Our Programs
Year-Round Gallery Programs
Tiger Tales (Ages 3-5)
You're invited to join us for our very special, very interactive story time! Every Friday 11am - 12noon. No fee, no registration required.
To Be Continued (Ages 6 & 7)
Get caught in the magic of fiction! Pull up a pillow, relax, and listen to chapter books read aloud in our gallery space. Every Wednesday 3:45pm - 4:30pm. No fee, no registration required.
October - April Gallery Programs
Cotsen Critix (Ages 8 & up)
The Critix are a group of kids who meet at the Cotsen Children's Library bi-weekly to discuss books, write reviews, and partake in creative (and sometimes highly unusual) activities related to books. If you live and breathe books, the Critix is for you! No fee, but REGISTRATION is REQUIRED. To see the 2006-07 Cotsen Critix reviews, click here.
Cotsen Poets' Society (Ages 8 & up)
Aspiring artists with a hunger for words and a zeal for expression are invited to join our bi-weekly poetry group. Work with dedicated undergraduates to find your voice, listen to established poets, and perform your pieces. No fee, no registration required. Drop in any time, any session!
Special Programs
In addition to our regular gallery programs, Cotsen also offers a number of special programs, activities, and performances - all free and open to the public! Please click here to view our current offerings.
Annual Events
First of Octember
When: November
It's a day of creative exuberance! Based on the zany holiday invented by Dr. Seuss, you can create a magnificent "something" in pursuit of the ultimate "Jook-a-ma-Zoon" or "Hocker-Zocker court." Best of all, the event is BYOP (Bring Your Own Parts). So those foam pieces, yarn balls and bottle caps you've been saving for something special? Bring them along to share! No fee, no registration required.
World Story Festival
When: February
Grab your passport, your suitcase, and prepare to circle the globe! Travel to different locations in the gallery and learn first hand about various countries and the people who live there. World locations feature photos, objects, art, dress, languages, and hands-on projects! Additionally, there will be stories in foreign languages throughout the day! No fee, no registration required.
Princyclopedia
When: March
It’s the most peculiar book convention you will ever attend! Each year, we pick a book (or genre) as a theme and offer a plethora of ways to interact with it. Each "convention" table features a hands-on project, a neat demo, a cool take home, or all three! Imagine an elaborate chemistry experiment for Harry Potter potions, an Alice in Wonderland flamingo croquet game, math puzzlers a la The Phantom Tollbooth and you’re starting to get the picture! No fee, no registration required.
Cook a Book!
When: May
In coordination with Whole Foods Market
Have you ever wanted to dig into a Wonka’s Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight? Have you ever wondered what maple candy tasted like in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s day? Do you dream of cauldron cakes, division dumplings, and green eggs & ham? We do! Join us at Whole Foods Market for tasty treats (and hands-on activities) right from the pages of your favorite books. No fee, no registration required.
Questions? Please contact Dana Sheridan, Education & Outreach Coordinator: danas@princeton.edu
Year-round program topics, times, and dates are listed in the Picture Book Press and on our website. To add yourself to the Family mailing list for the Picture Books Press, please click here.