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Piscataway Public Library

@piscatawaylibrary

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Piscataway, NJ's local public library, in two locations! Visit us at Kennedy (500 Hoes Lane) or Westergard (20 Murray Avenue).

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Some encounters stay with you long after the moment has passed. Not necessarily because of how long you spent with someone, but because of what that person represents.

For me, Dr. Opal Lee represents the enduring power of persistence, the importance of purpose, and the possibility of creating a legacy that reaches far beyond one's own lifetime. Widely known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth", Dr. Lee spent decades advocating for national recognition of Juneteenth, helping advance a movement that culminated in the holiday becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

On October 7, 2026, Dr. Lee celebrated her 100th birthday. The milestone coincided with the groundbreaking of the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, creating a powerful opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to preserving history, advancing recognition, and inspiring future generations.

On June 9, 2024, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lee personally at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, part of Piscataway Public Library in New Jersey, during "A Conversation With Dr. Opal Lee: Advice from the Greatest Gen to Gen Z". The event featured youth scholar Enydia Haynes interviewing Dr. Lee.

These experiences gave me two distinct perspectives on her legacy: first, through my work helping share recognition of her contributions with a wider audience, and later, through meeting her personally. Together, they reinforced lessons that extend far beyond any single cause, profession, or generation.

We live in a culture that often celebrates immediate results. Businesses pursue rapid growth. Professionals measure career advancement through promotions and milestones. Digital platforms reward visibility, engagement, and momentum. In many environments, the expectation is that if something does not work quickly, it may not be worth pursuing.

Dr. Lee's life offers a different perspective.

#Persistence #Purpose #Legacy @shefik_info @allknightaccess @officialprincegharios @therealopallee @piscatawaylibrary

https://shefik.info/blogs/post/a-century-of-impact-what-dr-opal-lee-taught-me-about-persistence-purpose-and-legacy Some legacies are built over decades, one act of persistence at a time. Dr. Opal Lee's life reminds us that meaningful change is rarely immediate, purpose has no expiration date, and the work we do today can shape generations we may never meet.

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My weekly film recap (09/28-10/04/2026) is here! I saw 12 movies total! What did all of you end up watching this past week? Did you see anything that I saw? If you didn’t, would you check some of them out? Leave a comment for me below! Please like, save, share and repost this video!

#filmbuff #cinephile #filmrecommendation #filmcritic #moviereview

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Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just something we talk about … it’s something we LIVE. 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇨🇴🇧🇷❤️

If you’re a North Jersey mami looking for ways to celebrate with your kids TODAY SEPTEMBER 19, save this one! 👇🏼

📍 **Union** — Hispanic & Latino Heritage Festival
📍 **Ramsey** — Hispanic Heritage Celebration
📍 **Piscataway** — Hispanic Heritage Carnival Masks
📍 **Union City** — Hispanic Heritage celebrations + family activities
📍 **Hoboken** — Salsa + Coco Party 💃🏽🎶

From music and dancing to crafts, food, culture and hands-on activities, there are so many ways to introduce our kids to the beauty and diversity of Hispanic/Latino culture.

Because raising kids who know where they come from, appreciate other cultures, and celebrate their heritage and language? THAT matters. ❤️

Save this for your North Jersey family bucket list + send it to a mami who’s always looking for something fun + educational to do with her angelitos! 👏🏼

nnj | nyc | north jersey | hispanic heritage month | mama latina | latinos | cultura | music | free events | kid events today | latinoamérica | eventos gratis | culture | raíces | roots

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#mondaymotivation #history #gold #tribe #worldwide

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September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and it’s a good reminder that there’s a lot more happening at our local libraries than books.

Libraries have been an important part of Express Yourself Studios’ community work for many years.

We’ve had the opportunity to bring pottery, painting, mixed-media collage, and other hands-on creative programs to libraries throughout New Jersey, working with children, teens, adults and families.

One of the things we value most about library programming is how accessible it can be.

People walk through the doors to read, learn, attend a program, meet other people, try something new, or simply spend time in their community. Art becomes another way to participate.

This month, we’re recognizing the librarians and library teams who continue making those opportunities possible.

And we have more library programs ahead, including Hispanic Heritage Month workshops at two Jersey City Public Library branches on September 19, pottery programs at Piscataway Public Library this fall, teen pottery at Linden Public Library, a children’s pottery workshop at Union Public Library, and a winter landscape workshop at Belleville Public Library.

If you haven’t used your library card lately, September is a good time to see what’s happening at your local library.

Librarians and program directors: we’re currently discussing 2027 programming.

Info@ExpressYourselfStudiosLLC.com

#LibraryCardSignUpMonth #LibraryProgramming #CommunityArts #NJLibraries #ExpressYourselfStudios

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Another library haul courtesy of @piscatawaylibrary & @stellalibraries #physicalmedia is so slay! I love supporting my local library system. #moviebuff #filmbuff #moviehaul #movies

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This thursday we're back at the @piscatawaylibrary

#spokenword #poetry #author #library

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Piscatawy library workshop
#piscatwaymoms #piscatwaypubliclibrary
#njartistsofinstagram
#njart
I take workshop for advance class in lippan art.Dm for more details

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A little Blu-Ray haul courtesy of my local Library system! @piscatawaylibrary ❤️ @stellalibraries sre truly the best! Have you seen any of these films? Comment below! #physicalmedia #blurays #bluray #filmcritic

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Decoupage workshop at piscatawy library
Happy kids happy me.
#piscatwaymoms
#piscatwaypubliclibrary
#piscatawaynj
#piscatwaytown
#njartgallery

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a super special morning going back to my hometown library @piscatawaylibrary to give a talk about merle oberon + LOVE, QUEENIE, followed by a fantastic conversation with a local author i admire deeply, @laborofloaf. it really was so meaningful to me to make this homecoming visit (my mom still lives in piscataway) to SPREAD THE GOOD WORD of merle oberon, considering how much my upbringing in NJ has shaped the writer i’ve become. and i was so RELIEVED to see such a high turnout after worrying nobody would show up (hometown embarrassment!!!), especially the teachers and parents of friends from high school i hadn’t seen in years. THANK YOU to the hardworking, dedicated librarians at the piscataway public library for hosting this jersey boy who lives in brooklyn. you made my mom happier than i’ve ever seen her…!

i’m back in the saddle and will be giving more talks for LOVE, QUEENIE in the months to come—stay tuned! and don’t forget to buy it in paperback… 😉

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Spotted: RevNJ Project Manager, Sophia Hudzik enjoying the Revolutionary Lives traveling exhibit now at the @piscatawaylibrary

@revolutionnj

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