Join us on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30. All are welcome. Come if you read the book and you can also come if you have not!

May 13th:       “Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict

May 27th:       “Source Code” by Bill Gates

June 10th:      NO BOOK CLUB - PRIMARY DAY

June 17th:      “Harlem Rhapsody” by Victoria Christopher Murray
 

 

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Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. 

Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin sister has everything. Except a pulse.

Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer. Separated at a young age, the identical twins were polar opposites and rarely spoke, except for one viral video that Chloe initiated (Finding My Long-Lost Twin And Buying Her A House #EMOTIONAL). When Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she’s always envied.

Transforming into Chloe is easier than expected. Julie effortlessly adopts Chloe’s luxurious influencer life, complete with designer clothes, a meticulous skincare routine, and millions of adoring followers. However, Julie soon realizes that Chloe’s seemingly picture-perfect life was anything but perfect.

Haunted by Chloe’s untimely death and struggling to fit into the privileged influencer circle, Julie faces mounting challenges during a weeklong island retreat with Chloe’s exclusive group of influencer friends. As events spiral out of control, Julie uncovers the sinister forces that may have led to her sister’s demise and realizes she might be the next target.

Julie Chan is Dead is the brilliant, dark, and diabolical debut thriller we’ve all been waiting for. Register now for a wildly fun conversation! 

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You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels, from Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to Blubber. 

Everyone knows Judy Blume.

Her books have garnered her fans of all ages for decades and sold tens of millions of copies. But why were people so drawn to them? And why are we still talking about them now in the 21st century?

In The Genius of Judy, her remarkable story is revealed as never before, beginning with her as a mother of two searching for purpose outside of her home in 1960s suburban New Jersey. The books she wrote starred regular children with genuine thoughts and problems. But behind those deceptively simple tales, Blume explored the pillars of the growing women’s rights movement, in which girls and women were entitled to careers, bodily autonomy, fulfilling relationships, and even sexual pleasure. Blume wasn’t trying to be a revolutionary—she just wanted to tell honest stories—but in doing so, she created a cohesive, culture-altering vision of modern adolescence.

Blume’s bravery provoked backlash, making her the country’s most-banned author in the mid-1980s. Thankfully, her works withstood those culture wars and it’s no coincidence that Blume has resurfaced as a cultural touchstone now. Young girls are still cat-called, sex education curricula are getting dismissed as pornography, and entire shelves of libraries are being banned. As we face these challenges, it’s only natural we look to Blume, the grand dame of so-called dirty books. This is the story of how a housewife became a groundbreaking artist, and how generations of empowered fans are her legacy, today more than ever.

Program for High School Juniors: Creating a Compelling College Application this Summer

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We are offering this Zoom presentation to help high school juniors and their parents understand how to use the upcoming summer productively to create a compelling college application.

 

We will cover the college application process including current admissions trends, writing the personal statement essay and supplemental essays, teacher recommendations and how students can position themselves to increase their chances for admission. 

 

We’ll discuss how a student’s ability to express their insights, experiences and personal growth through their application essays are more important than ever before.

 

We will discuss application strategies including the advantages and disadvantages of early decision, early action and regular decision. We’ll review what factors students should consider in deciding whether or not to submit their standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for test-optional colleges and universities. We’ll also discuss the different ways that students can be admitted to a particular school.

 

We’ll examine the holistic admissions review process, what admissions officers consider important when they review applicants, and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission.

 

We will also discuss the importance of community service, how it can provide an opportunity for personal growth and an opportunity to showcase a student’s character. Admissions officers place great emphasis on a student’s character and how the student has been able to give back and help others.

 

This program is a detailed and strategic overview of what students should focus on to make their college applications compelling.

 

The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)

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Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope—hopes for animals that have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.

You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. In this talk, you will discover: 
-Animals that are no longer with us
-Endangered animals at risk of extinction
-Organizations that aim to protect animal life
-Strategies for preserving biodiversity

Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.

Smokey Bear will be here to help us kick-off summer reading.

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You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work. 

Register now for the thrill of a lifetime! 

Join the Kemmerer Library as we embark on an unforgettable journey through America's pristine wilderness with our public speaking program, "Explore America's Natural Treasures: National Parks Unveiled." In this engaging and informative presentation, professional traveler Chris McCormack will share the beauty, adventure, and cost-saving tips for exploring our most breathtaking national parks in the United States.

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Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. 

Katherine Applegate’s Odder, is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.

The Least Among Them is a most special baseball book that looks at the New York Yankees history in an original, unique, and never before written manner. Throughout their history, the New York Yankees have been defined by the legends and the successes of their most famous players. But, as part of their long history, the Yankees have also fielded players that have become lost to history. This book is those players’ story, telling the unique histories of the men whose entire major league baseball career lasted but a single game with that game being played as a New York Yankee. While these players may be forgotten, their stories are compelling. Filled with a unique Yankee history, single game stats, and a love of baseball, The Least Among Them tells the story of baseball's most successful franchise in an entirely new way.

Presented by Paul Semdinger

" I Should be Damned in Time and in Eternity"... Abraham Lincoln's Most Difficult Decision

No president has ever faced more difficult decisions than Abraham Lincoln.  Sentries fell asleep and were condemned to death; their mothers asked for presidential pardons.  Boastful generals lost major battles and the public screamed for their scalps.  Cabinet officials created headaches in ever more creative ways.  Foreign powers sought to exploit the nation’s weakness.  The list went on and on.  Two choices loomed especially large: the decision to fight over Fort Sumter in April, 1861, and the decision to emancipate slaves in January, 1863. Crucial to the decision was how would the slave holding border states react and would they now secede? How would the decision be understood in basically a racist society? Contrary to what many of us believe today, Abolitionism was basically reviled.
 

