please check our website to see when those will become available.
This month marks the 11th NJ Makers' Day, which we will be celebrating from March 20-22. We have events for kids, teens, and adults, so please take a look and register for some creative and engaging programs.
Also, "Spring Into Reading" begins on March 1 on Beanstack and runs until the end of April. Log your reading and related activities in order to win one of six prizes. You have to be in it to win it, so please register on Beanstack today!
As a member of the Main Library Alliance, we are transitioning to a new computer system (Koha) this month so, here are some things to be aware of:
No new holds are able to be placed until March 26 (this started on February 14)
We will need to be offline for a couple of days, so you will notice slight interruptions in service, but nothing major
You will likely be logged out of library service accounts and your PIN may change - keep an eye on our website for more details as the end of March nears
We will be running a contest to win a bag of library swag, including a small plush kiwi (the bird) to celebrate our switch to Koha. Everyone who signs up for a new library card in the month of March will be entered and a winner will be chosen at random!
Of course our calendar of events is full of amazing goings-on, so please take a look and register for anything that interests you.
Come and visit us soon! We can’t wait to see you!
NEW AT THE LIBRARY
NEW AT THE LIBRARY
ADULT EVENTS
ADULT EVENTS
Egg Drop Competition
Do you think you can keep a plastic egg from opening up or breaking from a second-floor fall? Now’s your chance to prove you have what it takes!
Using simple supplies, take a half hour to see if you can construct a device to keep your egg intact after a fall. Contestants will be grouped by age and awards will be given for each winner. Please add your age when registering.
Do you think you can keep a plastic egg from opening up or breaking from a second-floor fall? Now’s your chance to prove you have what it takes!
Using simple supplies, take a half hour to see if you can construct a device to keep your egg intact after a fall. Contestants will be grouped by age and awards will be given for each winner. Please add your age when registering.
Did you know that only 51 percent of women are confident they are saving enough for retirement vs 68 percent of men? In addition women are more likely to deal with an aging parent or children’s schedules which can result in women accumulating less money for retirement. Please join us as Gerard Raho from Edward Jones discusses the unique financial situation many women find themselves in and the actionable steps you can take to help meet your financial goals.
Presented on ZOOM by the New Jersey State Library.
Did you know that only 51 percent of women are confident they are saving enough for retirement vs 68 percent of men? In addition women are more likely to deal with an aging parent or children’s schedules which can result in women accumulating less money for retirement. Please join us as Gerard Raho from Edward Jones discusses the unique financial situation many women find themselves in and the actionable steps you can take to help meet your financial goals.
Presented on ZOOM by the New Jersey State Library.
Collage art is a unique and relaxing way to make something new out of magazines and recycled materials.
Join Kara as she shows some examples of different types of collage, then holds a workshop for free form collage art. Come explore the world of collage and paper art. There’s no limits beyond your imagination and what you can create using paper and glue!
Collage art is a unique and relaxing way to make something new out of magazines and recycled materials.
Join Kara as she shows some examples of different types of collage, then holds a workshop for free form collage art. Come explore the world of collage and paper art. There’s no limits beyond your imagination and what you can create using paper and glue!
Blazing a Trail to Congress : Historic Firsts for Women
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join Carolyn Crouch, founder of Washington Walks, for an inspiring look at the women who achieved historic “firsts” in the U.S. Congress. Despite numerous obstacles, these trailblazers paved the way for future generations of female leaders. Explore the remarkable stories of women such as Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress; Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman considered for the presidency at a national convention; Patsy Takemoto Mink, co-author of Title IX legislation; and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. This session offers a unique perspective on the courage and conviction required to break through barriers and change the course of history.
This program is offered online for free from Road Scholar.
Blazing a Trail to Congress : Historic Firsts for Women
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join Carolyn Crouch, founder of Washington Walks, for an inspiring look at the women who achieved historic “firsts” in the U.S. Congress. Despite numerous obstacles, these trailblazers paved the way for future generations of female leaders. Explore the remarkable stories of women such as Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress; Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman considered for the presidency at a national convention; Patsy Takemoto Mink, co-author of Title IX legislation; and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. This session offers a unique perspective on the courage and conviction required to break through barriers and change the course of history.
This program is offered online for free from Road Scholar.
The Irish American Experience: Help Wanted…No Irish Need Apply
In the decade between 1845 and 1855, 1.8 million Irish people, mostly poor illiterate Gaelic-speaking Catholic farmers and laborers left Ireland for Eastern Canada and the United States. Most of these immigrants were forced to leave by “The Famine,” a period of unbelievable hardship between 1845 and 1849 caused by a five year long potato blight that destroyed the main subsistence crop of the poor farmers. They came to the United States…a country that “didn’t want them.” Jobs were scarce and many were forced into low-paying menial jobs in the mines and as servants.
For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad,
For all their wars are merry,
And all their songs are sad.
–G.K. Chesterton
This program is open to the public and will feature refreshments. It will be taking place at the Schenk Lodge at House of the Good Shepherd – 798 Willow Grove St., Hackettstown.
