from the archive


Category: Library


June top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to 5 years old and their families. Summer Reading 2023 It’s summer reading time! Complete 15 of 20 early literacy activities to complete summer reading and earn prizes. Beginning June […]


Rediscover language


Song and poetry are siblings, both undoing our familiarity with language. One of my favorite bands, Sunset Rollercoaster is a Taiwanese indie pop band that writes dreamy songs in English instead of the band members’ native Mandarin. The lead singer Tseng Kuo-Hung explains, “I learned all English from Sesame Street and school stuff, so English for […]


Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month


The library strives to celebrate and serve all of our community members. Each month, we work to highlight a distinct segment of our nation’s heritage and history. May, along with being Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, also happens to be Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). The celebration, first instituted in 2006 through a proclamation […]


There’s more to the story(time)


A few years ago, I was regularly attending dance fitness classes a couple times a week. Each session I would arrive, change into my dancing sneakers, and let the instructor take the lead as I chasséd and pliéd the hour away. Most often I would leave without giving any thought to what went into planning […]


May top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. Books for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with your little one by sharing […]


A few April favorites


One of the many pleasures of working in a library is seeing the latest books freshly unpacked from their boxes. I read glowing reviews for the books below and can’t wait to actually read them now that they are here on our shelves. Please check these out or choose your own new fiction or nonfiction […]


Visiting art on the shelves


I was a classic suburban kid whose formation of arts and culture largely came from the rabbit hole of the Internet, People Magazine and the treasure trove that is the Princeton Public Library. Itching for paintings and drawings, I got to see my favorite artists’ work by perusing through books long before witnessing them in […]


A long history


April is here, the sun is shining, the weather is warming and baseball is back. To me, nothing is more synonymous with spring and summer than baseball. To catch a game, we sit outside under the sun, snack on hot dogs and popcorn, enjoy a cold beer or soda and watch a game that has […]


April top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. Outdoor Storytime Outdoor Storytime is back! Beginning April 18, join Youth Services staff every Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. on the courtyard lawn […]


Inspiring the next generation of writers


A character study of a misunderstood tween demi-goddess living among normies. A comedy sketch mining laughs from an inept villain who is verrrrry bad at being bad. A lyrical ode to birth, decay and renewal in the natural world. A multigenerational saga about clashing dragon clans. These are just a few examples of the imaginative […]


Starting a book group


Aside from the book groups that the library hosts for kids, teens and adults, Princeton is a town that has a healthy number of independent book groups. Being part of a book group can be a wonderful way to build community, deepen friendships, and talk about books. If you’ve ever considered starting one of your […]


Engaging with Women’s History Month


March marks the annual observance of Women’s History Month. While women’s history is relevant year-round, this month offers an opportunity to focus our efforts to explore the stories and perspectives of women, past and present. Hopefully, these annual commemorations aren’t just repetitive; instead, they can be an ongoing invitation to engage with the world around […]


March top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children from birth to 5 years old and their families. Celebrate Women’s History Month: Picture Books March is Women’s History Month. Check out this Youth Services staff-curated list of picture books for […]


Teachable moments


Life is scary sometimes. On any given day, there are happy moments and sad moments. There are times when you’re angry and times when you’re truly elated. There are plenty of things in life to be anxious about, like going to a new restaurant and trying new foods, a meeting with your boss, or even […]


Celebrate self-love this Valentine’s Day


We’re all aware of the many romantic tropes that play out in the pages of young adult novels. For instance, there’s the misunderstood bad boy who steals the heart of the good girl and might possibly derail the future she has dreamed of her entire life (think Elena Gilbert and Stefan Salvatore from “Vampire Diaries”). […]


Finding your perfect match


Whether the search is for the perfect job, home, car, or partner, the journey to find it will ultimately be lined with landmines because finding the perfect match is an impossible task. What is possible, though, is finding something that is just right for you. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and regardless of your relationship […]


February top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. Black History Month books for little kids  February is Black History Month. Check out this Youth Services staff-curated list of picture books for […]


