(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Here is a look at events taking place at the Princeton Public Library (65 Witherspoon Street) in August 2026. The month includes movie screenings, book discussions, music concerts, technology classes and more.
AUTHORS
Larkin McPhee - Thursday, August 13 at 6:00pm. The author discusses and reads from her recently released book "I’ll See You In My Dreams: A Sister’s Memoir." Book signing to follow. Community Room
MOVIES
“My Fair Lady” - Tuesday, August 4 at 3:00pm. Based on "Pygmalion," the play by George Bernard Shaw, this film follows a phonetics professor who wagers that he can transform a working-class flower seller into a woman capable of passing as a member of high society. Community Room
“The Extraordinary Caterpillar” - Thursday, August 6 at 6:00pm. This hourlong documentary shines a spotlight on the critical—but often overlooked—role caterpillars play in biodiversity and follows the scientists and community activists working to aid them. Community Room
“Forrest Gump” - Tuesday, August 11 at 3:00pm. Adapted from the novel by Winston Groom, this film follows an Alabama man whose extraordinary life intersects with many of the defining events of the second half of the 20th century as he pursues love, friendship, and personal fulfillment. Community Room
“To Kill a Mockingbird” - Tuesday, August 18 at 3:00pm. Set in Depression-era Alabama and based on the novel by Harper Lee, this Academy Award–winning film follows a small-town lawyer defending a Black man falsely accused of a crime, while his children come to understand the realities of justice and prejudice in their community. Community Room
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” at Princeton Garden Theatre - Saturday, August 15 at 10:00am. Based on the widely popular Jeff Kinney series, this live-action adaptation brings 12-year-old Greg Heffley and his family to life. PG. 1 hour, 34 minutes. Part of the Family Matinee Series. Limited free tickets available from the library. See theater website for regular priced tickets.
“Project Hail Mary” - Wednesday, August 19 at 5:00pm. The critically acclaimed science-fiction movie based on the novel by Andy Weir is screened as the final film in the summer's Page to Screen series. Community Room
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Library Reads - Monday, August 3 at 1:00pm. Library staff members share notable new titles to add to your to-be-read list at these monthly sessions. Register for Zoom link.
Catherine Project Weekly Book Discussion Series - Tuesday, August 4, 11, 18, 25 at 4:00pm. This weekly book discussion series examines fundamental texts in philosophy, political theory and literature, focusing on the theme of revolution. This summer, the group will focus on the 12 books of John Milton's "Paradise Lost" (1674 edition). Tower Room and online Registration required.
Friends of Princeton Open Space Nature Book Club - Friday, August 7 at 10:30am. The group discusses "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaghy at Mountain Lakes House. Registration requested.
Black Voices Book Group - Thursday, August 13 at 7:15pm. The group discusses "The Long Fall" by Walter Mosley. All are welcome. See calendar for Google Meet link.
Book Swap for Adults - Thursday, August 13 at 10:30am. Bring up to two books to exchange and catch up with others about what you’ve been reading this summer. Conference Room
Adult Summer Reading Finale - Saturday, August 15 at 10:30am. Share your favorite summer reads, play a bookish game and enjoy refreshments as we wrap up our summer reading program. Community Room
OTHER EVENTS
Lecture: “Raphael/Not Raphael” - Saturday, August 1 at 3:30pm. Art critic Lin Tan discusses paintings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s recent exhibition, "Raphael: Sublime Poetry," focusing on works that appear not to be entirely by Raphael’s own hand. Community Room
Staged Reading: “As You Like It” - Sunday, August 2 at 1:00pm. The Obedient Madness Players Club presents an unabridged staged reading of William Shakespeare's beloved gender-bending comedy. Community Room
Dancing Under the Stars - Friday, August 7, 21 at 7:00pm. Members of Central Jersey Dance Society demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds on Hinds Plaza, weather permitting.
