WEdnesday, April 10th at 7:00 PM

By using his own family, Steven Gabai will show and explain genealogy records, research, and what you can learn by researching your family history. This 90-minute slide show presentation tells the stories behind those records and research, including the breakthroughs, contradictions, and frustrations that come with it.

Mr. Gabai started researching his family history in 1998.  He is a member of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County and has been a trustee on the Board since 2015. His objective in offering genealogy programs is to motivate others to research and preserve their family history and to offer assistance.

Register here with LibCal.

Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 PM

Join Regina Fitzpatrick, Genealogy Librarian at the New Jersey State Library, at the Glen Rock Public Library for an informative lecture on conducting research on New Jersey's Revolutionary and Civil War Soldiers. New Jersey has a wealth of military service records especially for those interested in Revolutionary and Civil War ancestors. Together, we’ll be reviewing useful primary record collections, both State and Federal, available at the New Jersey State Archives and National Archives, plus supporting secondary materials available at the New Jersey State Library.

This event is being held in conjuction with the Glen Rock Historical and Preservation Society.

Register here with LibCal.

Friday, February 2 at 12:00 PM (Virtual)

The struggle for black freedom in the twentieth century took many forms, particularly within local communities and greater political landscape. Black people and families had to coalesce around the principles of strength, determination, and faith as they struggled to obtain equality in a resistive and prejudicial America. In honor of Black History Month, please join us as Dr. Walter Greason discusses the success and sacrifices of 3 black families in New Jersey that were emblematic of the greater black community throughout the twentieth century.

Dr. Walter Greason, Ph.D., DeWitt Wallace Professor in the Department of History at Macalester College is the preeminent historian of Afrofuturism, the Black Speculative Arts, and digital economies in the world today.

Register for this virtual Zoom for this event.

Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 PM

The lecture, Paterson Comes of Age: The Rise of an American City, will be presented by author and public historian, Richard Polton.

This presentation will examine Paterson, America’s first planned industrial city, during the second half of the Nineteenth Century. During this period, Paterson was the fastest growing city in America. With the use of historic photographs from the Paterson Museum’s extensive collection, Polton will focus on the nature and quality of architecture found in Victorian Paterson as a reflection of the city’s aspirations, economic power and importance.

A Paterson native and author, Richard has a background in architecture and planning as well as a passion for urban history. Among his accomplishments, Richard is the author of The Life and Times of Fred Wesley Wentworth: The Architect Who Shaped Paterson and Its People. He served as President of the Jewish Historical Society of Northern New Jersey and he is actively involved with the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, November 8th at 7:00 PM

GLEN ROCK'S CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. MCHALE

Captain William A. McHale served on a British minesweeper in World War I, was part of the US Naval Reserves in the 1920s and 30s, landed troops in the US liberation of Africa in 1942, and fought in 3 major naval engagements in the South Pacific. In 1940, he navigated the mine-filled fjords of Norway with a hold full of Swedish gold, slipping out of the harbor right under Nazi noses. Captain McHale lost a ship to a U- boat torpedo and commanded the Naval Base in Iwo Jima after World War II ended. Come hear the stories and amazing accomplishments of this Glen Rocker.

Speakers:
GRHPS President: Kay Tuite Borough Historian: Kathleen Walter

This program is generously sponsored by the Glen Rock Historical and Preservation Society.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, August 9th at 7:00 PM

Join us for an Author Talk with Glen Rock resident Mark Braff, author of “Sons of Baseball.” Mark will be discussing and signing copies of his new book, which features interviews with 18 sons of Major League Baseball players and a foreword by Cal Ripken Jr.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, June 14th at 7:00 PM

Already an entrepreneur by 16, Cornelius Vanderbilt eventually grew his small NY ferry into a massive steamship company. Over the years, Vanderbilt built his empire by undercutting 
competitors with pricing his services so low he would drive them out of business. Vanderbilt's railroad empire extended from New York to Chicago during the Gilded Age, funding the Vanderbilts' massive mansions and grand parties.  Presenter Rick Feingold shares all this and what happened to the fortune of America's first robber baron. Bonus: Special Anderson Cooper tribute to mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, June 7th at 7:00 PM

Mitch Rosen, a twenty-six year decorated Port Authority Police veteran, takes us back to a time of policing before computers, cell phones and other high tech equipment when you needed to sharpen your basic instincts and develop strategies to stay one step ahead of any approaching disaster. In addition to how much the job drastically changed over the past forty years, Mitch shares his most personal on the job experiences.

This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Library.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, April 19th at 7:00 PM

Mario Medici takes us on a walking photographic tour of Governors Island along with commentary describing each photo. Often confused with other New York islands, Governors Island is located just 800 yards from lower Manhattan. From 1776 and up until 1996, the island has served as a military post for various branches of the military. The lecture and slide presentation will take you on a walking tour of the island highlighting its history, architecture, and its many sites including Fort Jay, Liggett Hall, and Castle Williams. 

