first state ringers holiday performances

Saturday/Sunday, December 7/8, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Join the First State Ringers for a festive afternoon concert of holiday classics! 

First State Ringers is an advanced handbell choir affiliated with Newark United Methodist Church in Newark, Delaware.  Their mission is to introduce audiences to the varied repertoire of handbell music since, contrary to popular belief, handbells are not solely used for ringing holiday music.  They are an auditioned group performing throughout the New Castle County and Cecil County areas. For more information, visit firststateringers.org.

This experience will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - Dec. 7 https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11853205

 Dec. 8: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11853228

celebrate the holidays with coda brass!

Saturday, December 21, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join the Coda Brass Quintet for a fun holiday celebration! Coda Brass is an all-women brass quintet who aims to elevate and collaborate with other women and gender-marginalized musicians. Come share in the magic of the season as Coda Brass fills the air with festive and joyous tunes!

To learn more about Coda Brass, visit their website, codabrassquintet.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @codabrassquintet.

This experience will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12568051

PREVIOUS EVENTS

A MUSICAL TAPESTRY WITH THE PEGASUS TRIO

Saturday, November 9, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The Pegasus Trio, comprised of Jeanmarie Braddock on violin, Chris Braddock on guitar and mandolin, and Mindy Bowman on flute, will perform a program that includes works by Franz Joseph Haydn, Scott Joplin, and Cole Porter, as well as original trios, English country dances and a medley of classic TV themes.

This experience will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12755981

tiffany iraheta solo piano recital

Monday, November 4, 2024
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Join us as pianist Tiffany Iraheta performs her degree recital program at the library! Tiffany Iraheta is a student at the University of Delaware who is majoring in Music Education (Choral/General) with a Piano Concentration. Tiffany has been surrounded by music since she was little, growing up in a musical Puerto Rican family and starting her first piano lessons at 6 years old. The theme of her degree recital revolves around the idea of nationalism and pride in our cultural backgrounds. Her piano program features a diverse set of composers from countries such as Norway, Jamaica, and Cuba, who all show their nationalism through their music. In the same way, Tiffany hopes to show pride in her own nationality through her vocal selections, which highlight her Puerto Rican heritage. Tiffany’s hope through this recital is that the audience can enjoy the performance and celebrate all our diverse backgrounds through music!

This experience will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/13148457

AUTUMNAL MUSIC FOR CLARINET AND STRINGS

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Christopher Nichols (University of Delaware Associate Professor of Clarinet) and the Copeland String Quartet (composed of string musicians from the Delaware Symphony Orchestra) collaborate to present a program of autumnal music for clarinet and strings. This program features Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op. 34 and Johannes Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115, which are among the most celebrated works in this medium. 

This experience will run for 90 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12584196

"cultural exchange, mindfulness, & percussion for peace" with dr. scott horey

Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Internationally respected solo percussionist, teacher, and health and wellness advocate Dr. Scott Horey will perform his exciting solo percussion music with an accompanying educational discussion. Audiences will learn of the power of cultural exchange in sharing music around the world, how music can illuminate the universally human importance of body, mind, heart, and spirit, and share hope for the globalized future. Adults and children from all ages and backgrounds are invited and welcome. (This program is registered with Peace Week Delaware.)

This experience will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/13247330

SONGS INSPIRED BY BOOKS

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Modern-folk duo Friction Farm, is a husband and wife team of traveling troubadours. Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes, and quirky observations. Their lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists, and South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter winners. Friction Farm’s latest CD, “Evidence of Hope ,” which reached #10 on the Folk Radio Chart, was inspired by the collision of strong political polarity with personal kindness, the intersection of fragility and breathtaking beauty.

This experience will run for 90 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12673329

Shakespeare on tour: THE winter's tale

Saturday, October 12, 2024
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Delaware Shakespeare is proud to present The Winter’s Tale as their 7th Annual Community Tour, which this year includes a stop at the Newark Free Library! The Winter's Tale is directed by Abby Weissman and features music by Del Shakes’ frequent collaborator, Emily Schuman.

