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Hello Patrons of the Hackettstown Free Public Library!

We are in the second month of 2025 already and we have some events we know you will love. There will be a teen valentine card craft on the 12th. Local author Eric Matluck will be here on the 22nd to talk about his new book and sign copies. Amanda from Aries Moon Crystals will be coming on the 26th for an informational tarot program. We are also starting a new monthly bingo session on the 21st, so if you feel lucky, come and join in!

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!

We are in the second month of 2025 already and we have some events we know you will love. There will be a teen valentine card craft on the 12th. Local author Eric Matluck will be here on the 22nd to talk about his new book and sign copies. Amanda from Aries Moon Crystals will be coming on the 26th for an informational tarot program. We are also starting a new monthly bingo session on the 21st, so if you feel lucky, come and join in!

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

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ADULT EVENTS

ADULT EVENTS

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Space Station Murder Mystery

Join A Group of Daring Detectives to Reveal the Killer of Our Space Station’s Honorable Captain!

Please wear your most comfortable Science-Fiction-Space-Travel-Detective-Adventurer clothing to this Murder Mystery Extravaganza! Consult your local library staff for suggestions, as well as the info sheet that you will receive via email after registering for the event.

Please be advised that you will receive a reminder email 3 days before the event. YOU MUST RSVP, even if you have already registered. If you fail to RSVP within 48 hours of receiving the reminder, your place in the game will be considered forfeit and may be passed on to the next interested attendee. If you know you will not be able to attend, kindly let the library know as soon as possible.

Learn More >>

Space Station Murder Mystery

Join A Group of Daring Detectives to Reveal the Killer of Our Space Station’s Honorable Captain!

Please wear your most comfortable Science-Fiction-Space-Travel-Detective-Adventurer clothing to this Murder Mystery Extravaganza! Consult your local library staff for suggestions, as well as the info sheet that you will receive via email after registering for the event.

Please be advised that you will receive a reminder email 3 days before the event. YOU MUST RSVP, even if you have already registered. If you fail to RSVP within 48 hours of receiving the reminder, your place in the game will be considered forfeit and may be passed on to the next interested attendee. If you know you will not be able to attend, kindly let the library know as soon as possible.

Learn More >>

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Galaxy Bingo

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.

Learn More >>

Galaxy Bingo

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.

Learn More >>

The History and Intuition of Tarot Part 2

Join Amanda from Aries Moon Crystals to learn more about the history of tarot and divination. Amanda views tarot from an intuitive approach.

In this session she will focus on the major arcana.

Feel free to bring your own tarot deck as you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the cards.

You do not have to have attended part 1 to attend.

Learn More>>

The History and Intuition of Tarot Part 2

Join Amanda from Aries Moon Crystals to learn more about the history of tarot and divination. Amanda views tarot from an intuitive approach.

In this session she will focus on the major arcana.

Feel free to bring your own tarot deck as you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the cards.

You do not have to have attended part 1 to attend.

Learn More>>

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Eric Matluck Author Talk & Book Signing

Hackettstown author Eric Matluck will be here to discuss and sell copies of his book What’s In Hope’s Back Pocket.

Come and support a local author! This will be an in-person hybrid event with ZOOM details sent out to registrants on the day of.

Book synopsis: From the scream of a defeated woman to the cries of a terrified world, Eskander Mora experiences more in his life than he’s comfortable with. The only thing is, he believes he made it all up by himself. That everything around him exists only in his imagination. But if that’s true, what happens when Eskander dies? Does the world go on without him, as it always has after everybody else’s death, or does it suddenly disappear? What’s In Hope’s Back Pocket tells the life story of an ordinary man who’s just one of us, unless, as he believes, he’s really all of us.

Learn More>>

Eric Matluck Author Talk & Book Signing

Hackettstown author Eric Matluck will be here to discuss and sell copies of his book What’s In Hope’s Back Pocket.

Come and support a local author! This will be an in-person hybrid event with ZOOM details sent out to registrants on the day of.

Book synopsis: From the scream of a defeated woman to the cries of a terrified world, Eskander Mora experiences more in his life than he’s comfortable with. The only thing is, he believes he made it all up by himself. That everything around him exists only in his imagination. But if that’s true, what happens when Eskander dies? Does the world go on without him, as it always has after everybody else’s death, or does it suddenly disappear? What’s In Hope’s Back Pocket tells the life story of an ordinary man who’s just one of us, unless, as he believes, he’s really all of us.

