May Programs For Adults At Middletown Public Library

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Any questions, please contact the reference desk at 732-671-3700, ext. 320.

Lenape Heritage: Indigenous Peoples' Storytelling

On Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m., Claire Garland, director of the Sand Hill Indian Historical Association, will explore how narratives of legends and creation stories have been used to record history and culture, emphasize community, and illuminate the connection between the past and present.

Tal Naccarato Unplugged: LIVE

Join us for a live musical performance on Saturday, May 2 at 2 pm, as guitarist and songwriter Tal Naccarato discusses and demonstrates the history of Americana Folk-Blues music while performing on and displaying rare vintage period ] instruments.

Photography & Storytelling: Exploring Community & Personal Histories

On Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm, this lecture presented as part of the Library's Community History Project will explore the intersection of photography and personal narrative. The program will be held in the Community Room.

Virtual Talk: On Courage, Turmoil and the Transformative Power of Love with Marjan Kamali

On Thursday, May 7 at 7 pm, internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali discusses her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran — a sweeping story of two girls who forge an unlikely friendship in 1950s Tehran, dream of becoming "lion women," and find their lives bound together across years of change, betrayal and political upheaval in Iran. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.

Y2K Music Bingo

Think you remember every hit from the early '00s? Join us on Thursday, May 7 at 7 pm for a night of music, nostalgia, and Bingo as we revisit the soundtrack of the millennium. For ages 18+.

Preserving Family Photographs

On Friday, May 8 at 2 pm, archivist, educator, and photographer Gary Saretzky will share guidance on how to extend the life of printed family photographs so they can be passed down to future generations.

Maternal Journal

Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10 am for a creative Mother’s Day-inspired workshop for exploring the joys, challenges and transformative changes of pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Participants will learn journaling tools and techniques designed to support every step of the journey through motherhood.

Journaling about Grief

On Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm, Sara Wuillermin will share how she used writing as an outlet for personal grief and how that process allowed her to connect meaningfully with others. The session will include writing exercises using prompts to help participants explore their own experiences of grief.

New Jersey Book Club: The Radium Girls

Join us on Monday, May 11 at 12 pm for a discussion of The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, the gripping true story of the young factory workers who toiled amidst the glowing dust of radium-dial factories — and the devastating toll it took on their lives. Participants may attend in person in the History Room or register at mtpl.org to receive a Zoom link.

Virtual Talk: How to Robot Proof Your Kids and Yourself with Dr. Vivienne Ming

On Tuesday, May 12 at 2 pm, self-proclaimed "mad scientist" Dr. Vivienne Ming will lead a timely conversation on AI, humanity and building a better future, drawing from her new book, Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.

Tech Tuesdays: Adroid Phone and Table Basics & Design with Canva Basics

Familiarize yourself with your mobile devices or learn to create graphic designs at a Tech Tuesday session in May at MTPL. Join us on Tuesday, May 12 at 2:30 pm to learn how to navigate your Android phone or tablet. Later in the month, on Tuesday, May 26 at 2:30 pm, learn the basics of creating eye catching graphics using Canva, a free online design platform that makes it easy to create professional-looking designs.

Virtual Workshop: Cracking the Code – Affordable College Solutions

On Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm, Carl Barling and Jodi Bloom of Cornerstone College & Wealth Solutions will guide families through financial aid, scholarships, college savings strategies and recent legislation impacting affordability — offering practical ways to reduce costs at every income level. For parents and children of all ages. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.

Virtual Talk: Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal

On Tuesday, May 19 at 2 pm, author Nir Eyal will discuss his new work, Beyond Belief, revealing how the hidden assumptions we carry shape our perceptions, emotions and actions — and how replacing them can unlock our true potential. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.

Stargazing for Everyone

On Tuesday, May 19 at 7 pm, join John Ambrose for an introduction to locating fascinating objects in the spring and summer night sky — no telescope or binoculars required. Perfect for novices curious about backyard astronomy and looking for a place to start. The program will be held in the Community Room.

Genealogy Club

Join fellow researchers on Wednesday, May 20 at 2 pm for an open discussion. Bring your questions, brick walls and curiosity as the group explores challenges and discoveries together.

Adult Zining Workshop – Special Journaling Session

On Wednesday, May 27 at 1 pm, Marilyn Lane from the Library's “Welcome to Journaling” group will share tips and techniques for engaging with and recording your own unique story through the art of journaling.