Eastern Monroe Public Library

Drop-In Fly-Tying Demo & Practice with Trout Unlimited
2026-02-09 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-02 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Drop-In Fly-Tying Demo & Practice with Trout Unlimited (Mondays)
Watch fly-tying demonstrations and try your hand at this traditional craft with John from Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited! Drop by the Hughes Library lobby most Mondays, 1-4pm (see calendar for dates) to admire both classic and unique examples of fly tying patterns, learn techniques, and practice tying. All flies created will be donated to VALOR to support veterans with fly fishing. No experience or registration required.

[FULL - waitlist only] Low-Stress Hearts & Flowers Wreath Craft (for adults!)
2026-02-09 11:30 - 13:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Low-Stress Hearts & Flowers Wreath Craft (for adults!)
[FULL – waitlist only]
Monday, February 9th, 11:30am — Eisemann Room
Relax and unwind with a casual, low-pressure crafting program designed for adults. Participants will create a very simple paper flower wreath, with an optional stapled paper heart wreath if time allows. This activity is intentionally easy, playful, and process-focused—no prior crafting experience needed and no pressure to make something perfect. This program is about enjoying the act of making, spending time together, and having a creative outlet rather than producing a polished or decorative piece. Open to adults (ages 18+) and is suitable for most abilities. Registration required. Registration opens Monday, January 19th. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317.

Sunday Sit & Stitch
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Sunday Sit & Stitch
Sunday, February 8th, 1pm-3pm – Eisemann Room
NOTE! New times for 2026: Mondays (1st and 3rd), 3:00–4:30 p.m., and Sundays (2nd Sundays), 1:00–3:00 p.m., all in the Eisemann Room. Join a friendly, come-as-you-are gathering of fellow makers where you can bring your current project, chat, share ideas, and enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere. This is a social meet-up, not a class, but you may find others who practice the same craft and are happy to lend an ear, offer a hand, or swap tips. All crafts are welcome—just bring your own supplies. No registration needed; drop in anytim

Free BookHouse Concert: "Jazz Legends A to Z" with Khalil Kwame Bell
2026-02-06 18:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Our free semi-monthly BookHouse Concerts series kicks-off with its first performance of 2026 with “Jazz Legends A To Z” featuring Kahlil Kwame Bell. He is a Grammy-affiliated percussionist, composer, author, and former music educator. Get ready for an evening of music and fun!
The concert occurs at our main Hughes Branch building. Admission is free and open to the public, and refreshments are available for a modest charge. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please plan to arrive before the scheduled starting time.

Color Yourself Calm: Adult Coloring
2026-02-04 12:30 - 15:00 | PA
Color Yourself Calm: Adult Coloring (Wednesdays)
Every Wednesday, 12:30pm-3:00pm (drop-in) — Pullen Room
Join us for Color Yourself Calm, a relaxing, self-guided coloring session for adults of all abilities. All materials are provided—including colored pencils, crayons, markers, and a variety of coloring sheets—though you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Drop in anytime during the session and stay for as long as you like. Settle in for peaceful solitude or connect with others in a calm, creative atmosphere. Unwind, recharge, and enjoy a soothing break in your day!

Hughes United Book Club (HUB)
2026-02-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Our flagship branch’s book club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. We offer hybrid meetings, so for your convenience you can attend in person on our 2nd floor or on your device via Zoom. This month’s selection of the Hughes United Book Club (HUB) is David Benioff’s City of Thieves.
An invitation to join the Zoom portion of our hybrid meeting will be emailed to you beforehand. If you are not currently a member of the club but would like to join us, call 570-421-0800 x.311 and ask for Jason, or send an email to jvigorito@monroepl.org. New members are always warmly welcomed. Check out our past & future schedule!

Monday Sit & Stitch
2026-02-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Monday Sit & Stitch Sessions
Monday, February 2nd, 3pm-4:30pm – Eisemann Room
Monday, February 16th, 3pm-4:30pm – Eisemann Room
NOTE! New times for 2026: Mondays (1st and 3rd), 3:00–4:30 p.m., and Sundays (2nd Sundays), 1:00–3:00 p.m., all in the Eisemann Room. Join a friendly, come-as-you-are gathering of fellow makers where you can bring your current project, chat, share ideas, and enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere. This is a social meet-up, not a class, but you may find others who practice the same craft and are happy to lend an ear, offer a hand, or swap tips. All crafts are welcome—just bring your own supplies. No registration needed; drop in anytime.

Free Sunday Film: Floyd Norman: An Animated Life
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Free Sunday Film: Floyd Norman: An Animated Life
Sunday, February 1st, 2pm – Community Room
In celebration of Black History Month, join us for Floyd Norman: An Animated Life, an inspiring documentary spotlighting the groundbreaking career of Disney Legend Floyd Norman. The film traces Norman’s journey as the first African-American animator at Disney in 1956 and his influential work across major studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Hanna-Barbera, Ruby-Spears, Film Roman, and Pixar. Now 90 years old, Norman remains a creative force—an animator, storyteller, and self-described “troublemaker”—continuing to shape animation long after being forced to retire at age 65. This family-friendly documentary celebrates a trailblazer whose impact on animation and representation endures. Not Rated.

