education
Princeton Public Library
📍 920 Mercer Street
Established in 1914, the Princeton Public Library has been proudly serving the community for over a century, and from its Mercer Street location (formerly the Princeton Post Office) since 2010. The library is a cornerstone of the city, offering access to information, resources, and programming that support the educational, cultural, and creative needs of Princeton and the surrounding area.
As a public service institution, the library not only responds to community needs but actively works to anticipate them—providing a welcoming space for learning, connection, and enrichment for people of all ages.
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Tuesday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed
📞 (304) 487-5045
PRINCETON RAILROAD MUSEUM
📍 99 MERCER STREET
Step into a beautifully recreated historic depot and discover the story of how the railroad helped build Princeton. The museum features an impressive collection of artifacts, artwork, books, photographs, lanterns, and railroad memorabilia that bring the region’s rail heritage to life. Visitors can explore the restored Virginian Railway caboose #308, browse the gift shop, and enjoy hands-on family activities like building custom train tracks, puzzles, and children’s books. It’s a fascinating stop for history lovers, train enthusiasts, families, school groups, and anyone wanting to better understand the roots of Mercer Street.
Wednesday–Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Free admission
Restored Virginian Railway caboose
Hands-on children’s train activities
Gift shop and historic exhibits
Stages Music School
📍 855 Mercer Street
Stages Music School has been offering quality music instruction, high-level performance opportunities, artist development, and music business training since 2008. With an out-of-the-box approach to creative performance, Stages supports students of all ages in developing their skills and finding their voice.
Rooted in a love for the arts, Stages encourages students to use their music to create positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world.
📞 (304) 308-7649
Hammer & stain
📍 851 Mercer Street,
An interactive, instructor-led creative studio offering a wide range of hands-on workshops for all ages. From painting and décor projects to woodcraft, resin art, and seasonal classes, each experience is guided step-by-step in a fun, welcoming environment where no prior experience is needed.
With regular classes, themed workshops, summer camps, private parties, and group events, Hammer & Stain provides ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore creativity, and make something uniquely your own. Workshops are designed to be both social and educational, with participants creating personalized projects to take home.
Visit their website for workshop schedules and registration.
📞 (304) 223-3600
Holler: contemporary appalachian art gallery
📍 900 Mercer Street
Holler Gallery showcases the work of contemporary Appalachian artists through rotating exhibitions and a curated selection of talented creatives. The space also features a large working studio that hosts workshops, classes, and special events.
Blending gallery and creative space, Holler offers opportunities for both viewing and making art in the heart of Mercer Street.
Hours of Operation:
Thursday–Friday: 1 PM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday–Wednesday: Closed
📞 (304) 431-4975
Mad Mud Studios
📍 747 Mercer Street
A hands-on pottery studio and creative space offering classes, workshops, and open studio time for all skill levels. From wheel-throwing and hand-building courses to flexible walk-in sessions, Mad Mud provides a welcoming environment to learn, create, and get your hands in clay.
With options for adults, kids, homeschool groups, and ongoing memberships, the studio offers a variety of ways to build skills, explore creativity, and create your own ceramic pieces.
Visit their website for class schedules, special events, and studio time.
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: Closed
📞 (701) 260-0128
Associated Photography
📍 813 Mercer Street,
Award-winning photographer Steve Jessee offers a variety of photography workshops at his studio, along with hands-on learning opportunities through the Princeton Camera Club. He also leads regular photo hikes and excursions, creating engaging experiences for photographers of all skill levels.
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
📞 (304) 425-3588