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Register here with LibCal.

wednesday, March 1st at 7:00 PM

Join Mario Medici as we explore Roosevelt Island, a small, two-mile strip of land that sits between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. Among the highlights are the FDR Four Freedoms Park, Cornell Tech, Southpoint Park, the Smallpox Hospital (ruins), the Octagon, built in 1834 (formally the insane asylum), the recently restored island lighthouse and very latest attraction, The Girl Puzzle Memorial (a tribute to Nellie Bly). 

Click here to register. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

wednesday, february 21st at 7:00 PM

Ruth D. Hunt will highlight the life and contributions of her enslaved 2nd Great Grandparents who were born in Southwest Virginia in 1834 and 1836. She will demonstrate how she tirelessly pieced together and documented the story of their lives. and explain how she was able to confirm oral history with verifiable legal documentation. She will also touch on her ancestors’ slaveholder and other relations, including Cherokee heritage.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock and Englewood Libraries.

Register here with LibCal to receive the Zoom link.

wednesday, february 1st at 7:00 PM

Currently full; waiting list is available

Discover the hidden gems and impressive sites of New York's historic mansions and estates with historian Barbara Ferrante. Learn what an "old fashioned garden" and how aspects of it have come down to us today. We'll see sites from East Hampton, historic mansions in Upper Manhattan and stunning estates on the Hudson. Barbara has taught art history courses and has presented lectures for the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Register here with LibCal. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27th at 7:00 PM

Celebrate the art, history and architecture of Carl Kemm Loven. Inspired by his friendship with Walt Disney, Carl Loven designed fairytale Norman-style homes throughout Glen Rock, Bergen County and the State.

Presented by Xiomara Paredes, AIA and Kathleen Walter, Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society. Register here with LibCal.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th at 7:00 PM

Did you know Morristown was the Military Capital of The Revolutionary War? Join Revolutionary War Lecturer Joel Farkas in the Library as he explains why General Washington chose Morristown twice for his winter encampments, how the troops survived the brutal winter of 1779-1780, the attempted kidnapping of Washington, the many historical sites and landmarks you can visit and more fascinating facts of the War. Joel is a U.S. Army Officer and a retired Washington's Headquarters docent.

Walk-ins welcome; register here for a reminder from LibCal.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, BEGINNING AT 9:30AM

Friends of the Glen Rock Library in Commemoration of its 40th Anniversary Present

REMINISCENCES: A SHUTTLE BUS TOUR OF GLEN ROCK IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIBRARY’S CENTENNIAL

In your own private mini-bus see Glen Rock’s historic sites, houses, the cemetery where the early farmers rest, where special events took place and interesting tidbits, fictional and perhaps, not so – rumor has it. Gunnar Berg, former President of the Glen Rock Historical and Preservation Society will narrate.

Departs from the Borough Hall Train Station, tours will take place rain or shine. For ages 12 & up

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

Click on a time below to reserve your spot:

9:30am Shuttle Bus Tour
10:45am Shuttle Bus Tour
1:00pm Shuttle Bus Tour
2:15pm Shuttle Bus Tour
3:30pm Shuttle Bus Tour

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22nd at 7:00 PM

Mario Medici presents the illustrators from the Brandywine, PA area. Among the best known illustrators and artists of that period were Andrew Wyeth, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover and others. During this presentation, you will visit their Brandywine studios, their works and the lives of these artists.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Walk-ins welcome. Register here for a reminder. We meet in the Downstairs Community Room.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 at 7:00 PM on Zoom

Author Gordon Bond presents "Token on the Freedman's Coat," based on Bond's book  of the same title. Thomas Mundy Peterson was the first African American voter under the Fifteenth Amendment. This book focuses on the other thing Thomas Mundy Peterson is remembered for, receiving a gold medal in 1884 from the citizens of Perth Amboy for his historic vote. Register here with LibCal.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library and the Friends of the Englewood Library.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26th at 7:00 PM

Explore the history of the Niagara Falls region - from Native American legends to modern-day parks and attractions - with author and photographer Kevin Woyce. Meet the area's explorers and settlers the daredevils who risked their lives for fame or fortune the businessmen who harnessed the Falls' power and the conservationists and visionaries who saved the Falls for generations of visitors. The program is illustrated with original photographs and historic images. Register here with LibCal. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14th at 7:00 PM

The Waltz of the Flowers. The Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy. The Arabian Dance. Familiar and beautiful melodies beloved the world over. The last of Tchaikovsky’s ballets, it was premiered in December of 1892 and has been a Christmas tradition ever since. Join Maestro LaGruth for a look inside the score and to learn about the story, the language of ballet, and the man who composed this enchanting music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Register here with LibCal. The Zoom link is sent upon registration.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library, the Glen Rock Pops and the Arts Council of Glen Rock.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8th at 7:00 PM

Join Mario Medici on a virtual stroll beginning at 59th and Lexington, and we'll meander through the streets of New York City viewing the holiday lights and window decorations, as only New York City can do it. Slides include, the UNICEF Snowflake, Radio City Music Hall, the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center, and a host of gayly decorated storefronts and hotels, including Saks and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mario will share some historical facts of the key sights and works of art, making the experience much more enjoyable and entertaining.

