Upcoming events.

Children’s Winter Reading Challenge
Dec
21
to Feb 28

Children’s Winter Reading Challenge

Children ages 0-12 are invited to participate in our Winter Reading Challenge. Log the time that you spend reading in Beanstack and earn fun prizes!

The program runs from Sunday, December 21 through Saturday, February 28.

This challenge is open to Cranford residents and cardholders only.

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Adults Create!
Jan
13

Adults Create!

Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month for crafts and conversation! There will be a new project each month. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Space is limited and opens up the month prior to each program. Today we are making TBD

Register here
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Magic of Make-Believe
Jan
14

Magic of Make-Believe

Magic of Make-Believe is a joyful class for children ages 3-6 that blends theater games, music, movement, and imaginative play designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture social-emotional growth in early childhood.

Register

Registration is required and can be done online.

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Darkroom Drop-in
Jan
14

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

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Melted Snowman Storytime and Craft
Jan
15

Melted Snowman Storytime and Craft

We'll enjoy a snowman story, make your own melted snowman craft and decorate a cookie.

This program is for children ages 5+, registration is required and begins two weeks before the event.

Register
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Jan
15

Understanding and Recognizing the Signs of Teen Dating Violence

A representative from Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates will talk about understanding and recognizing the signs of teen dating violence. Geared for teens, caregivers are also welcome.

We conduct discussions and Interactive Pop Quizzes to promote dating violence awareness and prevention. Encouraging and communicating the importance of being supportive of each other by recognizing warning signs and safety planning.

Teens will earn a volunteer hour for attending this program.

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**Cancelled** Egg Carton New Jersey Forest
Jan
16

**Cancelled** Egg Carton New Jersey Forest

This event has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

Create a mini NJ forest using egg cartons! Decorate an egg carton and learn some fun facts about nature in our state.

This program is for children ages 5+. Space is limited and registration is required, call or stop by the Children’s Department to reserve a spot up to two weeks in advance.

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Theater Project
Jan
17

Theater Project

We are thrilled to begin the 2024 season of "Perfecting the Play!"

New Jersey’s own Theater Project will present a reading of an original short play. The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Funds benefiting the Theater Project have been provided by the Union County LAP Grant and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. No registration needed!

Join us this month for "Vile Things In Dark Corners" by Lynn Marie Macy.

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Jan
20

No Tech Help

Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on February 10, 2026.

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**Cancelled** Popsicle Bird Feeder
Jan
20

**Cancelled** Popsicle Bird Feeder

Please note that this program has been cancelled.

Create a bird feeder with colorful popsicle sticks! Receive bird seed to put in the feeders after creating your popsicle bird feeder.

This program is for children ages 7+. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event, call or stop by the Children’s Desk to reserve a spot.

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Jan
20

Teen Book Bedazzling

Join us at the Cranford Bookstore for a fun night of teen bedazzling! Books can be brought from home but strongly encouraged to buy a new book to bedazzle from the bookstore! Alex from the Morning Roast will have hot chocolate and coffee avaible for purchase as well. The library will supply all the gems and crafting materials!

Registration required; registration opens December 29 at 10 AM.

Ages 11-18 ONLY

Register here
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Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts
Jan
21

Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts

Join us in the teen zone for a new monthly adult craft program on Wednesday mornings! Today’s craft will be a macrame coaster. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.

Register Here
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Darkroom Drop-in
Jan
21

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

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Trivia Night
Jan
21

Trivia Night

Join us for another fun evening of trivia! This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Join us in the Community Room on the first floor of the Community Center! Feel free to bring your own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Prizes awarded to the winning team.

Register here
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Penguin Grab & Go
Jan
24

Penguin Grab & Go

Grab a craft to complete at home! Each kit contains the supplies necessary to make a penguin out of recycled materials. Kits are available on a first come, first serves basis while supplies last.

