Celebrating America250: 20th Century Women Songwriters & Singers Concert
Date: Thursday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m.
Vocalist Ellen LaFurn, with Bob McHugh on piano and Ron Naspo on bass, presents music and storytelling honoring women songwriters and singers including Carole King, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand. Register in advance; space is limited.
Mountainside Book Club
Date: Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Friday Afternoon Movies
Date: Fridays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1 p.m.
See the library website for film information. The Oct. 23 showing includes a film discussion. Registration is not required.
Family Storytime
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.
For children ages 0–5. Features stories and songs. Online registration is required.
Stories and Songs
Date: Mondays, Oct. 5 and 19, 4 p.m.
For ages 3–6. Longer stories, song and dance, and simple instruments. Children must be accompanied by a grownup. Registration is required.
Creature Comfort: Read to a Therapy Animal
Date: Monday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Readers and families can build reading confidence by reading to a therapy animal. Adults must accompany children under 7. Registration reserves a 12-minute time slot; Youth Services Librarian Becca will provide time slots.
Toddler Tales
Date: Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.
For children ages 18 months–3 years. Features stories and songs. Children must be accompanied by a grownup. Registration is not required.
Assisted Living 101: Educational Seminar
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m.
An informational, no-pressure presentation on assisted living, who may benefit, services, typical costs and payment options. Advance registration is required; space is limited.
Baby Bounce Storytime
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9:45 a.m.
For ages 0–18 months. Includes approximately 25 minutes of structured stories and activities, followed by 30 minutes of bonding time for babies and caregivers.
Mah Jongg Open Play
Date: Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, noon–3 p.m.
American Mah Jongg open play. Players should have a working knowledge of the game and bring their own 2026 card; the library provides sets. Registration is not required.
Amazing Eskies
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m.
For ages 5 and up. Learn how smart and capable dogs are. Online registration is required.
Celebrating America250: Weird NJ – In and Around Union County
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.
Mark Moran, co-publisher of Weird N.J. magazine, presents local legends, folklore, ghosts and unexplained phenomena from Union County and beyond. Registration is required; seating is limited.
New Year, New You: Steeped in Tradition—Tea, History & a Touch of Magic
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.
Kate Walters of the Sweet Tease Tea Room in Belmar leads a program on tea's history, health benefits and folklore, including a guided tasting of at least four teas paired with small treats. Registration is required; seating is limited.
Traditional Block Printing with Meerahi
Date: Oct. 17
For ages 3–7. Learn about block printing and create cards or paintings with hand-carved wooden blocks. Adult supervision is required. Registration opens Sept. 23.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey: Story Time and Craft
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3:30 p.m.
For ages 3–9. Enjoy story time and a craft with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Adult supervision is required for children 7 and under; only children should be registered. Registration opens Sept. 29.
Escape Room: The Missing Librarian
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m.
Middle-school students can solve a missing-librarian mystery in an escape-room-style activity. Costumes are welcome, and nut-free Halloween treats will be offered. Registration is requested because of roof construction; supervision ends at 5:30 p.m.
Story Explorers
Date: Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m.
For pre-K children. Read a story and take part in an accompanying craft, game or activity. Registration is required and attendees must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids' October Craft
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m.
For ages 4 and up. Registration is required for children only; caregiver supervision is required. Registration opens Oct. 7.
Drop-In Craft for Kids
Date: Every Friday while supplies last.
Crafts may be taken home or completed at the library; scissors, glue and coloring implements are available.