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A beginner’s mind
From our circadian rhythm to our “cicadian rhythm,” many life events follow naturally recurring cycles.
A bookish year in review
Like any other year, 2024 has had its share of ups and downs. In terms of the library world, there were the reports on book
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 rev
A few Fall titles
Fall is when publishers release their biggest titles of the year. If you prefer to focus on under-the-radar reads, here are five
A few new tricks
Here are some recent updates to help you find books you’ll love in any format.
A gift of time
Here are a few ways the library can help you give the gift of time this year.
A kind of paradise
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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
A meal to build a dream on
Sometimes I dream of lavish dinner parties, themed summertime cocktail gatherings, tea parties, and picnics.
A new (old) publishing trend
Centuries ago, the edges of the pages of a book were sometimes decorated in gold leaf, abstract designs, or even tiny paintings as
A pass to new discoveries
With a library card, patrons can get free access to a great assortment of museums in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York.
A place for preservation
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A snowy Princeton
As the holidays approach, I look forward to certain changes around town. Holiday décor and lights gradually get added. You hear th
A ‘third space’ for teens
If you’re a millennial you might be familiar with “third spaces,” spaces outside of home, work or school where people can gather
A YA March preview
A preview of some exciting new young adult books arriving in March.
Adventure begins at the library for all ages
Stickers, coupons for ice cream and summer reading logs go together like barbecues and fireworks on the fourth of July. But, summe
All the books: the minor miracle of interlibrary loan
We pride ourselves on having an extensive collection of books, audiobooks, and movies for all ages at the Princeton Public Library
Another kind of storytime
You’ve noticed the books, but we also share stories through our film and cultural festivals, oral history programs, and more.
April top 5 for under 5 – 2020
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April top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
August top 5 for under 5 – 2020
A short description that shows in the advertisements.
August top 5 for under 5 – 2022
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
August top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
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Bake, bake, bake
It was when I was entering high school that I really got into baking. My younger sibling and I would take charge of all the family
Behind the scenes
Have you ever wondered what happens when you return a book to the library?
Behind the scenes
True to our vision, the library is a "vital cornerstone of community connection." We act as your office when you have important
Book groups and more
Winter is the perfect time to join a book club. Whether you are looking to expand your mind or social network, we have a group for
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 C
Bookish playlists: the soundtracks of your reading life
Combining books and music isn’t a new concept, but it’s never a bad time to rediscover an enjoyable combination.
Bridging the past, present, and future
October is Family History Month, and we want to give you the tools to get started with, or continue, your own research.
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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 misunderst
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 ou
Change your view this summer
The stories that stick with you can change how you see yourself or the world around you.
Checking in
It’s time to take stock of my plans and goals. Naturally, some of those revolve around my reading life!
Comfort me with cookery
In some libraries of yore, the cookbook (or “cooking” as it appears in our collection) section was known as “cookery.”
Connect and enjoy
Non-traditional items can be checked out and used at home or on the go to help you connect to library resources.
Conquering the fall election daze
As we find ourselves deep in the days building up to the presidential election, it’s easy to either compartmentalize our fears or
Crochet and Creativebug
Over the years, I have started and then abandoned countless projects, hobbies and creative endeavors. Anything that took real time
Currently reading…
I wanted to become a librarian to help people, to make a difference and to be part of a larger community. I’m curious by nature,
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December top 5 for under 5 – 2022
We invite you to check out this month's PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources, and new books in the library
December top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Democracy at your library
As the pace of election season picks up and the intensity of the campaign season settles upon us all, the library aims to serve
Disappearing ink
March 8 was International Women’s Day, though if you typically rely on Apple or Google’s calendar, you might have missed the
Down the rabbit hole
Almost everyone is guilty of falling into an online rabbit hole at some point or another.
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Embracing boundless adventures: my journey through South Africa and Zambia with my Princeton Public Library card
There’s an old saying that goes, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Recently, I embarked on a li
Engaging with Women’s History Month
March marks the annual observance of Women’s History Month.
Every two minutes
Every two minutes, someone is forcibly displaced.
Exploring National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) begins on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15. This month offers an opportunity to explore the st
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Facets of history
Over the next few months, we’re diving into family and local history at the library from a variety of perspectives.
Fall favorites
Fall is my favorite time of year, a time when I find myself the most inspired.
February top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
February top 5 for under 5 – 2024
We invite you to check out this month's Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Fifty, “Enchanted”
This blog began as a birthday tribute to beloved author Gail Carson Levine. After a decade of rejections from publishers, her firs
Finding oneself in Central Jersey, whether East or West
As a relative newcomer to the Garden State–I’ve lived in Princeton for only a little more than a year...
Finding the library connection
The library has something for everyone, and we hope everyone will take the opportunity to find what speaks to them.
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 b
Five on a theme: building community
Here are five books that offer perspectives on building community and strengthening relationships.