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Books and Brew Book Club
Jan
26

Books and Brew Book Club

Join us for Books and Brew at the Morning Roast as we read Year of the Tiger by Alice Wong. Request your copy today or purchase it from the newly opened Cranford Bookstore at 1 S Ave East in Cranford! Coffee and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Registration requested.

Register here
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Books and Brew Book Club
Jan
26

Books and Brew Book Club

Join us for Books and Brew at the Morning Roast as we read Year of the Tiger by Alice Wong. Request your copy today or purchase it from the newly opened Cranford Bookstore at 1 S Ave East in Cranford! Coffee and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Registration requested.

Register here
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Jan
27

No Tech Help

Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on February 10, 2026.

View Event →
Darkroom Drop-in
Jan
28

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Cookbook Club: Appetizers
Feb
2

Cookbook Club: Appetizers

Practice your appetizers before the Super Bowl! Come to cookbook club with your favorite appetizer cooked and ready to share. There will be a selection of cookbooks at the library you can choose from or make your favorite handed down family recipe.

Register here
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Feb
3

No Tech Help

Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on February 10, 2026.

View Event →
Darkroom Drop-in
Feb
4

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Pajama Storytime
Feb
5

Pajama Storytime

Let's snuggle with our favorite stuffed animal & listen to a fun story in the library!  

Friends in grades K & above, it's time to wear our pajamas & relax as we listen to a story & make some crafts!  

This program meets in the library near the adult circulation desk.

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Feb
5

Junk Journaling

Join us once a month to create and work on your own junk journal! Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own too! Registration recommended.

Register
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International Film
Feb
9

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

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Feb
9

Middle Grade Book Club

Readers in grades 3-5 are invited to join us for Middle Grade Book Club, this month we'll be reading and discussing the Wings of Fire series. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the program.

Register
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International Film
Feb
9

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

View Event →
Teen Matcha Paint N' Sip
Feb
9

Teen Matcha Paint N' Sip

Make a beautiful painting out of different colored matchas at The Morning Roast with our art teacher! One drink will be included for teens, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.

Registration required, ages 11-18 only. Registration begins Jan 16 at 10 AM.

Register here
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Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments
Feb
10

Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments

Sign up for a 15 or 30 minute session and ask one of our librarians your tech questions! Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other device. In partnership with Cranford Community Center. Click the registration link below to sign-up.

Register Here


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Valentine Cupcake Wars
Feb
11

Valentine Cupcake Wars

Unleash your creativity and enjoy a treat by entering our Cupcake Wars! Middle Schoolers will decorate two cupcakes with a Valentine theme and the winner gets prize. Every contestant gets to snack on or bring home their two cupcakes.

Ages 10+. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the program date, call or stop by the Children’s Department to enroll.

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Darkroom Drop-in
Feb
11

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Feb
12

Understanding Artificial Intelligence

Join us for an engaging and informative presentation by Eddi Khaytman that provides an introduction to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is applied in the real world and why folks are concerned about it. The program will showcase the various ways AI is applied in different industries and provide a glimpse into some of the most exciting AI programs and platforms ranging from language AIs to text-to-image AIs, text-to-video, text-to-music, etc. (ChatGPT, Midjourney, ElevenLabs, Adobe Firefly, Perplexity etc.) Mr. Khaytman is a multifaceted expert in the digital landscape, specializing in web design, SEO, and Artificial Intelligence. He is the Founder & CEO of PromoAmbitions LLC.

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Literary Cafe
Feb
14

Literary Cafe

Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here

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Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments
Feb
17

Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments

Sign up for a 15 or 30 minute session and ask one of our librarians your tech questions! Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other device. In partnership with Cranford Community Center. Click the registration link below to sign-up.

Register Here


View Event →
Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts
Feb
18

Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts

Join us in the teen zone for a new monthly adult craft program on Wednesday mornings! Today’s craft will be TBD. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.

