EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick Public Library is joining communities around the globe in celebrating Welcoming Week, an annual campaign aimed at deepening understanding and connection among community members, with a lineup of events running Sept. 10 through Sept. 19.
This year's theme, "The Courage to Connect," will be reflected in a series of programs designed to help residents engage with the community around them, according to the library, located at 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive.
Among the highlights is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, hosted in partnership with the ADIPA Alliance of East Brunswick, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. Dr. Drew Hanson, owner of Boukakuan Japanese Tea House, and Brandon Forsht will lead the ceremony, illustrating how the ritual has evolved over the past 500 years and sharing authentic refreshments with attendees. The event is ticketed, and registration is required.
Residents will also have opportunities to connect with government representatives during Welcoming Week. Constituent service staff from the office of Sen. Cory Booker will be at the library from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, to share information about federal resources. The office of state Assemblyman Sterley Stanley will hold mobile outreach hours at the library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
Several community organizations will also set up at the library throughout the week. The Pride Center of New Jersey will be present from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, and the East Brunswick NJ Housing Community Housing Corporation will hold hours from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 16.
New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services, an agency that assists families with children in grades K-12, will be at the library from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The Raritan Valley YMCA will lead a free family fitness class at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
For a complete list of Welcoming Week events and activities, visit ebpl.org/welcomingweek.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
East Brunswick Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.