Upcoming events.
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.
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.
**New Date**Cupid Mini Golf
Please be aware that this is the new date for Cupid Mini Golf, this event was originally planned for Monday, February 2.
Build the mini-est mini golf course! This program is for children ages 6-12, no registration required.
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
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
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.
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.
Darkroom Drop-in
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.
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.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Cranford Public Library are thrilled to invite you back to a Book Sale in the Friendly Book Cellar from Thursday, February 19 to Sunday, February 22, 2026. Browse through thousands of books at low prices. As we have not had a sale in the Book Cellar in the past year we have a huge number of books so we will be restocking the shelves each day. Bag days are Saturday and Sunday, and we provide the bags. Cash or check only please. This sale is open to all; registration is required for all 4 days of the sale. Please only register for 1 session per day. Hours are as follows:
Thursday Hours: 1pm-8pm
Friday Hours: 10am-4pm
Saturday Hours: 10am-4pm (bag day)
Sunday Hours: 12pm-3pm (bag day)
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.
Books and Brew Book Club
Join us at Books and Brew to discuss Dracula by Bram Stoker. You can request the book through the library or the Cranford Bookstore is offering titles at 10% off! Coffee and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase. Registration requested.
Books and Brew Book Club
Join us at Books and Brew to discuss Dracula by Bram Stoker. You can request the book through the library or the Cranford Bookstore is offering titles at 10% off! Coffee and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase. Registration requested.
Readers Forum Book Club
All are welcome to join this book club! Additional copies are available at the Circulation Desk. This month’s book is Home Front by Kristen Hannah.
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.
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
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.
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.
*This event is now full*
Darkroom Drop-in
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.
Friendship Hub for Special Needs Teens and Tweens
Those with special needs are welcome to join this program for socialization and to make a fun craft. This month, bake something new! Parents/guardians are requested to stay on site during this program. Registration opens January 26th.
Ages 10+, registration required.
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.
Movie Night
Every month the library will debut new popular films, as soon as they're available! Today's movie is TBD
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.
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
Romance Readers Book Club
Join us for Romance Readers Book Club. This month’s book is Devil in Dublin by B.B. Easton and it is available through Hoopla or STELLA!
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Books and Brew Book Club
Join us for Books and Brew at the Morning Roast as we read The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood. 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.
Readers Forum Book Club
All are welcome to join this book club! Additional copies are available at the Circulation Desk. This month’s book is Home by Harlan Coben.
Books and Brew Book Club
Join us for Books and Brew at the Morning Roast as we read The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood. 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.
Teen + Their Adult 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Matcha and Coffee Watercolor Paint Night
Join us for a fun, instructor-led evening of watercolor painting using espresso and matcha powder at The Morning Roast (@YTB). All supplies provided. Coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at The Morning Roast. Space is limited. Open to Adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Registration coming soon!
New Jersey in the American Revolution Lecture
New Jersey was the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution’; the site of more fighting than any other state, including the war’s most important victory: Washington Crossing the Delaware and the ensuing Battle of Trenton. While justly celebrated, this seminal event in the history of the state and the nation has entered the realm of mythology. As a result, much of the received wisdom about that battle and the American Revolution more broadly are often wrong. In particular, it is important to note that New Jersey was divided along many fault lines in 1776. New Jersey’s residents were both patriots and tories while many, perhaps a majority, sought to remain neutral and stay out of the fray. Today, as its residents confront new but no less serious challenges, it is both appropriate and crucial to use the state’s vibrant history to help shape our shared future. Presented by Professor Jonathan Mercantini of Kean University. Sponsored by the Friends of the Crnanford Public Library and in partnership with the Township Rev 250 Committee.
Darkroom Drop-in
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.
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.
Teen Manga Book Club
Join the teen librarian to discuss volume 1 of Spacewalking With You! See the librarian, Stacey, for help with putting it on hold.
Ages 12+
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.
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
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.
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
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.
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
Messy Storytime
Children ages 2+ and a caregiver are invited to listen to a story and then create some messy art!
No registration required.
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.
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.
Movie Night
Every month the library will debut new popular films, as soon as they're available! Today's movie is TBD
Darkroom Drop-in
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.
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.
**New Date** Baby Prom
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
Romance Readers Book Club
Join us for Romance Readers Book Club. This month’s book is This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune.
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.
Green Thumb Garden Club Seed Sowing Workshop
This program is hosted by the Green Thumb Garden Club in partnership with Hanson Park Conservancy and the Cranford Public Library.
This interactive program brings together local partners to support native plants, pollinators, and community education. Participants will help sow native seeds that will be grown for future rain garden projects and shared through community initiatives. Participants will learn and practice a simple, effective method for starting native plant seeds.
During the workshop, you will:
Prepare recycled containers for seed sowing
Fill containers with soil and plant native seeds
Learn how this method mimics natural winter conditions to support healthy germination
Help grow plants that will be used in local rain gardens and community projects
Take home one container planted with native seeds for your home garden (or you can choose to donate to the community projects).
All materials are provided. No gardening experience is required.
Darkroom Drop-in
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.
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.
Toddler Tuesday
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
**POSTPONED** Baby Prom
Two adults and two toddler-aged children share toys and smile at one another. Text reads: Toddler Tuesday
*cancelled* Readers Forum Book Club
Due to the impending snow storm, this program is cancelled for tonight. February’s meeting will discuss both books.
All are welcome to join this book club! Additional copies are available at the Circulation Desk. This month’s book is Remarkably Bright Creatures.
*Join us on Zoom*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.
*In light of the forecast, a Zoom link has been added
**Postponed** Graphic Novel Book Club, grades 3-5
This event has been postponed due to the forecast, the program organizer will email registered participants information about the new date.
Fans of graphic novels and comics in grades 3-5 are invited to join us for Graphic Novel Book Club. This month, we’ll be reading The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen.
*Join us on Zoom*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.
*In light of the forecast, the Zoom link has been added
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.
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.