The tell-all


It has been about a week since “Spare,”  the tell-all autobiography by Prince Harry, was released. It immediately broke the UK record for the most sales on the first day of publication for a nonfiction title, which can be chalked up to society’s love (or obsession) for the royal family. What makes them so interesting? […]


Wonderbooks are here


What I remember most clearly is the sound. It was a tinkly, bright, happy sound. Each time I heard it I would dutifully turn the page of my book and wait for the narrator’s voice to resume reading the story. As a child in the 1990s, I loved checking out the cassette tape/book combination kits […]


January top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. Sensory Storytime Join us in the Story Room at the library for Sensory Storytime beginning Monday, Jan. 9, at 10:30 a.m. Sensory Storytime […]


Reading through 2022 and beyond


Top Checkouts 2022

Do you ever wonder what your neighbors are reading? The library aims to create a diverse collection of materials across formats for all readers’ interests, yet, typically, there are particular books and items that have a greater universal appeal to a majority of people. As the year comes to a close, the library has compiled […]


A snowy Princeton


As the holidays approach, I look forward to certain changes around town. Holiday décor and lights gradually get added. You hear the bustling of shopping bags and the familiar sounds of holiday music drifting from the storefronts. And my favorite coffee shops are offering their holiday blends and specials. The holidays in Princeton are something […]


December top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources, and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. The Gift of Books 2022: Books for Younger Children There’s no more perfect gift for a young child (or anyone!) than a book. […]


Holiday music with Hoopla


Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are all behind us, the holiday season is in full swing. Lights and decorations are going up all over town and you can hear carols old and new playing from many of the stores. Just as many people unapologetically love Hallmark Christmas movies, I unironically love holiday […]


You’re invited to be present


Each month carries with it certain expectations and feelings. Just thinking about January can make one shiver, imagining the plummeting temperatures and shorter days. The suggestion of May brings feelings of hope, light, and warmth. July, oh July. You are a glittering gem, baked in the middle of the summer, nights filled with starlit skies […]


Tastes of the season


In the spring I wrote about some dream food scenarios to enjoy the fine weather; now that we’re into the colder seasons, I begin to fully commit to my bread lifestyle and, like many people, I crave hearty, comforting foods and desserts with a little spice in them, like my mom’s molasses cookies. These few […]


Reading abroad


As a speaker of several languages (some with less fluency than others), I’ve frequently flipped through the library’s youth world language collections. It’s a fun, rich resource to exercise language muscles, connect with cultures and to explore the wide variety in storytelling, visual style and art. Even when the language is unfamiliar, you can appreciate […]


November top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. World Language Storytimes In-person world language storytimes are returning to the library! Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun in Spanish on […]


Book shame


It’s time I made a confession. I, Dana Treichler, librarian and book nerd from Princeton Public Library, did not like “Where the Crawdads Sing,” the popular novel penned by Delia Owens. This book, which has influenced the publication of books of a similar nature, a Reese Witherspoon-backed film and 4.3 out of 5 stars from […]


Intentionally together: a discussion


Being human requires a wealth of fortitude and determination because, as we all know, life has its way with each and every one of us. Optimists, pessimists, young or old, our lives are determined by a variety of factors, with one of the most influential being our health. Alongside our physical wellness, our emotional and […]


Library resources for small businesses


Three people collaborate while looking at a computer screen.

If you’re a small business owner, are self-employed, or have a side gig, then you know that every little bit of support helps. The library has an array of tools that we hope will help your business thrive. Explore these resources, and let us know if you have any questions. Meeting spaces – Seating areas are […]


October top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families. The Princeton Children’s Book Festival The Princeton Children’s Book Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 8, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as an outdoor, […]


Exploring National Hispanic Heritage Month


National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) begins on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. This heritage month offers an opportunity to explore the experiences and voices of those who identify as members of the Hispanic and Latinx community. Here at the library, we aim to include such topics in programming and content throughout the year, […]


Prompt for new beginnings


Traditionally, the onset of September brings to mind the return of school. While teachers and parents scramble to make sure everyone is prepared to hit the books, there can be a feeling of absence and loss to anyone who is either no longer part of that demographic or whose child has departed for college. Fortunately, […]


