What's Happening at MCLS: May 2025

Here are some of the events and programs from around the Mercer County Library System for the month of May. For a complete list of events at your local branch, visit the MCLS Events Calendar, and check out the flyers in this post!

Mental Health Awareness and Meditation Month

Breathe and give yourself permission to slow down. During May, our guided meditations offer easy on-ramps to stress relief and self-care, no prior experience needed. Join us virtually or in person and leave each session feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected. ​Also be sure to check out Headspace for guided meditations, breathing exercises, and everyday mental health tips along with our other health and wellness resources.

For Adults

Guided Meditation
Monday, May 5, 4:00 pm
Monday, May 19, 4:00 pm
Virtual Program

Guided Meditation and Sound Bowl Healing
Thursday, May 22, 6:30 pm
Robbinsville Branch

Mindfulness to Reduce Stress
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30 pm
Virtual Program

For Teens

Ever-Unfolding Flexagons with your own pen and ink design
Available all month long (while supplies last)
West Windsor Branch

Star Wars Day - May the 4^th

A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away… lightsabers were crafted, Padawans trained, and families cheered together at Jedi storytimes. From drop-in crafts to full Jedi Training academies, we have a little of everything, may the Fourth be with you!

For Kids

Lightsaber Drop-In Craft
Friday, May 2, 9:30am - 4:30 pm
Hollowbrook Branch

Star Wars Drop-In Craft
Friday, May 2, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lawrence Branch

Star Wars: Jedi Training
Saturday, May 3, 1:00 pm
Saturday, May 3, 2:00 pm
Saturday, May 3, 3:00 pm
West Windsor Branch

Star Wars Day and May the Fourth Be With You!
Sunday, May 4, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Ewing Branch

Lego Building Challenge: Sci-Fi Scene
Monday, May 12, 6:30 pm
West Windsor Branch

Mother’s Day

Celebrate every caregiver who makes life bloom. Whether you’re crafting a one-of-a-kind card, painting keepsake bottles, sharing a plant-and-paint afternoon, or savoring sweet treats and tea sandwiches, our Mother’s Day programs let you create heartfelt memories together.

Mother's Day Cards and Cookies
Saturday, May 3, 11:45 am
Hickory Corner Branch

Crafternoon: Make Mother's Day Cards
Monday, May 5, 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 6, 4:00 pm
Hopewell Branch

Mother's Day Card
Tuesday, May 6, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Ewing Branch

Mother's Day Bottle Painting
Tuesday, May 6, 4:30 pm
Hickory Corner Branch

Mother's Day Storytime
Thursday, May 8, 10:00 am
Robbinsville Branch

Mother's Day Storytime
Friday, May 9, 10:00 am
Hollowbrook Branch

Paint and Plant
Saturday, May 10, 2:00 pm
West Windsor Branch

Drop-in Mother's Day Craft
Sunday, May 11, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
West Windsor Branch

Mother's Day Coding Workshop
Sunday, May 11, 1:30 pm
West Windsor Branch

Movie Matinee: Brave
Sunday, May 11, 2:45 pm
West Windsor Branch

Mother's Day Musical Bouquet
Thursday, May 1, 6:00 pm
Lawrence Branch

Adult Craft: Teacup Pin Cushion
Tuesday, May 6, 2:30 pm
Hickory Corner Branch

Make a 3-D Pop-Up Card
Saturday, May 10, 10:30 am
Robbinsville Branch

No Cook: Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Tuesday, May 27, 2:30 pm
Hickory Corner Branch

Jewish-American Heritage Month

Discover the stories, voices, and artistry that have shaped Jewish life in America. This month’s book clubs, film screenings, and literature-inspired crafts spotlight resilience, humor, and cultural innovation, Bernard Malamud’s short fiction to the comic genius of Reiner & Brooks.

For Adults

Morning Book Club: The Librarian of Auschwitz
Monday, May 5, 10:00 am
Lawrence Branch

Film Screening A Real Pain (2024)
Wednesday, May 7, 2:00 pm
Lawrence Branch

The Short of It: Bernard Malamud
Wednesday, May 14, 2:00 pm
Hopewell Branch

Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks: The Grandmasters of American Comedy
Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm
Virtual Program

For Kids

Search and Discover: Jewish Heritage Month Edition
Available all month long
Hollowbrook Branch

Crafternoon: Giving Tree Craft inspired by Shel Silverstein
Monday, May 19, 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 20, 4:00 pm
Hopewell Branch

Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Journey across traditions that span continents and oceans. Learn about the art of forest bathing, savor a Huli Huli-inspired cooking demo, or let kids craft leis and dive into AANHPI storytimes. Each event honors the creativity, flavors, and perspectives that these communities bring to our shared American tapestry.

For Adults

Get Lit Book Club: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Thursday, May 1, 5:00 pm
Lawrence Branch

The Art of Forest Bathing: (Shinrin-yoku)
Thursday, May 1, 6:30 pm
Virtual Program

Exploring Vegetarian Cooking: Huli Huli Cauliflower Bites
Wednesday, May 13, 10:30 am
Hopewell Branch

For Kids

AANHPI Heritage Month Drop-in Crafts and Book Tasting
Sunday, May 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Lawrence Branch

Crafternoon: Make a Paper Lei
Monday, May 12, 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 13, 4:00 pm
Hopewell Branch

Hawaiian Bingo
Tuesday, May 13, 4:30 pm
Hickory Corner Branch

AANHPI Heritage Storytime
Thursday, May 15, 10:00 am
Hollowbrook Branch

Asian American Author Book Tasting
Tuesday, May 20, 4:30 pm
Hickory Corner Branch

PJ's & Popcorn: Lilo & Stitch
Tuesday, May 20, 5:30 pm
West Windsor Branch

-Dave, Information Technology