Register here with LibCal. You will receive the Zoom link once you register. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16th at 7:00 PM

Millions of people earn a part-time or full-time income on EBAY and you could, too. Learn from an eBay PowerSeller how to sell successfully from start to finish. Topics include: How eBay works, safe trading, registering on eBay, selecting items to sell, learning the value of your items, writing a description, photos, shipping, fees, etc. Led by Rick Feingold, an Education Specialist trained by eBay and eBay PowerSeller.

Register here with LibCal. The Zoom link is sent upon registration.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20th at 7:00 PM

Brian Stoll, theater enthusiast, explains the importance and history of the Playbill and how to see Broadway Shows for under $50. Brian has attended over 200 shows and is an enthusiastic collector of Broadway memorabilia.

Register here with LibCal. The Zoom link will be sent one hour prior to the program's start.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock and Englewood libraries.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th at 7:00 PM

Mario Medici shares Paterson’s rich history in shaping our nation through slides and lecture. Whether it’s discovering the efforts of Alexander Hamilton or the numerous locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including museums, City Hall, individual residences and districts, most notably the Paterson Downtown Commercial Historic District, you’ll be sure to find this both educational and entertaining. Register here with LibCal. You will receive a reminder email one day before; the Zoom link is sent one hour prior to start.

This event is generously co-sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library and the Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16th at 7:00 PM

Join Rock Historian Vincent Bruno as he travels on the road during the turbulent decade of the 1960's with Bob Dylan; from Dylan's early childhood in Minnesota, to folk troubadour of Greenwich Village, to his ground-breaking trilogy (Bring It Back Home, Highway 61, Blonde on Blonde), to becoming the rock/poet enigma of his time. Highlights of Dylan's post-60's work will also be explored in this 90-minute lecture, as well as his extraordinary artistic achievements as a songwriter, poet and cultural icon of the 20th century. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library and Friends of the Englewood Library. Register here with LibCal. The Zoom link is sent one hour before the program begins.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19th at 7:00 PM

Join Eric Migdal, owner of It’s All Relative Genealogy LLC and learn how to research your family history. You will discover where and how to use information to help you in genealogical research including Ancestry, Fold 3, and Newspapers.com.

Register here with LibCal. You will receive an email reminder one day before; the Zoom link is sent out one hour before the program begins. Contact Ellen O'Keefe, okeefe@glenrock.bccls.org, if you have issues logging in.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14th at 7:00 PM

Take a stroll with Steve Samtur through the Bronx of yesteryear. View nostalgic slides of your favorite borough during the the 40s, 50s, and 60s. In addition there are Bronx video clips from those decades as well as many celebrity Bronxites describing their childhood and formative years in the borough (Chazz Palminteri, Regis Philbin, Robert Klein, etc). Former Bronx High School teacher Steve Samtur is the editor and publisher of Back In The Bronx magazine for 25 years and is the author of three books on The Bronx.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library and the Englewood Public Library.

Zoom Meeting ID: 860 1761 3938

Password: 069519

Please contact okeefe@glenrock.bccls.org if issues joining the event.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10th at 7:00 PM

Mario Medici returns with images and discussion of three of America’s greatest female artists. Georgia Totto O'Keeffe was an American artist best known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. Georgia O'Keeffe has been recognized as the "Mother of American Modernism.” Mary Stevenson Cassatt, “one of the three great ladies" of Impressionism is known for her paintings and prints of women’s social life and mother and child. Hildreth Meière was a mosaic artist and muralist who left her mark on many New York City structures. All three women had to overcome gender barriers in their respective field to emerge as three of the greatest artists of their time. You will receive an email reminder the day before. The Zoom link is sent to all registrants one hour before the event. Register here with LibCal.

Please contact Ellen O'Keefe, okeefe@glenrock.bccls.org with questions or issues with your Zoom link.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd at 7:00 PM

Enjoy Kevin Woyce's original photographs and historic images of New York’s greatest skyscrapers, from the 1890 New York World building to the Woolworth, Chrysler, and Empire State buildings of the early 1930s. Kevin explains how and why these landmarks were built by the architects and businessmen whose visions shaped the world-famous skyline. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glen Rock Library. Register here with LibCal. The Zoom link is emailed one hour before the program begins.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13th at 7:00 PM

The Super Bowl. How America's top sports event was created In the aftermath of the AFL All Star Game boycott of Jim Crow laws in New Orleans in 1965. A Zoom talk with Evan Weiner. Register here with LibCal. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.