In this romantic tale of reconciliation, Leontes and Hermione are living a fairytale life until a wave of unfounded jealousy tears apart their marriage and treasured friendships. Sixteen years later, can the love of their exiled daughter Perdita heal the damage her father brought upon their community? With clowns, shepherds, and the most famous bear in all of theater, The Winter’s Tale weaves an intergenerational story of family and forgiveness.

This experience will run for 120 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12773696

STORYTIME WITH ASTROPHYSICIST stan OWOCKI

Saturday, September 7, 2024
11:00 am - noon

Join us for a special astronomy, space, and physics themed storytime with local author and retired University of Delaware Professor, Stan Owocki! He will read two of his picture books about cool space & physics concepts for kids. Families will receive 1 free book after the program & a chance to meet with the author.

This experience will run for 60 minutes. Best for ages 2-6! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12446908

adventures around the world: a musical trip with European & american composers

Saturday, August 17, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join violinist Maria Rusu and pianist Higo Rodrigues as they discover the beautiful sounds of each country and their musical traditions, featuring composers from England, Norway, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and much more!

This experience will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12593711

aBE OVADIA JAZZ TRIO

Saturday, August 10, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us for an enchanting afternoon with the Abe Ovadia Trio, renowned for their innovative approach to jazz. The performance will feature Abe Ovadia on jazz guitar, accompanied by an acoustic bass and drums, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The trio's synergy will bring to life a repertoire that bridges traditional and contemporary jazz, appealing to both purists and new listeners alike. 

This experience will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12487128

minas, brazilian jazz duo: "bossa nova classics& originals"

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for an evening of Bossa Nova with Brazilian jazz duo Minas! Based in Philadelphia for a great part of their career, Minas has been on the forefront of world music and Brazilian Jazz in the Northeast for the past 30 years. Led by the couple Orlando and Patricia Haddad, Minas has recorded and released 8 CDs, 7 of them in Philadelphia. Their latest, “Beatles in Bossa”, reached #1 and was among the 10 best Latin Jazz albums in 2022, on Roots Music Report. Their first, "Num Dia Azul", released on vinyl in 1983, has become a collector's item. Minas has performed in many major national venues including Lincoln Center in NY, Kennedy Center in DC, and The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. 

This experience will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12382938

AFRICAN DRUM CIRCLE FOR KIDS

Monday, July 8, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Patrons learn about a variety of West African hand drums including the djembe, talking drum, and more! Come enjoy some musical beats and songs with the presenter Mister Boom Boom (who you may recognize from an author visit earlier this year!). 

This experience will run for 60 minutes. Best for ages 4+. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12174431

"ROAD TRIP ACROSS AMERICA" WITH JAY DANIELS

Sunday, July 7, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Celebrate America with the sounds of simply timeless music featuring pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels. Jay takes us on a "Road Trip Across America" as he shares songs from sea to shining sea including "Route 66" from Nat King Cole, "California Girls" from the Beach Boys, "New York, New York" from Frank Sinatra, "Philadelphia Freedom" from Elton John, "Old Cape Cod" from Patti Page, and "Georgia on My Mind" from Ray Charles.

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12406894

UNSUNG HEROES OF JAZZ

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join "The Unsung Heroes of Jazz" for an fun and casual evening of jazz standards and improvisation. The combo will consist of Matt Gerry (trumpet), Jon Williams (piano), Joe Testa (bass), Jeff Dombchik (drums) and Tina Seing (vocals). 

The performance will run for 90 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12284549

children's author visit: erin entrada kelly

Saturday, June 22, 2024
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join the Newark Free Library as we welcome award winning author, Erin Entrada Kelly!! She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the 2018 Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe, a 2021 Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, the 2023 NAIBA Book of the Year Award for Those Kids From Fawn Creek, 2017 APALA Award for The Land of Forgotten Girls, and the 2016 Golden Kite Honor Award for Blackbird Fly, among many other honors. She is also the author and illustrator of the Marisol Rainey collection. 