Library Resources for Job Search - Friday, August 7 at 10:00am. Librarian Nora Walsh shares free library resources to enhance your skills, start a business, identify target industries and companies and more. Community Room
Super Yoshi Party - Friday, August 7 at 2:30pm. Yoshi and Mario-themed games, crafts and activities are led by teen volunteers with staff supervision. For ages 7 and up. Community Room
Listen Local Series: Castle Lane - Sunday, August 9 at 3:00pm. Castle Lane brings its blend of rock, funk, soul and pop to Hinds Plaza
Summer STEAM Exploration Camp - Monday-Friday, August 10-14 at 2:00pm. Rising fifth and sixth graders explore various topics in STEAM through interactive learning challenges and experiments. Led by teen mentors from LUMEN Initiative. Registration required. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab
Special Event” Feelin’ Stronger Every Day - Sunday, August 16 at 3:00pm. Celebrate wellness, community and music at this special summer event featuring a tribute concert to the music of Chicago, wellness information from local organizations and activities for all ages at the Princeton Shopping Center.
Paws to Read - Tuesday, August 11 at 3:00pm. Children ages 5 and up, with an adult caregiver, are invited to practice reading to Maisey, a certified therapy dog. Story Room
Summer Reading Wrap-Up Celebration for All Ages - Saturday, August 15 at 2:00pm. Celebrate the finale of Summer Reading 2026 at a dance party featuring DJ James Myricks. Hinds Plaza, Community Room
Baby Beach Party - Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30am. Join us for play, dancing and fun at an indoor beach party featuring a musical appearance by Storytime with Jeff. Community Room
Chemistry Saturday - Saturday, August 22 at 2:30pm. Kids in third to fifth grade learn the basics of chemistry through simple, hands-on experiments at this fun and creative workshop. Led by Princeton University graduate students. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab
Listen Local Series: Novo Rodeo - Sunday, August 23 at 3:00pm. Singer-songwriter Suzannah Sabin leads Novo Rodeo, a Central New Jersey based band performing a mix of favorite songs and original music inspired by country, folk rock and Americana. Hinds Plaza
Homeschooling Basics in New Jersey - Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30pm. A panel of experienced homeschooling parents and teachers give an overview of the basics of homeschooling in New Jersey. Newsroom
Cooks + Books: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” - Wednesday, August 26 at 3:00pm. A reading from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” followed by a fun cooking class featuring recipes related to the book. For kids in third through fifth grade. Registration required.
Craft, Chat and Chill - Thursday, August 27 at 3:00pm. Teens in grades 6-12 do hands-on projects and chat books, movies, podcasts, music and more at this monthly craft and chat hour. At this session, celebrate summer by making a "beach in a bottle." Registration required. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab
Writers Room - Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00pm and Monday, August 17 at 10:00am. Writers receive constructive feedback at these twice-monthly group sessions during which participants read passages from a work in progress and members offer suggestions. Registration required. Tower Room
Outdoor Storytime at Princeton Shopping Center - Tuesday, August 4, 11 at 10:30am. This interactive event features books, songs, rhymes and movement for kids 18 months and older, accompanied by an adult. Please bring a blanket. Registration not required. Check calendar for updates.
Writers Room Online - Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00pm. Writers receive constructive feedback at these monthly online group sessions during which participants read passages from a work in progress and members offer suggestions. On Zoom; register for link
TECHNOLOGY
Intro to Video Editing for Kids - Saturday, August 1 at 2:00pm. This hands-on workshop introduces rising fifth and sixth graders to the basics of video editing using iMovie. Registration required. Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab
Harnessing AI for Smarter Job Searches - Monday, August 3 at 6:00pm. Register for link. On Zoom
Tech Help from Bloomberg - Thursday, August 6 at 3:00pm. Volunteers from Bloomberg offer personalized tech assistance. Drop in at any time during the session.
Resume Writing and Job Search - Friday, August 7 at 10:00am. This class will cover techniques to determine your strengths and improve your resume. Resources and considerations for interviews, recommendations, social media and networking will also be covered. Technology Center
Beyond Cable - Wednesday, August 26 at 1:00pm. Registration required. Technology Center
Ask the Mac Pros - Tuesday, August 18 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Members of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group help resolve questions about Apple devices. Drop in at any time during this session.
