August Adult Programs

Discover a world of community, creativity, and connection at the Eastern Monroe Public Library! From chair exercise classes that invigorate to vibrant book clubs that inspire, our three branches offer a diverse array of events for adults tailored for all interests. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon of crafting or an evening exploring the latest in adventure literature, there’s something here for everyone. Join us! Need more info? Call us at 570-421-0800 ext. 317.

Downloadable calendars:

Hughes Library Events

Chair Exercise Classes

Every Monday, 2:00pm (unless otherwise specified): Chair Yoga

Every Friday, 2:00pm (unless otherwise specified): Chair Cardio

Hughes Community Room

Looking Ahead: NO CLASS Fri., 08/23 and Mon., 09/02

Please dress comfortably and bring water to stay hydrated. There is no cost to attend! For ages 14 and up. First come, first serve: capped at 50 ppl per class. 

Introduction to Brainfuse (Tech Thursday Class)

Thursday, August 1, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Pullen Room

Unlock academic and career success with Brainfuse, a free resource for EMPL library cardholders! Learn how to access live, virtual expert help across subjects like Math, Science, Reading/Writing, and more, alongside 24/7 resources including video content, an Online Writing Lab, and a Homework Question Center. Additionally, older students and adults can access test prep and career services. Designed for adult learners, parents, and caregivers — this class requires participants to be familiar with computers and internet navigation. Registrations required due to limited space. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or visit the Hughes Library Information Desk on the second floor to register or for more information.

Words & Film Free Sunday Movie Matinee: American Fiction

Sunday, August 4th, 2:00pm — Hughes Community Room

Experience the thought-provoking debut of Cord Jefferson in American Fiction, a film that challenges societal stereotypes with wit and insight. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a disillusioned novelist confronting the exploitation of “Black” entertainment. Don’t miss this compelling exploration, and best of all, it’s free! (Please note: Rated R.)

Sit and Stitch

Monday, August 5th & August 19th, 3:30pm – 5:00pm (drop-in) — Community Room

Join us for an afternoon of crafting camaraderie, whether you’re into knitting, crochet, or embroidery or anything else – it’s about enjoying the company as much as the craft. Bring your own supplies! Self-guided.

Hughes United Book Club

Tuesday, August 6th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm — Eisemann Room/Hybrid

This month’s selection of the Hughes United Book Club (HUB) is Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. An e-book copy of this title is available on Hoopla. Hybrid meeting. New members welcome!

Adventure Reads Bookclub

Wednesday, August 7th, 6:00pm – 7:15pm — Eisemann Room

A new bookclub for Summer! Join us for “Adventure Reads: A Journey Through Summer Reading for Adults,” and enjoy stories full of mystery, history, and futuristic quests. August’s selection is How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu, available in our catalog and digitally via Hoopla. Registration requested. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317.

Internet Safety & Secure Habits: Essential Digital Skills (Tech Thursday Class)

Thursday, August 8, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Pullen Room

Safeguard your online journey with our Internet Safety class at the library. In this essential session, we’ll guide you through the digital landscape, providing practical tips and strategies to ensure your online experiences are secure. Learn how to protect your personal information, recognize and avoid online threats, and cultivate healthy digital habits. Registrations required due to limited space. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or stop by the Hughes Library Information Desk on the second floor to register or for more information.

Evening Chair Zumba Class with Danny Grae

Thursday, August 8th, 5:30pm — Eisemann Room

Discover the joy of Chair Zumba with Danny, a seated adaptation of the popular Zumba dance fitness program. Led by licensed instructor Danny Grae, this high-energy class offers a toned upper body workout with easy-to-follow choreography and a sense of humor. Registration requested; walk-ins welcomed space permitting.

Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 to register and join us for a fun-filled fitness experience!

Hair Loss & Causes Health Booth

Friday, August 9th, 1pm – 4pm (drop-in) — Hughes Lobby

Whether you’re concerned about seasonal shedding, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors impacting hair health, our PA Department of Health nurse will be here to provide insights and answer your questions. Drop by our booth to learn more. No appointments necessary – just stop by!

Sit and Stitch: Sunday Edition!

Sunday, August 11th, 1pm – 4pm (drop-in) — Eisemann Room

Calling all crafters! We heard you and are thrilled to bring our popular Sit & Stitch program to the weekends on select Sundays! A social event, self-guided. Bring your own supplies. Due to limited seating, registration is highly recommended.

Registered attendees will be given priority.

Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 to register.

Intro. to Beekeeping

Wednesday, August 14th, 5:00pm — Hughes Community Room

Discover the captivating realm of beekeeping with Erik Diemer of Blossom and Buzz Beekeeping! This engaging session is perfect for those intrigued by the crucial role of pollinators or aspiring beekeepers seeking valuable insights. Delve into the fundamentals of beekeeping, learn key considerations before starting, explore apiary planning essentials, and gain access to additional resources. Registration requested, but walk-ins welcome! Call 570-421-0800 ext.317 to register or for more info. 

Navigating the Stock Market with Library Tools (Tech Thursday Class)

Thursday, August 15, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Pullen Room

Kickstart your journey in the stock market with our class, ‘Playing the Stock Market Using Library Resources.’ Learn how to utilize your library card to access the Value Line Investment Survey—a resource that offers expert advice and insights on about 1,700 stocks, encompassing a large portion of U.S. trading activity. This free tool is your guide to understanding financial markets, building smart investment strategies, and staying informed about significant stock developments. Join us to take advantage of Value Line and other invaluable library resources that can support your investing efforts. Being familiar with online navigation is necessary to fully benefit from this class. Registrations required due to limited space. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or visit the Hughes Library Information Desk on the second floor to register or for more information.