Learn More>>

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The City Game

Dr. Lubrecht, during the years when teaching jobs were scarce and more available to subject teachers who coached, started his teaching English and coaching basketball in a small private school in New York. He was part of the “City Game” of great players who moved on to the National Basketball Association (NBA). Lubrecht learned basketball in a church gym in Manhattan, announced All Star High School Tournaments with players like Calvin Murphy, Tiny Archibald, and many other future all-stars and pros. However, there were players who became legendary stars of the street game: Herman Helicopter Knowings; Willy Kirkland; “Funny” Kitt; Joe Hammond; Earl “Goat” Manigault and scores more. They need to be remembered in the light of their time and for their influence on the modern game. This presentation will focus on the memories of what some view as the golden age of basketball.

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.

This program is presented in-person and on ZOOM.

Learn More >>

 

The City Game

Dr. Lubrecht, during the years when teaching jobs were scarce and more available to subject teachers who coached, started his teaching English and coaching basketball in a small private school in New York. He was part of the “City Game” of great players who moved on to the National Basketball Association (NBA). Lubrecht learned basketball in a church gym in Manhattan, announced All Star High School Tournaments with players like Calvin Murphy, Tiny Archibald, and many other future all-stars and pros. However, there were players who became legendary stars of the street game: Herman Helicopter Knowings; Willy Kirkland; “Funny” Kitt; Joe Hammond; Earl “Goat” Manigault and scores more. They need to be remembered in the light of their time and for their influence on the modern game. This presentation will focus on the memories of what some view as the golden age of basketball.

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.

This program is presented in-person and on ZOOM.

Learn More >>

 

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The Visions of Our Founding Fathers

Long after the Revolutionary era, John Adams asked, “What do we mean by the American Revolution?” He said, “the Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people,” that the real Revolution was a radical change in thinking — “the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people.” In honor of Presidents’ Day, join Louis Masur, esteemed author and professor, for an engaging exploration of the ideas of such leaders as Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison and Washington, and how their visions collided and converged during the pivotal years of 1770-1800.

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The Visions of Our Founding Fathers

Long after the Revolutionary era, John Adams asked, “What do we mean by the American Revolution?” He said, “the Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people,” that the real Revolution was a radical change in thinking — “the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people.” In honor of Presidents’ Day, join Louis Masur, esteemed author and professor, for an engaging exploration of the ideas of such leaders as Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison and Washington, and how their visions collided and converged during the pivotal years of 1770-1800.

Learn More >>

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Women’s Health: Menopause and Gynecological Cancers

Join us for our Women’s Health session with Dr. Kathleen Bornhoeft, DNP, APN-C, and Dr. Mona Saleh, MD, to demystify Peri-/Post-menopausal care and gynecological cancers. Our speakers will cover common issues that arise from perimenopause and the menopause transition and provide an overview of the symptoms and treatment options for the most prevalent gynecological cancers — including uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. This webinar will cover preventative strategies and lifestyle changes to help you keep ahead and make informed decisions about your personal health.

Learn More >>

 

Women’s Health: Menopause and Gynecological Cancers

Join us for our Women’s Health session with Dr. Kathleen Bornhoeft, DNP, APN-C, and Dr. Mona Saleh, MD, to demystify Peri-/Post-menopausal care and gynecological cancers. Our speakers will cover common issues that arise from perimenopause and the menopause transition and provide an overview of the symptoms and treatment options for the most prevalent gynecological cancers — including uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. This webinar will cover preventative strategies and lifestyle changes to help you keep ahead and make informed decisions about your personal health.

Learn More >>

 

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Scrabble Club

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.

This program is intended for adults.

Learn More >>

Scrabble Club

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.

This program is intended for adults.

Learn More >>

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Evening Book Club

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 will be ‘Every Summer After’ by Carley Fortune. Please register online.

Learn More >>

Evening Book Club

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 will be ‘Every Summer After’ by Carley Fortune. Please register online.

Learn More >>

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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.

Learn More >>

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.

Learn More >>

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Language Exchange Cafe

Looking to learn Spanish with native speakers?

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!
Este programa es patrocinado por PEACENJ
Learn More >>

Language Exchange Cafe

Looking to learn Spanish with native speakers?

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!
Este programa es patrocinado por PEACENJ
Learn More >>

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Movie Night: What a Girl Wants

Enjoy some girl power fun during a viewing of the 2003 film, “What a Girl Wants” starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, and Kelly Preston.

Synopsis: On a whim, American teenager Daphne boards a plane to England to find the father she never met. Upon arriving there, though, she makes a startling discovery: The man she’s looking for is Lord Henry Dashwood, a member of the British upper class, who is running for political office. Lord Henry didn’t know Daphne existed, but he welcomes her into his life. However, she isn’t so sure — and his family and his current betrothed look on her disapprovingly.