The Irish American Experience: Help Wanted…No Irish Need Apply
In the decade between 1845 and 1855, 1.8 million Irish people, mostly poor illiterate Gaelic-speaking Catholic farmers and laborers left Ireland for Eastern Canada and the United States. Most of these immigrants were forced to leave by “The Famine,” a period of unbelievable hardship between 1845 and 1849 caused by a five year long potato blight that destroyed the main subsistence crop of the poor farmers. They came to the United States…a country that “didn’t want them.” Jobs were scarce and many were forced into low-paying menial jobs in the mines and as servants.
For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad,
For all their wars are merry,
And all their songs are sad.
–G.K. Chesterton
This program is open to the public and will feature refreshments. It will be taking place at the Schenk Lodge at House of the Good Shepherd – 798 Willow Grove St., Hackettstown.
Spend some time on a Friday morning and enjoy a friendly hour of bingo with other fans of the game. Winners will earn the respect of their peers and a small, nominal prize.
Spend some time on a Friday morning and enjoy a friendly hour of bingo with other fans of the game. Winners will earn the respect of their peers and a small, nominal prize.
Are you looking for a place to have fun and meet new friends while keeping your mind sharp or improving your English skills? Come to the Scrabble Club! It’s the original “Words with Friends!”
Play the board game Scrabble with others and enjoy a morning at the library. Even if you have never played the game before (or not in a long time), we will teach you.
Are you looking for a place to have fun and meet new friends while keeping your mind sharp or improving your English skills? Come to the Scrabble Club! It’s the original “Words with Friends!”
Play the board game Scrabble with others and enjoy a morning at the library. Even if you have never played the game before (or not in a long time), we will teach you.
Join us for a meeting of lively discussion at the library. Each month’s book selection is determined at the previous meeting. Info will be updated when the book is chosen.
This month’s book selection is ‘Becoming Madam Secretary’ by Stephanie Dray. Please register online.
Join us for a meeting of lively discussion at the library. Each month’s book selection is determined at the previous meeting. Info will be updated when the book is chosen.
This month’s book selection is ‘Becoming Madam Secretary’ by Stephanie Dray. Please register online.
The important role that women have played in our history is still being uncovered, especially their selfless contributions to our war efforts in which they were prevented from serving in combat. World War II saw an unprecedented mobilization of women who supported the war in traditional and novel ways, breaking many societal barriers; this was particularly true for women in New Jersey. In celebration of Women’s History Month, please join us as Dr. Patricia Chappine examines the critical role the women of New Jersey played as they stepped into newly formed military branches and entered the labor force in areas never before opened to them.
The important role that women have played in our history is still being uncovered, especially their selfless contributions to our war efforts in which they were prevented from serving in combat. World War II saw an unprecedented mobilization of women who supported the war in traditional and novel ways, breaking many societal barriers; this was particularly true for women in New Jersey. In celebration of Women’s History Month, please join us as Dr. Patricia Chappine examines the critical role the women of New Jersey played as they stepped into newly formed military branches and entered the labor force in areas never before opened to them.
At the Language Exchange Cafe, native English speakers and native Spanish speakers get together to learn each other’s language and have some coffee. It is a fun, immersive, interactive way to build your second language skills.
No registration necessary – just show up and have a good time!
This program is sponsored by PEACENJ.
¿Quieres aprender inglés?
En “Language Exchange Cafe”, los hablantes nativos de inglés y los hablantes nativos de español se reúnen para aprender el idioma del otro y tomar un cafecito. Es una forma divertida, inmersiva e interactiva de desarrollar sus habilidades en un segundo idioma.
No necesita registrarse, ¡Solamente preséntese y diviértase!
At the Language Exchange Cafe, native English speakers and native Spanish speakers get together to learn each other’s language and have some coffee. It is a fun, immersive, interactive way to build your second language skills.
No registration necessary – just show up and have a good time!
This program is sponsored by PEACENJ.
¿Quieres aprender inglés?
En “Language Exchange Cafe”, los hablantes nativos de inglés y los hablantes nativos de español se reúnen para aprender el idioma del otro y tomar un cafecito. Es una forma divertida, inmersiva e interactiva de desarrollar sus habilidades en un segundo idioma.
No necesita registrarse, ¡Solamente preséntese y diviértase!
Join Hackettstown resident Bill Wisch for an intimate, magical presentation designed to be entertaining, educational, and extreme fun for anybody with an inquisitive imagination. It’s not just another ‘magic show’ because it highlights spectacular insights into the amazing world of sleight of hand magic and includes unique stories from his full-time career representing his mentor, the greatest sleight of hand artist of the 20th century, Tony Slydini.
This program is designed primarily for adults and teens.
Join Hackettstown resident Bill Wisch for an intimate, magical presentation designed to be entertaining, educational, and extreme fun for anybody with an inquisitive imagination. It’s not just another ‘magic show’ because it highlights spectacular insights into the amazing world of sleight of hand magic and includes unique stories from his full-time career representing his mentor, the greatest sleight of hand artist of the 20th century, Tony Slydini.