Five on a theme: puzzles
If your love of puzzles runs deep, read more about the background of puzzles and the people who make and love them.
Five on a theme: the choices we make
It’s always a mixed consideration – for everything you might want to change, there are other things you’d hate to lose.
For teens, by teens: teen-led library programs
At the library, we are dedicated to creating an environment where teens can lead, collaborate, and make their voices heard.
From Housing Justice to Democracy
In late 2022, Princeton Public Library launched its first Public Humanities Forum focusing on the housing crisis that many are
Fumbling toward retirement
One moment you’re grounded in mid-life, juggling to pay mounting expenses and the next moment, your friends and family members beg
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Getting creative this spring
Spring is a time of inspiration and a great time to reinvigorate (or discover) your artistic sensibilities.
Getting to know public humanities fellow Sue Iseyen
Those who visit the library often have likely seen a new contributor to the programming team: public humanities fellow Sue Iseyen.
Give the gift of books
It is difficult to imagine a better gift than a book, particularly for a child.
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Happy birthday, Y2K!
Twenty-five years ago this week, the world exhaled a sigh of relief when clocks struck midnight…and nothing happened.
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 decoratio
Homecoming
When I first moved from Bangladesh to Brooklyn, nothing about my new life felt comforting.
Hooray for preschool and kindergarten
It's no secret Princeton is an extraordinary place for high-quality education at all levels. Preschool, pre-K and kindergarten are
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 wor
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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
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
Introducing our new piano
There has been a change to our setup in the Community Room, which may not be noticeable even to frequent visitors to our space.
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January top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Jersey fresh fiction
Since this is my debut as a blogger for the library, I’ve been thinking about the inspiration for “Sloppy Firsts,” my first novel
Job seeking tools for uncertain times
Looking for a new job, or thinking about a career change, can be both exciting and terrifying.
July top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library.
June top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
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Keeping TABs: a teen-led passion project
As the teen services librarian, when several of our Teen Advisory Board members approached me during the 2020 lockdown wanting to
Knitting for others
Let me start with a confession: I have never knitted anything. I haven't even tried to learn to knit or crochet.
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Latin at the library
Among the plethora of languages inscribed on the tiles of the "Happy World" installation, Latin seems to blend in discreetly.
Let’s talk about books
You may already be a “book talker,” discussing books with friends and family, or in a book group.
Library resources for small businesses
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.
Light in the dark
During dark times, it’s helpful to reflect on the people and organizations who provide relief, community, and support.
Living a creative life at the library
I started my career as an author for teens and tweens in 1999. My two decades in the book business swung wildly between periods of
Living in your days
What makes a life? The concept of days being where we live is introduced by way of a Philip Larkin poem in Yiyun Li’s
Looking where you step
On a January weekend when the day was too unexpectedly beautiful not to get a bit of sand in our shoes...
Love Data Week
A few months ago I received an email one of my colleagues at the library that read
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Make a change with the cottage spirit
Trends, styles, and aesthetics come and go over the years, and most of us grab bits and pieces of them to build our own.
Making the most of our digital collections
It’s clear that one of the things that keeps us connected in this time of quarantine and distancing is our love of stories.
Making the most of wherever you are
Travel is about enjoying the experience, whether you fly for hours to somewhere new or walk through your neighborhood.
Manga on the mind
Manga’s been on my mind since middle school.
March top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
March top 5 for under 5 – 2024
We invite you to check out this month's PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
May top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Membership has its privileges
There’s an amusing line from a children’s song I’ve always enjoyed: “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.”
Misadventures in AI
The library’s blog is filled with a variety of voices and unique perspectives, including my own, on books, reading, library servic
Music lessons with the Library of Things
“Things” is a broad term. The concept of a Library of Things has popped up throughout the country.
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Navigating your year of reading
Whose stories are you focusing on? What experiences are you missing? Whose voices haven’t you heard?
New to you
To keep yourself stocked with good books, let me encourage you to dive into the backlist and discover a wide world of reading joy.
New year, new reads
A new year brings new possibilities. It’s an odd mix of starting fresh and resuming the tasks you left behind last year.
November top 5 for under 5 – 2022
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
November top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
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October top 5 for under 5 – 2022
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
October top 5 for under 5 – 2023
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Old school/new school
Part nostalgia, part ingrained feeling that fall can also herald new beginnings, this change of season always stands out to me.
Organized books, organized mind?
There are seemingly endless ways to organize books; each system reflects a different way of thinking about books and organization.
Origin and meaning of Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month, which occurs every July, is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the lives, accomplishments, and
Our 2025 public humanities topic: Justice
Throughout 2025 the library's public humanities initiative has been exploring justice from multiple perspectives.
Oral history initiatives
The core team working on Voices of Princeton has been planning a couple special projects with its collaborators.
