Summit Library Packs August With Workshops, Films, and Author Talks

The Summit Free Public Library opens August with a full calendar of programs—workshops, film screenings, author talks, trivia, and a parking-lot carnival—running through the end of the month. Whether residents are looking for creativity, community, or culture, the library offers something for everyone.

Union County Life is covering this library programming calendar as part of our ongoing coverage of community events, arts, and educational opportunities across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Film screenings anchor much of the month. The library's Mondays at the Movies series offers screenings at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Liss Meeting Room, featuring The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille on August 3, Audrey's Children on August 10, and Priscilla on August 17.

Two author talks bookend the month. On Tuesday, August 4, Smithsonian curator Paula J. Johnson will discuss Julia Child's Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. On Thursday, August 27, bestselling author Lucy Foley will discuss her newest Miss Marple novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.

Hands-on workshops invite creativity. A Christmas in July Holiday Cookie Plates workshop on Saturday, August 1, lets participants create a customized glass plate for the holiday season. A Zentangle Workshop with Mimspirations follows on Tuesday, August 11, featuring a pattern-based drawing method focused on creativity and mindfulness. A Mini-Birdhouse Decorations workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

Community engagement takes center stage on Thursday, August 6, with an In-Person Trivia Night where participants can play solo or form teams of up to four. On Thursday, August 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., the library hosts its Library of Things Carnival in the Staff Parking Lot at the corner of Morris Avenue and Cedar Street. The event features yard games from the library's Library of Things collection, family activities, and ice cream.

Ongoing programs continue throughout August as well: Knit, Stitch & Natter meets Wednesdays, Summit Toastmasters meets Wednesdays, and Senior Strength Training runs on Fridays. Through August 31, the exhibit The Things We Keep by artist Denise Mortensen is on display at the library, exploring the meaning people attach to everyday objects and how those items connect to personal histories and memories.

Looking ahead, the library is partnering with People & Stories—a New Jersey nonprofit founded in 1972—on a free eight-week literary series beginning Tuesday, September 22. Sessions run 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Liss Room and feature short stories and other literary works read aloud, followed by group discussions. No advance reading or literary background is required. The series is open to adults of all ages.

A Community Art and Craft Supply Swap is also coming on Saturday, September 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Residents can donate unused craft supplies, yarn, fabric, beads, markers, paint, and other materials throughout the summer.

For more information, visit summitlibrary.org or call 908-273-0350, option 3.

Find more Summit events, educational programs, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What programs does Summit Free Public Library offer in August?
A: The Summit Free Public Library offers free programming throughout August including film screenings, author talks, workshops, trivia night, and a community carnival. All events are free to attend.

Q: When are the Monday movie screenings?
A: Mondays at the Movies screenings are held at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Liss Meeting Room. Three films are scheduled: The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille (Aug 3), Audrey's Children (Aug 10), and Priscilla (Aug 17).

Q: Which authors are speaking at the library?
A: Two authors are visiting in August. Smithsonian curator Paula J. Johnson discusses Julia Child's Kitchen on Tuesday, August 4. Bestselling author Lucy Foley discusses her newest Miss Marple novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, on Thursday, August 27.

Q: What hands-on workshops are available?
A: The library offers three workshops: Christmas in July Holiday Cookie Plates (Aug 1), Zentangle Workshop with Mimspirations (Aug 11), and Mini-Birdhouse Decorations (Aug 15).

Q: When is Trivia Night?
A: In-Person Trivia Night is Thursday, August 6. Participants can play solo or form teams of up to four.

Q: What is the Library of Things Carnival?
A: On Thursday, August 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., the library hosts its Library of Things Carnival in the Staff Parking Lot (corner of Morris Avenue and Cedar Street). The event features yard games, family activities, and ice cream.

Q: What ongoing programs run through August?
A: Knit, Stitch & Natter meets Wednesdays, Summit Toastmasters meets Wednesdays, and Senior Strength Training runs on Fridays.

Q: Is there an exhibit at the library?
A: Yes. The Things We Keep by artist Denise Mortensen is on display through August 31, exploring the meaning people attach to everyday objects.