This program is designed primarily for adults and teens.
Successfully Navigating College Admissions in 2025
We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families of juniors, sophomores and freshmen understand the college admissions process and how to successfully navigate the recent changes.
We will discuss current college admissions trends, admissions strategies, the changing test-optional environment, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find schools that can be a good fit for your child, a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to make the remainder of the school year productive and help reduce the stress around the college admissions process.
We’ll examine the holistic admissions review process, what admissions officers consider important when they review applicants, and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission.
We will also discuss the importance of community service, how it can provide an opportunity for meaningful experiences, personal growth and a way to showcase a student’s character. Admissions officers place great emphasis on a student’s character and how the student has been able to give back and help others.
This program is recommended for parents and their high school teens and is a detailed and strategic overview of what students should focus on for a successful college admissions process.
Successfully Navigating College Admissions in 2025
We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families of juniors, sophomores and freshmen understand the college admissions process and how to successfully navigate the recent changes.
We will discuss current college admissions trends, admissions strategies, the changing test-optional environment, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find schools that can be a good fit for your child, a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to make the remainder of the school year productive and help reduce the stress around the college admissions process.
We’ll examine the holistic admissions review process, what admissions officers consider important when they review applicants, and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission.
We will also discuss the importance of community service, how it can provide an opportunity for meaningful experiences, personal growth and a way to showcase a student’s character. Admissions officers place great emphasis on a student’s character and how the student has been able to give back and help others.
This program is recommended for parents and their high school teens and is a detailed and strategic overview of what students should focus on for a successful college admissions process.
The Battles of Rappahannock Station and Kelly’s Ford, November 7, 1863
Contrary to popular belief, the Eastern Theater during the late summer and fall of 1863 was anything but inconsequential. In September 1863 the post-Gettysburg stalemate between Lee and Meade dissolved as each transferred parts of their armies to the battlegrounds around Chattanooga. Lee’s early October offensive drove Meade backwards 46 miles toward Washington, but came to grief at Bristoe Station in a bloody clash with Meade’s rearguard. Unable to supply his troops so far north, Lee pulled back to Culpeper County, destroying the Orange & Alexandria railroad as he withdrew to slow the Union pursuit.
As the Army of the Potomac inched forward, Lee undertook a bold strategy to hold the Rappahannock line and lure Meade into a deadly trap. Pressured by Washington to fight but denied strategic flexibility, Meade launched a risky offensive to force his way over the river and bring on a decisive battle. That effort saw the Federals win a handy victory at Kelly’s Ford and a stunning triumph at Rappahannock Station—where they destroyed two entire Confederate brigades. Newly uncovered evidence shatters many of the myths surrounding Rappahannock Station, making it possible to reveal how the fight actually unfolded, the real reason for Confederate defeat, how close Lee came to winning, and why Meade failed to exploit his unexpected victory despite gaining, however briefly, the upper hand in his deadly duel with Lee.
The Battles of Rappahannock Station and Kelly’s Ford, November 7, 1863
Contrary to popular belief, the Eastern Theater during the late summer and fall of 1863 was anything but inconsequential. In September 1863 the post-Gettysburg stalemate between Lee and Meade dissolved as each transferred parts of their armies to the battlegrounds around Chattanooga. Lee’s early October offensive drove Meade backwards 46 miles toward Washington, but came to grief at Bristoe Station in a bloody clash with Meade’s rearguard. Unable to supply his troops so far north, Lee pulled back to Culpeper County, destroying the Orange & Alexandria railroad as he withdrew to slow the Union pursuit.
As the Army of the Potomac inched forward, Lee undertook a bold strategy to hold the Rappahannock line and lure Meade into a deadly trap. Pressured by Washington to fight but denied strategic flexibility, Meade launched a risky offensive to force his way over the river and bring on a decisive battle. That effort saw the Federals win a handy victory at Kelly’s Ford and a stunning triumph at Rappahannock Station—where they destroyed two entire Confederate brigades. Newly uncovered evidence shatters many of the myths surrounding Rappahannock Station, making it possible to reveal how the fight actually unfolded, the real reason for Confederate defeat, how close Lee came to winning, and why Meade failed to exploit his unexpected victory despite gaining, however briefly, the upper hand in his deadly duel with Lee.
Tweens and Teens! Join us at the library for NJ Makerspace by making leprechaun traps! Friday March 21st @ 3:30pm. Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.
Tweens and Teens! Join us at the library for NJ Makerspace by making leprechaun traps! Friday March 21st @ 3:30pm. Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.
Tweens and Teens! Join us for a night of snacks and a movie! We will be watching Now You See Me (PG-13). Wednesday March 12th at 4:30pm. Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.
Tweens and Teens! Join us for a night of snacks and a movie! We will be watching Now You See Me (PG-13). Wednesday March 12th at 4:30pm. Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.