Popcorn and water will be available for snacking!

Learn More>>

Movie Night: What a Girl Wants

Enjoy some girl power fun during a viewing of the 2003 film, “What a Girl Wants” starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, and Kelly Preston.

Synopsis: On a whim, American teenager Daphne boards a plane to England to find the father she never met. Upon arriving there, though, she makes a startling discovery: The man she’s looking for is Lord Henry Dashwood, a member of the British upper class, who is running for political office. Lord Henry didn’t know Daphne existed, but he welcomes her into his life. However, she isn’t so sure — and his family and his current betrothed look on her disapprovingly.

Popcorn and water will be available for snacking!

Learn More>>

Adult Coloring Hour

Come join others looking for fun or serenity and choose a design or picture you’d like to color using crayons or colored pencils.

No need to register, just drop in!

This program is for adults and teens 16+

Learn More>>

Adult Coloring Hour

Come join others looking for fun or serenity and choose a design or picture you’d like to color using crayons or colored pencils.

No need to register, just drop in!

This program is for adults and teens 16+

Learn More>>

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The Georgia of the North: Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement in New Jersey

As a northern state, New Jersey and its role in African Americans’ struggles for civil rights is often overlooked or disregarded in favor of the narratives coming from southern states. However, the history of the early Black freedom struggle in New Jersey is predicated on the argument that the Civil Rights Movement began in New Jersey, contrary to popular thought. Central to this struggle was the critical role played by Black women in forging interracial, cross-class, and cross-gender alliances at the local and national level and their role in securing the passage of progressive civil rights legislation in the Garden State. In celebration of Black History Month, please join us as Dr. Hettie Williams tells this story and highlights the accomplishments of Black women in New Jersey that paved the way for the gains during the Civil Rights Movement.

Learn More>>

The Georgia of the North: Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement in New Jersey

As a northern state, New Jersey and its role in African Americans’ struggles for civil rights is often overlooked or disregarded in favor of the narratives coming from southern states. However, the history of the early Black freedom struggle in New Jersey is predicated on the argument that the Civil Rights Movement began in New Jersey, contrary to popular thought. Central to this struggle was the critical role played by Black women in forging interracial, cross-class, and cross-gender alliances at the local and national level and their role in securing the passage of progressive civil rights legislation in the Garden State. In celebration of Black History Month, please join us as Dr. Hettie Williams tells this story and highlights the accomplishments of Black women in New Jersey that paved the way for the gains during the Civil Rights Movement.

Learn More>>

Scams and Frauds for Seniors

Seniors are a growing population in the United States and becoming an increasing target for scammers and fraudster at an alarming rate. In fact, according to the FBI, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Please join us as Sergeant Michael Rosati from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit highlights the alarming rise in fraud and healthcare schemes targeting older adults. Sgt. Rosati will thoroughly explore the various types of scams criminals are currently using to exploit seniors, providing detailed insights into how these deceptive tactics work. Additionally, the presentation will offer practical advice and strategies to help seniors safeguard both their finances and personal information, empowering them with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

Learn More>>

Scams and Frauds for Seniors

Seniors are a growing population in the United States and becoming an increasing target for scammers and fraudster at an alarming rate. In fact, according to the FBI, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Please join us as Sergeant Michael Rosati from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit highlights the alarming rise in fraud and healthcare schemes targeting older adults. Sgt. Rosati will thoroughly explore the various types of scams criminals are currently using to exploit seniors, providing detailed insights into how these deceptive tactics work. Additionally, the presentation will offer practical advice and strategies to help seniors safeguard both their finances and personal information, empowering them with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

Learn More>>

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The Bristoe Station Campaign : Gen. Meade and Gen. Lee

This lecture series continues with the chain of battles after the Battle of Gettysburg between Gen. George Meade and Gen. Robert E. Lee before the start of Grant’s Overland Campaign.

Gen. Robert E. Lee launched a daring offensive against Maj. Gen. George Meade’s Army of the Potomac, located inside a treacherous sideways ‘V’ created by the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers. What followed was a fast based campaign of maneuver as Lee sought to land a crippling blow on his opponent, while Meade strove to avoid the thrust by rapidly withdrawing toward Centreville. For a week the two armies engaged in a race, with violent cavalry actions taking place almost daily as Lee tried to head off Meade’s infantry before it slipped beyond his reach. The campaign climaxed in a bloody rearguard action a place called Bristoe Station.