Register Here
View Event →
Darkroom Drop-in
Feb
18

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Trivia Night
Feb
18

Trivia Night

Join us for another fun evening of trivia! This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Join us in the Community Room on the first floor of the Community Center! Feel free to bring your own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Prizes awarded to the winning team.

Register here
View Event →
Theater Project
Feb
21

Theater Project

We are thrilled to begin the 2024 season of "Perfecting the Play!"

New Jersey’s own Theater Project will present a reading of an original short play. The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Funds benefiting the Theater Project have been provided by the Union County LAP Grant and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. No registration needed!

Join us this month for "Vile Things In Dark Corners" by Lynn Marie Macy.

View Event →
Art Roulette
Feb
23

Art Roulette

Everyone will walk out with a unique, community created piece of art. Every 5 minutes you'll pass the canvas to the person next to you, until everyone has a chance, ending with your original canvas. What will it look like at the end? Open to adults. Registration link will open 2/9.

Register here
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Hamentaschen Baking
Feb
24

Hamentaschen Baking

Join Rachel to learn how to make hamentaschen for Purim! No previous baking experience necessary. You’ll go home with cookie dough ready to bake and a recipe and sense of accomplishment! Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Registration is required and will start Jan 24 at 10 am.

Register here
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Darkroom Drop-in
Feb
25

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Feb
28

Coffee With the Friends

Join the Friends of the Cranford Public Library to learn what they do to support the library including various programs they support! Registration is required through the link below.

Register here
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Mar
5

Junk Journaling

Join us once a month to create and work on your own junk journal! Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own too! Registration recommended.

Register
View Event →
International Film
Mar
9

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

View Event →
International Film
Mar
9

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

View Event →
Adults Create!
Mar
10

Adults Create!

Join us the 2nd Tuesday of the month for crafts and conversation! There will be a new project each month. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Space is limited and opens up the month prior to each program. Today we are making TBD

Register here
View Event →
Literary Cafe
Mar
14

Literary Cafe

Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here

View Event →
Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts
Mar
18

Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts

Join us in the teen zone for a new monthly adult craft program on Wednesday mornings! Today’s craft will be TBD. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.

Register Here
View Event →
Mar
19

Genealogy - An Introduction

Join us for an engaging and informative presentation by fellow Cranfordian Steve Albert. Steve had no experience with genealogy until the COVID pandemic hit, at which point he took advantage of the free access to records from home provided by ancestry.com.  Starting only with knowing his immediate family, aunts, uncles and grandparents his tree has grown to almost 4000 people with some lines tracing back to the 1700s.

Although an amateur, Steve has learned a lot over the years.  This talk is a high level introduction about how you can start learning about your family tree for free before committing to paid services.  He will also talk about what sorts of resources are available for those who might want to know more or even just wonder what genealogy is all about and the kinds of amazing discoveries and connections you can make.

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Theater Project
Mar
21

Theater Project

We are thrilled to begin the 2024 season of "Perfecting the Play!"

New Jersey’s own Theater Project will present a reading of an original short play. The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Funds benefiting the Theater Project have been provided by the Union County LAP Grant and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. No registration needed!

Join us this month for "Vile Things In Dark Corners" by Lynn Marie Macy.

View Event →
Mar
28

Adult + Teen Pretzel Dipping

Teens and their caregivers can register for this Pretzel Dipping Workshop with our presenter Khamayah! Our social work intern Danielle will be co-leading this workshop. This is an event for teens and their adults to do a program together. The adult will register all members of the party. Registration required.

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Jan
13

No Tech Help

Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on February 10, 2026.

View Event →
International Film
Jan
12

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

View Event →
Kids Can Cook, ages 7+
Jan
12

Kids Can Cook, ages 7+

Make a simple recipe with Librarian Leala! This program is for children ages 7+, registration required and will begin two weeks before the program.