Hope and healing


As the anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks nears, I find myself feeling off. Sad, solemn, uneasy, and down are all words that come to mind but just don’t do this feeling justice, a feeling that all Americans know too well and few can put into words. I try not to focus on the […]


September top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to 5 years old and their families. Grandparents Day National Grandparents Day is on Sept. 11 and what better way to celebrate than by sharing books together! Create a special […]


New to you


A person is reading on the floor surrounded by books, candles, and a teapot

Working on the library’s service desks, I see plenty of people who are very aware of new and forthcoming books, particularly fiction, and add their names to multiple hold lists immediately. Many library staff, booksellers and reviewers have the opportunity to read books ahead of publication dates to prepare to share new titles with you […]


The power of a school project


Earlier this month I stumbled upon a newspaper article about the exoneration of Elizabeth Johnson, Jr., the only remaining person whose conviction as a witch in the Salem Witch Trials of 1693 was still extant. Even more extraordinary to me than the length of time it took for Johnson’s conviction to be overturned was the […]


Summer reading wrap-up


With PPL’s Youth and Adult’s Summer Reading programs coming to an end in less than a week, I find myself reminiscing and thinking about how fast this summer went by. Memories of vacations, cook-outs and strolls fill my mind, as do my chosen reads for the Summer Reading program. This summer, participants received a scratch-off […]


August top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to 5 years old and their families.   Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party Beginning at 6 p.m., celebrate the wrap up of Summer Reading with games, fun activities and giveaways on […]


Voices carry


stairwell of the library

The library’s main stairwell evokes a ship-like feeling. In fact, on a few occasions, patrons and staff members have reenacted part of the Titanic scene in which the protagonists, Jack and Rose, stand, arms outstretched, on the bow of the boat. Beautifully designed by Hillier Architecture, the open staircase is unimpeded by sound barriers on […]


Sharing for the summer


A display of books included in the staff list.

Summer can be a glorious opportunity to indulge in some quality reading time. If you’re lucky enough to go on vacation, packing an unwieldy pile of books (or a fully stocked e-reader) is its own kind of tradition for many people. Aside from discovering new favorites, or revisiting old ones, there are even more incentives […]


July top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources, and new books in the library collection for children ages birth to five years old and their families. “Finnie’s Ocean Treasure” Puppet Show On July 20 at 3 pm, the spectacular hand-made puppets of Robert Rogers Puppet Company will transport […]


A place for teens at the library


Looking for something to do or a place to connect with friends this summer? The library offers plenty of fun, informal programs that are easy to discover and participate in all summer long.  Teen Summer Reading Our Summer Reading program runs through Aug. 15. Teens who read for 20 days are eligible for a free […]


Exploring LGBTQ Pride Month


On June 28, 1969, police officers in New York City aggressively raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. These sorts of discriminatory raids were common in this era. As in other acts of resistance at the time, the Stonewall patrons fought back against the police. The night evolved into a spontaneous uprising […]


Summer reading is for all ages


June 21 may mark the official start of summer, but June 15 marks the beginning of summer reading fun at the library for all ages. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities. Adults are invited to register and pick up a scratch-off card at the library’s Welcome desk on the first floor or the Information […]


June top 5 for under 5


We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children ages up to five years old and their families. Summer Reading 2022 Starting June 15, sign up online for Oceans of Possibilities, this year’s Summer Reading, either from home or at […]


Coming soon


My favorite part of selecting books for the library is hearing about new titles months before they are published. Professional journals such as Library Journal and Publishers Weekly include reviews and information about soon-to-be bestsellers coming out in the next few months. Access to this information is crucial to us having books available for you […]


A meal to build a dream on


I am a natural introvert, and I honestly don’t cook very much on normal days; still, sometimes I dream of lavish dinner parties, themed summertime cocktail gatherings, tea parties, and picnics. I do occasionally gather with some aunts and cousins for tea parties, and I once had a Lord of the Rings movie marathon where […]

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