LEGO Club (Grade K-5)
2026-01-29 17:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Grades K-5. Build with LEGO’s at your own pace. All materials provided. Please do not bring your own LEGO’s or minifigures. Registration begins Monday, January 12. 570-421-0800 x305.

Zoom Basics Class: Essential Skills for Video Meetings & Online Connections
2026-01-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Zoom Basics Class: Essential Skills for Video Meetings & Online Connections
Thursday, 1/29/2026, 2pm.
Video conferencing is now part of everyday life—from appointments and family chats to remote work and online classes. Learn how to set up Zoom, join meetings, adjust audio and video, and use essential features with confidence. Mastering Zoom will also make other video-conferencing tools feel easier and more familiar. Basic computer or smartphone/tablet skills recommended. You’re welcome to bring your own device—tablet, smartphone, or laptop—if that’s more comfortable for you, but library laptops will be available for hands-on practice. Registration required – space is limited. To register, call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or visit the Hughes Library Information Desk.

Teens Relax: Blanket Fort & PJ Party (grades 6-12)
2026-01-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Wednesday Jan. 28, 5:30-7:00pm. Let’s get cozy. Participants are welcome, but not required, to wear PJs. Bring your own blankets to build your fort. Read, play games, or chat in your forts while you enjoy hot cocoa and snacks. Registration begins Monday, Jan. 5. Call Youth Services at 570-421-0800 x 305.

Library Board Game Night (for adults!)
2026-01-28 16:00 - 20:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Library Board Game Night (for adults!)
Wednesday, January 28th, 4:00pm – 8:00pm — Eisemann Room
Join us for a relaxed evening of tabletop fun! Meet new people, play your favorite games, or discover something new from our collection. Drop in anytime between 4–8 PM. Open to all—intended for adults, but ages 14+ are welcome. No experience needed. (Usually held on fourth Wednesday evenings unless otherwise noted.)

Color Yourself Calm: Adult Coloring
2026-01-28 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-01-21 12:30 - 15:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States

Evening Chair Zumba® with Danny Grae
2026-01-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Evening Chair Zumba® with Danny Grae
Tuesday, January 27th, 5:30pm – Community Room
Discover the joy of Chair Zumba®, a seated adaptation of the popular Zumba® dance fitness program. Enjoy an upper body workout perfect for all fitness levels, plus it’s low impact! Don’t worry – you’ll still break a sweat! Adaptable for wheelchair users and most fitness abilities. Registration requested; walk-ins are welcome. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317

Word Play Social: Scrabble, Bananagrams, Puzzles, & More!
2026-01-27 13:30 - 16:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Word Play Social: Scrabble, Bananagrams, Puzzles, & More!
Tuesday, January 27th, 1:30pm- 4:00pm (drop in) — Pullen Room
Unwind, stretch your brain, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of word-friendly fun! Come solo, invite a friend, or meet someone new—everyone is welcome. Try our selection of Scrabble, Bananagrams, and other word-themed games, or bring your own favorites. And whether you prefer a quieter puzzle moment or simply don’t want to play a board game solo, we’ll have plenty of crosswords and word search print outs just in case. This is a self-guided, drop-in program—stay the whole time or stop by whenever you like. No registration required. (Usually held on fourth Tuesday afternoons unless otherwise noted.)

Chair Yoga
2026-01-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Chair Yoga (Mondays)
January: No class 01/19
Mondays, 2pm-Community Room
Join our Chair Yoga sessions for a yoga-focused class suitable for all levels. Yoga classes include breathing exercises, movement exercises, meditation, and more. All movements are adaptable—Luz provides instructions and modifications for different abilities, so you can participate entirely on the chair, partially off, or fully off the chair if comfortable. Please bring water, a towel (optional), and a yoga mat if you plan to move partially or fully off the chair. Bringing yoga blocks or straps, if you have them, is recommended. Space is limited to 50 participants, first-come, first-served. Arrive early—doors close promptly at 2:00 PM, and no late entries are allowed.

Drop-In Fly-Tying Demo & Practice with Trout Unlimited
2026-01-26 13:00 - 16:00 | PA

New Year Wellness Health Booth
2026-01-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
New Year Wellness Health Booth
Monday, January 26th, 1pm-4pm (drop-in) – Hughes Lobby
Celebrate International Quality of Life Month by stopping in to explore simple ways to start the year feeling your best. A PA Department of Health representative will be available to chat about topics such as building healthier routines or thinking about yearly wellness goals. We welcome anyone looking for a fresh start! Drop in anytime—no appointment or registration needed.