Register
View Event →
International Film
Jan
12

International Film

Join us each month for an International film screening. The same film will be shown at 12:30pm at 7pm. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Today's movie is TBD

View Event →
Literary Cafe
Jan
10

Literary Cafe

Literary Café is a book chat program. The format is simple: Bring a few of your recent favorite books and tell the other members of the group what you like about them. If you don’t have a copy of the book you want to talk about, that’s okay, too. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other group members. Attend as many sessions as you’d like. Admission is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Join us in person or on Zoom here

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Owl Moon Storytime and Hike at Hanson Park
Jan
9

Owl Moon Storytime and Hike at Hanson Park

Join us at Hanson House to read an owl story, learn owl facts, do an owl craft, and go on a short hike around the park to look for owls! This program is for children ages 6+ with a caregiver.

Registration is required and begins two weeks before the program date.

Register
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Jan
8

Newsies: History of the Newspaper Industry

Take a trip back in time as Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta presents “Newsies: History of the Newspaper Industry.” The talk will transport the audience back to 59 B.C. when the first newspaper was published in ancient Rome to the present.

Maryanne is an award-winning journalist who has worked in the newspaper industry most of her adult life. Her work has appeared in New York’s Westsider, The Montclair Times, The Aquarium Arts Weekly, and many online publications. Currently, she’s a journalist for Worrall Media which has several print and online publications including Union County Local Source and West Orange Chronicle. Maryanne is the author of several traditionally published books. She’s also a ghostwriter, book editor and professional blogger.

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Jan
8

Junk Journaling

Join us once a month to create and work on your own junk journal! Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own too! Registration recommended.

Register
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Cozy Storytime
Jan
8

Cozy Storytime

Come listen to a bedtime story and decorate your own pillowcase and ping pong ball night light! Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event, please don't register if you've attended this event in the past.

Register
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Exploration Stations
Jan
8

Exploration Stations

Exploration Stations’ sensory play programs are designed to engage toddlers in imaginative and educational activities. Each session is a journey through themed stations that stimulate children’s senses and curiosity while promoting early literacy, cognitive development and improving social skills.

This program is for children ages 1-3. Registration is required and can be done online. We are offering two sessions of this program, one at 10:00 a.m. and the other at 11:00 a.m.

Register
View Event →
Exploration Stations
Jan
8

Exploration Stations

Exploration Stations’ sensory play programs are designed to engage toddlers in imaginative and educational activities. Each session is a journey through themed stations that stimulate children’s senses and curiosity while promoting early literacy, cognitive development and improving social skills.

This program is for children ages 1-3. Registration is required and can be done online. We are offering two sessions of this program, one at 10:00 a.m. and the other at 11:00 a.m.

Register
View Event →
Darkroom Drop-in
Jan
7

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments
Jan
6

Tech for Seniors 1:1 Appointments

Sign up for a 15 or 30 minute session and ask one of our librarians your tech questions! Feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other device. In partnership with Cranford Community Center. Click the registration link below to sign-up.

Register Here


View Event →
Dec
23

No Tech Help

Tech help will not be being offered today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tech help will be being offered on December 30th 2025.

View Event →
Upcycled Gift Tags
Dec
19

Upcycled Gift Tags

Save the environment and make someone’s gift extra special by creating a gift tag. Create a gift tag for birthdays or any event using pages from children’s books, cardboard, and ribbon, and decorate with items like pieces of wrapping paper.

No registration required.

View Event →
Darkroom Drop-in
Dec
17

Darkroom Drop-in

  • Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Photographers of all levels are invited to connect, share their work, talk shop, and work in the darkroom. The Darkroom is located in the Arts & Crafts Room on the second floor of the Community Center, the space is wheelchair-accessible.

Made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This program is a partnership between the Cranford Public Library and the Cranford Community Center. Ongoing funds for the darkroom are provided by the Friends of the Library.

View Event →
Dec
17

Adult Grab & Go Craft

Stop by the library and pick up this month’s adult craft! Thanks to the Friends of the Cranford Public Library for sponsoring this monthly program! While supplies last. This month’s program is gift-tag making!

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