30th Anniversary: 1992-2022

• Short, noncredit courses taught by the faculty of local universities, including Drew University.

• Open to anyone in the general public interested in learning just for pleasure.

• Minicourse format: one two-hour class or one and one-half hour class per week for five weeks.

• Offered on weekdays during the day.

• Classes have returned to in-person. We are hoping to soon offer hybrid classes - combining both in-person and Zoom for each class.

• Tuition for one minicourse is $95.

• Couples pay only one tuition for the online minicourses.

• Maximum registration is 90 students.

• Organized by the Friends of the Madison Public Library. Donations to the Friends are appreciated. Click HERE.

HISTORY OF MINICOURSES

In 2022, we will be celebrating 30 years of continuing education–the first 26 years as ‘Drew Minicourses’ and the last three years as ‘Minicourses at Madison Library.’ It is because of your support all of these years that we were able to offer college-level minicourses and to transition from co-sponsor to sole sponsor, and then from in-person to virtual during the pandemic. We celebrate you and your dedication to knowledge! Thank you!

The Minicourses at Madison Library began with the Fall Term in 1992. Originally named the “Drew Minicourses,” the program began as an informal partnership between Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies and the Friends of the Madison Public Library. After 26 successful years together, Drew decided to focus on its matriculated student programs to align its resources with the mission of the University.

Beginning January 1, 2019, The Friends will continue with the program under the new name, “Minicourses at Madison Library,” and will expand the pool of instructors to include, not only those from Drew but also from local universities.

To date, these noncredit courses have drawn thousands of students from over 60 communities throughout northern New Jersey. Student response has been enthusiastic, with many people returning for classes each term.

Classes are taught in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters for five weeks. Since 1992, the program has offered the Madison community and the surrounding area over 280 courses in history, political science, literature, poetry, art, and science.

The courses are suitable for the general public without any prerequisites. The faculty members are chosen both for their scholarship and for their ability as lecturers. Many of the teachers return at popular request. There are no examinations, grades, or required reading, but reading lists are made available for those who wish to further broaden their knowledge. The classroom is accessible to all and the parking is adjacent to the library.