Events Calendar

Storytime (Ages 0-5)

Join us every Tuesday at 10:30 AM for Storytime. This program is designed for children ages 0–5 and features fun, engaging stories to spark a love of reading.

All children must be accompanied by a grownup. Please register children only in advance, as space is limited.

Virtual Author Talk with Charles Duhigg

Get yourself primed for the holiday season and join us for an online conversation you won't want to miss! Charles Duhigg, author of the bestselling books The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, presents the ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone at work, home, and in life in his latest work, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. 

In this groundbreaking book, Duhigg unravels the secrets of the supercommunicators to reveal the art - and the science - of successful communication. He unpicks the different types of everyday conversation and pinpoints why some go smoothly while others swiftly fall apart. He reveals the conversational questions and gambits that bring people together. And he shows how even the most tricky of encounters can be turned around. In the process, he shows why a CIA operative was able to win over a reluctant spy, how a member of a jury got his fellow jurors to view an open-and-shut case differently, and what a doctor found they needed to do to engage with a vaccine skeptic.

Above all, he reveals the techniques we can all master to successfully connect with others, however tricky the circumstances. Packed with fascinating case studies and drawing on cutting-edge research, this book will change the way you think about what you say, and how you say it.

Register now to take part in the online discussion, learn how to enhance your everyday conversations, and add a new title to the holiday wishlist!

About the Author: Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist and the author of Supercommunicators, The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale University, he is a winner of the National Academies of Sciences, National Journalism, and George Polk awards. He writes for The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine, and was the founding host of the Slate podcast How To! with Charles Duhigg.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Mountainside Free Public Library.

When you register, you will receive an email with the link to the live feed. You may also watch past recordings at any time.

https://libraryc.org/mountainsidelibrary

Mah Jongg Open Play

Come play American Mah Jongg.  Bring friends or come yourself and find new partners.  Instruction is not provided so you must have a working knowledge of the game.  We provide the sets but bring your own 2025 card.

Registration not required.

Create & Craft: Pumpkin Suncatchers (Adults)

Bring a little autumn sunshine indoors! Join us at the library to create festive pumpkin-shaped suncatchers that will brighten your windows with seasonal color. This simple and fun craft is a perfect way to celebrate fall and add a handmade touch to your home décor.

All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed.

This craft program is for adults. Please register in advance as space is limited.

Junior Library Chef Virtual Program: Pumpkin Muffins + Storytime: The Littlest Pumpkin

A cozy fall baking session where kids will make pumpkin muffins while learning basic measuring and oven safety. Includes a fun read-aloud of The Littlest Pumpkin. For kids ages 5-9. 

To register for this virtual program, please go to https://mountainside.librarychef.com

To create your account on the website, you must create your own account using your library barcode, email and password (not your pin, your own password). 

Library Chef Virtual Program: Smart Snacking & Label Reading – Diabetes Awareness

Discover how to decode nutrition labels and choose smarter snacks. Perfect for anyone managing diabetes or aiming to cut back on sugar and processed foods.

To register for this virtual program, please go to https://mountainside.librarychef.com

To create your account on the website, you must create your own account using your library barcode, email and password (not your pin, your own password). 

Move Today: Workshop for Adults

The Move Today Exercise Program is a 45-60 minute, non-aerobic exercise class for older adults. The program consists of 12 sessions, meeting once a week for 12 weeks. It is designed to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and posture.

ABOUT MOVE TODAY:

• A safe exercise program for older adults designed by a physical therapist. 
• Good posture and proper body mechanics are emphasized. 
• Most exercises can be done sitting or standing – modifications are available. 
• Resistance bands and exercise manuals will be provided for each participant. 

Space is limited; registration is required to attend.
To register, please contact Amy Lewis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
908-789-4070 ext. 4080

Dates for Program (all begin at 10am to11am): 

• September 11th
• September 18th
• September 25th
• October 9th
• October 16th
• October 23rd
• October 30th
• November 6th
• November 13th
• November 20th
• December 4th
• December 11th
• December 18th
• January 8th

Toddler Sensory Exploration Stations

Bring your toddler and join us for a fun, interactive exploration of sight, sound, touch and imagination. At this session, participants will move through 10 themed stations each with 2-3 engaging activities that promote early literacy, fine motor skills and creative play.

• 🌟 Age Range: 12 months to 4½ years. 

• 👩‍👧 Adult Supervision: Adults must accompany their child at all times. 

• 🎨 Station Access: Only two children may participate at a station at a time. 

• 📝 Registration: Required for children only — space is limited. 

Film Discussion- Ordinary People (1980)

Do you love to discuss and analyze movies of various genres? Join fellow cinephiles at the library for our monthly film discussion group. Each session will focus on a selected film- ranging from timeless classics to new contemporary favorites. 

Come ready to watch various movies then discuss your perspective. The screening will begin at 1pm then the discussion will take place afterwards. No film background required, just a passion for movies and great conversation. 

Registration is recommended, but not required. Please register online below. 

The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father and the guilt-ridden younger son. Director: Robert Redford. Starring: Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch and Mary Tyler Moore. Rating: R. Duration: 2 hours and 4 minutes. 

Soccer Shots Kick & Learn: Storytime and Demonstration (Ages 2–5)- First Session

Get ready to move, play, and learn. Join us at the library for Soccer Shots Kick & Learn, a special storytime and soccer demonstration led by Soccer Shots of Essex & Union County.

This fun, high-energy program introduces young children to the world of soccer through imaginative play, storytelling, and teamwork. Kids will build confidence, coordination, and listening skills as they explore the basics of the game in a positive, noncompetitive environment — perfect for little ones ages 2 to 5.

Please register in advance, as space is limited. Registration is required for children only. Adults are required to attend. 

Soccer Shots Kick & Learn: Storytime and Demonstration (Ages 2–5)- Second Session

Get ready to move, play, and learn. Join us at the library for Soccer Shots Kick & Learn, a special storytime and soccer demonstration led by Soccer Shots of Essex & Union County.

This fun, high-energy program introduces young children to the world of soccer through imaginative play, storytelling, and teamwork. Kids will build confidence, coordination, and listening skills as they explore the basics of the game in a positive, noncompetitive environment — perfect for little ones ages 2 to 5.

Please register in advance, as space is limited. Registration is required for children only. Adults are required to attend.