How would this decision affect the upcoming 1864 Presidential  election?
 

The toughest call of all may have happened in the summer of 1864, and that decision will be the focus of “’I Should Be Damned in Time and in Eternity’: The Black Soldier and Abraham Lincoln’s Most Difficult Decision.”
 

Presented by Richard Schwartz author and historian. Schwartz is a former high school history teacher.  He is the author of The Prairies on Fire: Lincoln Debates Douglas, 1858.  He writes the Substack newsletter Common Sentences. Ed. Note: Schwartz has presented Lincoln lectures before the NJCWRT several times,  and I can state This is probably the best Lincoln lecture you will hear!  (How’s that for going out a limb?)

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Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! From cookbook demonstrations and comics workshops to mask making and language classes, this library has something for everyone and Little Lobo can’t wait to show you. 

Raúl the Third uses his culture and his experience growing up on the US and Mexico border to inspire his art and his storytelling. Students will be encouraged to explore their world through a creative lens. A draw along is planned, drawing supplies and paper are recommended. 

Come hear about Faith Ringgold and the exhibition being featured at the Guggenheim. Explore Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach (1988), one of the most important works by Ringgold, a renowned artist, writer, and activist. This monumental quilt, the first in a series of five, tells the story of a young girl who dreams of flying from her Harlem rooftop to celebrate her own freedom and self-possession.

This exhibition dives into Ringgold’s artistic influences and the lasting impact she has had on later generations of artists. Alongside Tar Beach, visitors will see works from the Guggenheim New York collection by European modernists such as Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso, who inspired Ringgold, and contemporary American artists such as Tschabalala Self and Sanford Biggers, whose work reflects her legacy.

Presented by Mary Vahey

A Brief Cultural History of Comic Book Superheroes

Superman, Batman, and Spiderman are known to peoples all throughout the globe. Of course, these heroes, as well as Wonder Woman, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk all sprung from American popular culture. These heroes changed over the decades and yet are still loved by many. In this lecture, we will look at how such heroes came about and why “we” like them so much.

Presented by Alexander Clemente

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Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Explore the depths of deceit, battle for power, and the lengths characters will go to unmask the Truth. 

Legend is a dystopian novel where two unlikely characters, June and Day, cross paths in search for the Truth. Can they set aside their differences and preconceptions for the greater good? Readers will devour Marie Lu’s words as they are challenged to think critically about the world around them and reminded to never judge a book by its cover. Register now for an event you don’t want to miss!

Family puzzle night is a wonderful way to strengthen bonds, encourage collaboraton, problem solve and create memories.  We will be taking jigsaw puzzle solving to the next level with a friendly competion element.

Every team will compete against the other teams by  the same puzzle.  This twist not only adds excitement but also encourages a lively atmosphere with laughter and good-natured rivalry.

Puzzle Palooza caters to all ages, making it enjoyable for everyone, from young children to grandparents.

●  Register your group of family and friends to compete against other groups as  a team.
●  Each team will be given the same puzzle, which has been generously donated by Ravensburger Puzzles - North America.
●   The team finishing the puzzle first - Wins!

Join art historian, Jay Schuck, as he discusses the life and work of the Early Netherlandish artist, Jan van Eyck. An artist known for his application of oil paint and meticulous attention to detail, Jan van Eyck ushered in a new style of painting that forever changed the history of art. Works to be examined include the Ghent Altarpiece, the Arnolfini Portrait, Portrait of a Man in a Red Turban, and more. 

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You’re invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch. 

Instead of giving him lunch money, Rex’s mom has signed him up for free meals. As a poor kid in a wealthy school district, better-off kids crowd impatiently behind him as he tries to explain to the cashier that he’s on the free meal program. The lunch lady is hard of hearing, so Rex has to shout.

Free Lunch is the story of Rex’s efforts to navigate his first semester of sixth grade—who to sit with, not being able to join the football team, Halloween in a handmade costume, classmates and a teacher who take one look at him and decide he’s trouble—all while wearing secondhand clothes and being hungry. His mom and her boyfriend are out of work, and life at home is punctuated by outbursts of violence. Halfway through the semester, his family is evicted and ends up in government-subsidized housing in view of the school. Rex lingers at the end of last period every day until the buses have left, so no one will see where he lives.

Unsparing and realistic, Free Lunch is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and Free Lunch is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America. Register now to join the conversation!

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You’re invited to a fascinating conversation with neurologist and author Pria Anand to chat about her new book The Electric Mind: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains (forthcoming June 10, 2025).

The Electric Mind tells the stories we tell ourselves about our brains, and the stories our brains tell us.

Stories are etched into the very structure of our brains, coded so deeply that the impulse for storytelling survives and even surges after the most devastating injuries. But our brains are also porous—the stories they concoct are shaped by cultural narratives about bodies and illness that permeate the minds of doctors and patients alike. In the history of medicine, some stories are heard, while others—the narratives of women, of Black and brown people, of displaced people, of disempowered people—are too often dismissed.

In The Mind Electric, neurologist Pria Anand reveals—through case study, history, fable, and memoir—all that the medical establishment has overlooked: the complexity and wonder of brains in health and in extremis, and the vast gray area between sanity and insanity, doctor and patient, and illness and wellness, each separated from the next by the thin veneer of a different story.