Healthy Eating Beyond the Scale: Guidance from GIANT’s Registered Dietitian
2026-01-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Healthy Eating Beyond the Scale: Guidance from GIANT’s Registered Dietitian
This event has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Monday, January 26th, 11am – Eisemann Room
Discover smart strategies for weight wellness that go beyond the numbers. This in-person presentation by GIANT’s registered dietitian offers practical tips to help you build sustainable habits, boost energy, and feel your best—without fixating on the scale. Registration required. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317. Register by Monday, January 19th, 2026.

Weather Closure
2026-01-26, 2026-01-25 | PA
❄️ Winter Weather Closure – Access EMPL Online!
Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, all Eastern Monroe Public Library locations — including the Hughes Library, Library of the Smithfields, and Bookmobile services — will be closed Sunday 1/25 & Monday 1/26 for the safety of our community and staff. All library programs and community meetings scheduled for today are also cancelled.
Even though our buildings are closed, EMPL is always open online!
Here are some great ways to stay informed, entertained, and connected from home:
📚 Borrow eBooks & Audiobooks
Access thousands of titles through Libby / OverDrive. All you need is your library card to download books, audiobooks, and magazines instantly.
🎥 Stream Movies & TV
Use Hoopla to enjoy films, documentaries, kids’ shows, and more—free with your library card.
🧠 Online Learning & Research
Explore our digital resources for tutorials, language learning, genealogy, homework help, and research databases. Perfect for students and lifelong learners.
👧 Learning Tools for Kids
Access Brainfuse, BookFlix, and additional digital resources that support reading and learning for kids.
❓ Need Help?
Email the reference desk at reference@monroepl.org to reach out with any questions about your account or our digital resources. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy exploring everything EMPL has to offer—right from home!

(FULL) Winter Seed Sowing Workshop (for adults)
2026-01-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
Thursday, January 22nd, 2pm — Community Room
*Please note this was incorrectly advertised as starting at 11am earlier. The correct starting time is 2pm. We apologize for the inconvenience.*
Join us to plant seeds that thrive with cold stratification! Led by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Monroe County, this beginner-friendly workshop teaches you how to start native plants and cool-weather veggies using simple materials—like recycled gallon jugs—to create small seed-starting containers that function as “mini greenhouses.” You’ll learn what cold stratification is, why certain seeds need it, and how to use this technique at home to jump-start your spring gardening. All materials are provided, and you’ll take home a prepared seed-starting container to continue the process outdoors. For adults ages 18+ only. Registration required. Registration opens 12/29/25. Limited spots. Call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 to register.

(FULL) Computer Confidence Class: A Beginner’s Guide to Computers & the Internet
2026-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Computer Confidence Class: A Beginner’s Guide to Computers & the Internet
Thursday, 1/22/2026, 2pm.
New to computers—or feeling out of practice? Build confidence with the essential skills you need to navigate today’s digital world. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to use a computer, browse the internet safely, search effectively, and get familiar with key digital tools. Perfect for true beginners or anyone wanting a friendly refresher. Laptops and mice are provided for guided practice. Registration required – space is limited. To register, call 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or visit the Hughes Library Information Desk.

Teen DND: The Forests of Time Series (grades 6-12)
2026-01-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 5:30-7:00pm. The Campaign continues! New and experienced players welcome? Dungeonmaster Kelsey will guide you through The Forests of Time! Registration begins Monday, Jan. 5.
Call Youth Services at 570-421-0800 x 305.

Create Valentine’s Day Cards for Seniors (adult program)
2026-01-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Create Valentine’s Day Cards for Seniors: Share Some Love!
Friday, January 16th, 2-4pm (drop-in) — Eisemann Room
Tuesday, January 20th, 2-4pm (drop-in) – Eisemann Room
Brighten a senior’s day this Valentine’s by making handmade cards (self-guided) filled with love and cheer. Your creations will be delivered along our Bookmobile route to bring smiles to local seniors. We’ll provide plenty of supplies—blank cards, colorful paper, coloring utensils, stickers, ribbon, glue sticks, and more—but feel free to bring your own supplies. This is a self-guided program for adults, but all ages are welcome with adult assistance.
Can’t attend in person or want to make extra cards at home? You can drop off completed cards at the second-floor Reference Desk at Hughes Library. Please do not seal envelopes, and do not sign your card personally—use “Your Library Friend” or a similar message. All cards must be dropped off by 5 PM on Friday, January 23rd.

CLOSED - All EMPL Branches
2026-01-19 | All LibrarIes, United States
Eastern Monroe Public Library (Hughes Library, Library of the Smithfields, and Bookmobile Services) will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day.

Red Cross Blood Drive
2026-01-17 09:30 - 14:30 | Hughes Library, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, United States
Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, January 17th, 9:30am-2:30pm — Community Room
Your lifesaving donation is needed now! Join us at Hughes Library for an American Red Cross blood drive, accepting Whole Blood and Power Red donations. Winter weather has caused a severe drop in donations, creating an emergency need for type O blood. Your Whole Blood or Power Red donation can help patients battling cancer, facing trauma or surgery, living with sickle cell disease, recovering from burns, or managing chronic illnesses. Registration is strongly recommended—schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcross.org/rapidpass. Your donation can help save lives.