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Paying attention
My hope is that a renewed sense of paying attention will expand rather than narrow your view, to build upon what you notice.
Poetry in parks
Last week, the Library of Congress, in partnership with the National Parks Service and the Poetry Society of America, announced a
Princeton Student Film Festival celebrates budding auteurs
A shapeshifter wakes up with wings and learns to fly. A newly elected dog Mayor serves his first term alongside Santa Claus. A tri
Prompt for new beginnings
Traditionally, the onset of September brings to mind the return of school.
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Reading abroad
As a speaker of several languages (some with less fluency than others), I’ve frequently flipped through the library’s youth world
Reading the world
Books can help get you where you want to go, whether you’re in the car or on your couch.
Reading through 2022 and beyond
Do you ever wonder what your neighbors are reading? The library aims to create a diverse collection of materials across formats fo
Rediscover language
Song and poetry are siblings, both undoing our familiarity with language. One of my favorite bands, Sunset Rollercoaster is a Taiw
Reflecting back on resolutions
In 2023, my New Year’s resolution was to learn languages in order to connect more with the people in my life.
Resolving to do the thing
The best resolutions aren’t things we can achieve instantly; they'll demand ongoing effort.
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September top 5 for under 5 – 2022
We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library
Sharing for the summer
It’s joy enough to love a book, but there’s also something truly wonderful about sharing a favorite book or series with others.
Shivers in the summer heat
Everyone connects horror and Halloween, but summer is the perfect time to give yourself a fright.
Short stories for a short month
Anthologies and short story collections are a fantastic way to enjoy writers new and old and get a taste for their style...
Singing the “Library Card Song”
Nineties kids and their parents may remember the “Library Card Song” from "Arthur."
Squirrel confidential
For a few days during National Library Week I had the pleasure of transforming into a squirrel.
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 ind
Staying grounded on the ground beneath our feet
However one may feel the election, there is likely to be uncertainty about the future; but it can help to take a broader view.
Step by step
One of the ways I passed the time during the Covid lockdown was going on absurdly long walks with my son. It was during this time
Suburban flâneur
Cul-de-sacs, meandering peaceful roads, rows of houses, and the occasional shopping plaza–the suburbs are a peculiarly built space
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
Summer snacks
Summer is my favorite time of the year. The days are long, the weather is warm, and everything just feels fresh and new. During
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Taking requests
An overview of the new browsable webpage of PPL's Storytime Songs and Rhymes video collection.
Tastes of the season
Food is at once so communal and so personal, and a scent or flavor can trigger a swirl of memories and emotions.
Teachable moments
Spotlight description goes here.
Teen summer volunteers
As we approach the midway point of summer reading, participants in our Teen Summer Volunteer Program are kicking it into high gear
Testing the waters
It’s helpful to know that fiction (and even nonfiction) rarely stays in its lane; crossovers and bridges are everywhere.
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
The Princeton Room: A treasure trove for the curious
My favorite thing about Princeton isn’t the picturesque walks on campus, the friendly faces or the abundance of good coffee shops
The sky’s the limit
Poet Maggie Smith posted “A wise person once told me to start each day by asking myself the same question: ‘What else is possible?
The spring on Spring
As I drive in and out of Princeton during my commute each day, I pass new businesses and shops on Nassau Street and buildings and
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 rec
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 m
Those librarians
As a child, I was encouraged to read as much as possible, and to read as diverse as possible. I was intimately familiar with every
Top of the charts
Ah, the end of the year - a time when people who enjoy stats and data can really dig into how their annual activities stacked up
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Visiting art on the shelves
Among museum catalogs and monographs, the budding artist can find herself in good company.
Voices carry
The library’s main stairwell evokes a ship-like feeling. In fact, on a few occasions, patrons and staff members have reenacted par
Voices from Princeton and beyond
Everyone has a story to tell. Even if a person sees no great value in their own story or chooses not to share it, the texture of
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We can all use a pep talk
Poet Maggie Smith posted a piece called “Pep Talk: On Not Stopping” on her Instagram account. In it, she talks about her most
What a library display can do
Many aspects of the library's physical presence only rarely change, others are in a near constant state of revolution.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
A patron approached the desk and commented, “It’s like everyone just forgot what living with COVID was like and we’ve all just mov
When a little goes a long way
As much as I love to sink into a long novel, and even a series of long novels, sometimes a shorter tale is exactly what you need.
Wonderbooks are here
What I remember most clearly is the sound. It was a tinkly, bright, happy sound.
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Your own year’s best
The end of every year usually brings all sorts of wrap-up lists: “best of” collections of everything from cookware to influencers.
Your summer reading soundtrack
For anyone who came of age in the 70s or mid-80s, there is a nostalgia that has launched a vintage audio resurgence: yacht rock. M
Your voice matters
We are all living through a strange and uncertain time.
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 plumm