Erin will help us kick off our Summer with the Library program which runs from June 1st - August 17th! The day will packed with fun activities, games, crafts, and so much more! Don't miss out on the fun! There will be sessions for all ages so make sure to sign up for the session you want to attend.

Session 1 @ 1:00PM: Best for ages 6-8 (Elementary Age). Listen as Erin talks about stories & conducts activites for our early readers. If you liked the Marisol Rainey books, this will be perfect for you!

Session 2 @ 3:00PM: Best for ages 7+ (Middle School Age). Erin will talk about her middle grade books with other activites along the way including her award winning book Hello, Universe!

Book Signing From 2:00-3:00PM: Free books will be given out to registered participants. All attendees will have a chance to meet the author & registered will receive a free book.

Make sure you register for the session you are interested in!

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12549886

ENGLISH & IRISH INSPIRATIONS: ROMANTIC WORKS FOR CLARINET AND PIANO

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm

University of Delaware faculty Christopher Nichols, clarinet, and Christine Delbeau, piano, present a program of lush, romantic music from across the Atlantic. This program intersperses traditional folk music from the United Kingdom with western classical music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles Villiers Stanford, Howard Ferguson, and Roma Cafolla.

The performance will run for 30 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12102009

HOREY-SWINCHOSKI DUO: NORTH (AND SOUTH!) OF THE BORDER

Saturday, June 1, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join the Horey-Swinchoski Duo (Margaret Swinchoski, flute & Scotty Horey, marimba/percussion) as they explore music by composers from North and South of the Border! These faculty members from The Music School of Delaware have been delighting audiences throughout Delaware with imaginative programming and virtuosic flair. Scotty Horey is an internationally renowned solo percussionist and teacher, whose work and performances have brought him through the US, Central and South America, Mexico, Denmark, Greece and Portugal.  Margaret Swinchoski, award winning flutist currently holds the principal flute chair with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Orchestra, and is a founding member of the Palisades Virtuosi with over 100 commissions of new music to her credit.

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

 Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12298302

children's author kate albus

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for a very special visit with Kate Albus, author of A Place to Hang the Moon. Participants will get to talke with Kate about her books, writing, publishing, and so much more. Attendees will receive a free book and chance to get their book signed after the presentation. Best for ages 6+. Registration Required! 

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event best for 6+ and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12280116

AN EVENING WITH pyxis piano trio

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join the Pyxis Piano Trio for a recital of classical music for violin, cello, and piano representing different periods and styles. This performance is free and open to the public. 

The members of the Pyxis Piano Trio -- violinist Luigi Mazzocchi, cellist Jennifer Jie Jin, and pianist Hiroko Yamazaki -- have been playing together since 2009. The group takes its name from the Pyxis constellation, also known as the Mariners’ Compass, whose symbol is the compass rose. The points of the compass rose represent the new artistic directions that the group strives to take together while recognizing the different backgrounds and experiences of its musicians.

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12116860

Vocal point: live at the newark free library!

Sunday, May 5, 2024
3:00 pm - 4 pm

Vocal Point has been a gender-inclusive a cappella group from the University of Delaware for the past 25 years with roots beginning as an 80’s pop tribute ensemble. Vocal Point harmonizes musically as well as socially by valuing competition alongside friendship in and outside of rehearsals. The group has been featured on compilations such as BOCA, Voices Only, and released albums of their own. These collections include “Phoenix,” “Fragile,” and their most recent addition, “Collision,” highlighting their award-winning ICCA set from last year’s competition

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12317793

VIBE-A-DELPHIA JAZZ TRIO: From the silver scren to the band stand

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with some incredible interpretations of classic movie tracks like "Someday My Prince Will Come."

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12106340

yuxin liu - piano recital 

Sunday, April 28, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Come out to support UD grad student Yuxin Liu as she performs a special recital as she heads toward graduation!

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11712861

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE PIANO STUDENT CABARET 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for solo piano works by University of Delaware music students!

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12105322

Violin and piano recital 

Saturday, April 20, 2024
11:00 am - noon

Join us for a performance of music inspired by this year's NCC Reads selection, The Violin Conspiracy, featuring violinist Maria Rusu and pianist Higo Rodrigues.