Ask a Master Gardener!

Monday, August 19th, 2:30pm – 3:30pm — Hughes Lobby

Join the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners, Monroe County for an informative monthly booth at the Hughes Library from through October! You can have all your gardening questions answered without the need for an appointment! Drop in.

Board Game Night for Adults

Wednesday, August 21st, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm — Hughes Community Room

Join us for fun and games, meet new people, and bring your favorite tabletop games! (Or try ours!) Open to all, ages 14+. No experience required, all skill levels welcome.

Chair Zumba with Luz (Bonus Class)

Thursday, August 22nd, 2:00pm – 3:00pm — Hughes Community Room

Please dress comfortably and bring water to stay hydrated. There is no cost to attend! For ages 14 and up. First come, first served. Class is capped at 50 participants.

Microsoft Word for Beginners (Tech Thursday Class)

Thursday, August 22, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Pullen Room

Perfect for those new to word processing or seeking a refresher, this session will guide you through the fundamentals of Microsoft Word. Learn essential skills such as creating, formatting, and editing documents. Whether you’re writing a letter, crafting a resume, or working on a project, this class will equip you with the foundational skills to confidently navigate Microsoft Word. Participants should be comfortable using a laptop – including navigating with a mouse and basic typing – to fully benefit from this course. Registrations required due to limited space. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or visit the Hughes Library Information Desk on the second floor to register or for more information.

BookHouse Concert: Nancy & Spencer Reed (jazz)

Friday, August 23rd, 7:00pm — Hughes Community Room

Nancy & Spencer Reed‘s unique brand of vocal and instrumental styling has been enjoyed by audiences for 30 years. Their forte is their vocal blend, with tight yet natural phrasing and unusual harmony. Starting their musical collaboration as teenagers in the Bronx, performances by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Carmen McRae, and Jackie and Roy, influenced their own. They offer an unusual selection of rarely heard tunes punctuated by unique treatemtns of jazz standards.

Free admission. Doors open at 6:30. Refreshments available for a modest charge.

Scrabble Social

Tuesday, August 27th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm — Pullen Room

Join us for Scrabble Social, a new monthly event held every fourth Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm at Hughes Library. Whether you’re a Scrabble enthusiast or new to the game, drop in for a relaxed social gathering. Bring your own Scrabble board or use one of ours. It’s self-guided and a great opportunity to meet fellow players!

Introduction to Podcasts (Tech Thursday Class)
Thursday, August 29, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Pullen Room

This beginner-friendly session will guide you through finding, listening to, and subscribing to podcasts on various platforms. Learn how to navigate podcast apps on your smartphone or computer and discover tips for finding podcasts that match your interests. No prior podcast experience is necessary, but participants should be comfortable using a smartphone or computer. Explore the endless possibilities of podcasting and enrich your listening experience. Registrations required due to limited space. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or stop by the Hughes Library Information Desk on the second floor to register or for more information.

Library of the Smithfields Events

Chair Yoga and Movement

Select Days — MST Community and Cultural Center Community Room

Thursdays: 8/1 and 8/15

Saturdays: 8/3, 8/17, and 8/24

Join Luz for an eclectic mix of chair yoga and movement to help you stay healthy and well! No cost to join! Please bring water and a small towel. Yoga mat is optional. Dress to move.

Maker Matinee

Saturday, August 3rd, 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Lights up! Hobbies out! The Library of the Smithfields is hosting a special Maker Matinee where you can enjoy your hobbies while watching the classic fantasy adventure movie, The Princess Bride. Bring your own activity, whether it’s knitting, drawing, or even paperwork, and work comfortably with the lights on. We ask participants to keep noise to a minimum, but some minor interruptions from activity in the room are to be expected. This event is open to teens and adults due to some intense scenes and depictions of violence, and registration is highly recommended, though walk-ins are allowed as space permits. Call 570-223-1881 for more information or to register.

Monthly Omnivorous Readers Book Club

Thursday, August 8th, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm via ZOOM

The Smithfields Library Branch’s Omnivorous Readers Bookclub (ORB) is alive and well! The book theme for this month is Short Stories. An email invitation with the Zoom link will be sent out before the meeting. If you are not currently a member of the club but would like to join us, call 570-223-1881 or send an email to smf@monroepl.org and you will be sent some information. New members are always welcome!

Hair Loss & Causes Health Booth

Thursday, August 15th, 1:30-4:30pm (drop-in)

Whether you’re concerned about seasonal shedding, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors impacting hair health, our PA Department of Health nurse will be here to provide insights and answer your questions. Drop by our booth to learn more.

No appointments necessary – just stop by!

Pocono Township Library Events

Hair Loss Health Booth

Thursday, August 1st, 9am – 1pm (drop-in)

There are several causes for hair loss in both men and women. Our PA Department of Health nurse will be here with information on the types of hair loss and what can be done to treat and cope with this emotionally distressing illness.

Stop by to see her. No appointment necessary.

Booktalk Book Club

Tuesday, August 13th, 2pm

The Pocono Township Booktalk Book Club will be reading Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in

Chemistry this month. The club is meeting in-person. You can email the branch at

ptl@monroepl.org for more information. New members are always welcome.

Litlover’s Book Club, Tuesday

August 27th, 6:30pm (hybrid)

The Pocono Township LitLovers Book Club will be reading Ann Napolitano’s Hello Beautiful this month. The club is currently meeting in-person/Zoom hybrid, and you can email the branch at ptl@monroepl.org for an invitation if you prefer to Zoom.

New members are always welcome!