Learn More>>

The Bristoe Station Campaign : Gen. Meade and Gen. Lee

This lecture series continues with the chain of battles after the Battle of Gettysburg between Gen. George Meade and Gen. Robert E. Lee before the start of Grant’s Overland Campaign.

Gen. Robert E. Lee launched a daring offensive against Maj. Gen. George Meade’s Army of the Potomac, located inside a treacherous sideways ‘V’ created by the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers. What followed was a fast based campaign of maneuver as Lee sought to land a crippling blow on his opponent, while Meade strove to avoid the thrust by rapidly withdrawing toward Centreville. For a week the two armies engaged in a race, with violent cavalry actions taking place almost daily as Lee tried to head off Meade’s infantry before it slipped beyond his reach. The campaign climaxed in a bloody rearguard action a place called Bristoe Station.

Learn More>>

TEEN EVENTS

TEEN EVENTS

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Teen Craft Night: Valentine’s Day Cards

Teens and Tweens! Stop by the library and make some Valentine’s Day cards! Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.

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Teen Craft Night: Valentine’s Day Cards

Teens and Tweens! Stop by the library and make some Valentine’s Day cards! Open to ages 9-18. Please register online.

Learn More >>

Teen Book Club
Teens! Join us for an afternoon of lively discussions! This months book club book is Love and Olives by Jenna Evans Welch. Teen Book Club will be held every second Friday of the month. Please register online.

Learn More >>

Teen Book Club
Teens! Join us for an afternoon of lively discussions! This months book club book is Love and Olives by Jenna Evans Welch. Teen Book Club will be held every second Friday of the month. Please register online.

Learn More >>

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Anime Club: Teens

Teens! Stop by the library to watch your favorite anime, discover a new series, or connect with new friends! Open to ages 12-15.

Learn More >>

 

Anime Club: Teens

Teens! Stop by the library to watch your favorite anime, discover a new series, or connect with new friends! Open to ages 12-15.

Learn More >>

 

CHILDREN EVENTS

CHILDREN EVENTS

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Cut N’ Paste: Kids’ Scrapbooking

Join us for our monthly kids’ scrapbooking program!

Bring in your own photos, or use some of ours! Supplies will be provided.

Please register; space is limited.

Learn More>>

Cut N’ Paste: Kids’ Scrapbooking

Join us for our monthly kids’ scrapbooking program!

Bring in your own photos, or use some of ours! Supplies will be provided.

Please register; space is limited.

Learn More>>

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Get into S.T.E.A.M.

Let’s strengthen your science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math skills once a month! Your child will be able to participate in an engaging engineering activity to test their S.T.E.A.M. skills.

 

For ages 5 and over. Please register each child separately.

Learn More >>

 

S.T.E.A.M. for ages 5 and under will not be held in February due to the holiday schedule. 

Get into S.T.E.A.M.

Let’s strengthen your science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math skills once a month! Your child will be able to participate in an engaging engineering activity to test their S.T.E.A.M. skills.

 

For ages 5 and over. Please register each child separately.

Learn More >>

 

S.T.E.A.M. for ages 5 and under will not be held in February due to the holiday schedule. 

 LEGO Club

Come join us for LEGO Club twice a month! Each session will have a different theme and/or challenge to complete with your friends.

For ages 5 and up.

Please register each child separately, space is limited.

Learn More >>

 

 LEGO Club

Come join us for LEGO Club twice a month! Each session will have a different theme and/or challenge to complete with your friends.

For ages 5 and up.

Please register each child separately, space is limited.

Learn More >>

 

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Story Craft Club

Join us one Saturday a month for a super creative craft-focused story time! Every First Saturday of the Month @11am.

Open to children of all ages!

Please register; space is limited!

Learn More >>

Story Craft Club

Join us one Saturday a month for a super creative craft-focused story time! Every First Saturday of the Month @11am.

Open to children of all ages!

Please register; space is limited!

Learn More >>

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Wednesday Story Time

Join Ms. Rebecca in a fun-filled story time with an exciting new theme every week!

Open to children ages 1-5.

Please register for only one time slot.

Learn More >>

Wednesday Story Time

Join Ms. Rebecca in a fun-filled story time with an exciting new theme every week!

Open to children ages 1-5.

Please register for only one time slot.

Learn More >>

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Starry Story Time
Join us every other Thursday for an evening of story time fun with Miss Rebecca! There will be songs, crafts, and of course, super awesome stories!

Please register each child separately, as space is limited

Learn More >>

Starry Story Time
Join us every other Thursday for an evening of story time fun with Miss Rebecca! There will be songs, crafts, and of course, super awesome stories!

Please register each child separately, as space is limited

Learn More >>

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