The performance will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11830536

Annual meeting and thank you brunch 

Sunday, April 14, 2024
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Featuring: Quinn Evans Architectural Firm

Agenda will include: Election of Officers and Board Members | Treasurer's Report | Library Highlights
Brunch to be catered by Caffe Gelato

CLICK HERE to Register and Pay Online

To Register and Pay By Check: Please send your check for $15 per attendee made out to Friends of the Newark Free Library to: 51 Bridlebrook Lane
Newark, DE 19711

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

KIDS: BILINGUAL STORY TIME! 

Saturday, April 13, 2024
10:30 am - noon

Join the Newark Free Library and Author Adriana Camacho-Church for a bilingual Spanish/English story time presenting her new book Grandma, Where Will Your Love Go? / Abuela, adónde irá tu amor?. Patrons will receive a free copy of the book and get a chance to meet the author after the program.

The performance will run for 90 minutes. Best for ages 4-8, but all ages welcome! This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11768730

total solar eclipse livestream 

Monday, April 8, 2024
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Safely view the incredible solar eclipse by celebrating this unique astral event over livestream!

The event will run for 180 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12065898

KIDS: PILLOW PLAYS - FAIRY TALES! 

Sunday, April 7, 20242:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Bring your children for fun and laughter at this production! The Wilmington Drama League will present 'Not So Grimm Fairy Tale'. A Pillow Play for Kids by Kids! 

The performance will run for 60 minutes. This event is FREE and registration is required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12012385

a journey thru the night skies: an astral harp performance 

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Astral Harp Productions—an exhilarating multimedia experience that blends mesmerizing astro-photography with captivating harp melodies!

Discover the wonders of the universe as Kevin shares breathtaking images of space, including his own astrophotography and footage from the Hubble Space Telescope. Janet's enchanting harp compositions, featuring beloved tunes like "Moondance" and "Starry, Starry Night," will elevate the experience to new heights.

Don't miss this opportunity to be both educated and entertained by this dynamic husband and wife duo, each a respected expert in their field. Kevin's expertise as a former planetarium operator and Janet's accolades as a nationally awarded harpist ensure a truly stellar performance.

The performace will run for 60 minutes. All ages welcome! This event is FREE and Registration is Required.

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11886345

"Classical, romantic, and impressionistic": mark blaschke, piano 

Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Classical pianist Mark Blaschke will perform a recital of music by Haydn, Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff. This recital is free and open to the public. 

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12098021

gerry/williams jazz duo 

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

The Gerry/Williams Jazz Duo, consisting of pianist Jon Williams and trumpeter Matt Gerry, has a unique sound featuring jazz standards that have stood the test of time. Jon’s ability to create a one-man rhythm section provides ample opportunity for Matt to create melodies through the magic of jazz improvisation. This fun and casual concert is free and open to the public. 

Questions? Email us at friendsofnewarkfreelibrary@gmail.com

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/12063490

Celebrate Black History - A Musical Journey With Matthew

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
6:30pm - 8:00pm

Embark on a Musical Journey with Matthew and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black History! Join us for a unique and educational music program suitable for all age groups, promising to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping!

Travel along the Mississippi Delta and immerse yourself in the magic of Ragtime, Stride, Boogie Woogie, and New Orleans Blues. Discover how these genres influenced Swing, Country, Rock n' Roll, and more, reshaping the musical landscape and leaving an indelible mark on our cultural history.

Gain insight into the integral role Black history plays in American history. The music and culture we hold dear today wouldn't be the same without the profound impact of this journey through time.

Proudly sponsored by the Friends of the Newark Free Library, a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the library through funding and advocacy.

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11506959

IllStyle & Peace - Hip Hop Experience 

Friday, January 26, 2024
11:00am - noon

Join the IllStyle & Peace - Hip Hop Experience and kick off Black History Month with a bang! Immerse yourself in the spirit and history of Hip-Hop at this multicultural dance show and learning event. Don't miss out on the incredible performance by dancers with over 10 years of experience in hip-hop dance!

Registration required - https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/11506959