Bland new library in Union, NJ. We had some small library around area, but now we have big library…read morein the center of town, next to city hall. There is big parking in the back. Small one in front. Library is in new building shared with art theatre. Nice welcome addition to Union, NJ just opened in 6/2025.

I've been looking forward to the opening of our new library for over a year, and unfortunately, my…read morefirst visit was disappointing. I really wanted to love this space and make it a regular stop for my kids and me, but our experience left me feeling unwelcome. When I arrived, I wasn't greeted at all. The staff at the front desk were engaged in a personal conversation and didn't acknowledge me for several minutes, even though I was standing in line clearly waiting for assistance... I had a few questions and just needed some direction, but felt overlooked and ignored from the moment I walked in. Later during our visit, we were in the soft foam children's reading area. I removed my Crocs so I could sit comfortably on the foam blocks and read with my toddlers, assuming that shoes weren't meant to be worn in that particular area on the mats to keep it clean and safe for kids. A staff member by the name of Emily Head of youth services) asked me quite abruptly to put my shoes back on. I politely explained that we were sitting in the foam block area and that's why my shoes were off, but she responded with , "Well, that's very unsavory," and laughed. (Not in a friendly way) in front of others. It was embarrassing and completely unnecessary, especially since we weren't causing any disruption and were quietly reading together. After that exchange, I no longer felt comfortable in the space and decided to leave. We had walked 30 minutes in the heat to get there, excited to enjoy the new facility, but instead left feeling disappointed and dismissed. I truly hope the library staff can work on being more welcoming, especially to families and caregivers who just want a safe and calm space for their children to enjoy books. First impressions matters and unfortunately, this one missed the mark.

Clean, quiet and nicely stocked. The library is just under the Millburn train tracks from Essex &…read moreLackawanna. There's a beautiful art exhibition in the front, an orchid and plant garden by the spiral staircase and plenty of seating. Especially if you need to wait for a train. I was surprised and entertained by a glass box full of surprise poetry. I read a few and they were lovely. The paper flowers above the poetry display were very creative.

Airy , high ceilings , bright lighting , strong WI-FI & lots of outlets…read more.. separate rooms for teens after school & small children Mini art gallery at the front foyer The largest dvd/Blu-ray collection I've seen at a library yet , so cancel that streaming service Steps away from the mill burn hip strip if you're feeling for a quick bite or coffee

I need some text messages printed out for an upcoming court date, since I'm not computer savvy I…read morecame to the library for assistance. Stephanie was very helpful. Not only did was she able to figure out how to print the messages, she gave me information about upcoming computer tech classes. Stephanie was very patient with me she went above and beyond to help me.

This was my first time at this library, and it was great! It gets lots of natural light and I…read moreenjoyed the selection of books. The location of the area is good since it's in a quiet neighborhood. I don't know I'll next be in Staten Island, but I do hope to return to here again one day.

I came here for the first time today as I am currently settling down in Bayonne for the year, and…read morethe first thing I need to say is that I love the exterior of the building. It reminds me of DC where I previously lived. As I entered the building, I noticed that the workers were very helpful, and there was lots of space for reading the books. There was also a wide selection of books available as all the books on personal finances were there. I heard they have good services in here such as free CBT, which I would like to check out. I think I will come here again- good library and use of public space.

Plenty of computers to choose from. Many of them are usually open. Copies are 15 cents each here…read more Public computers can be reserved for 30 minute intervals, but there's never really a lot of people unless its right after school hours. While there is a printer available, I don't believe they have a scanner that's available for public use. Fairly decent selection of books. Many tables for group work or just to stretch and spread out your own workload. Very Greco roman looking exterior. Sadly, I don't believe the library is open before 9am any day.

A quality public library is a treasure for any community, and a visit to the Maplewood Memorial…read moreLibrary -- Hilton Branch perfectly exemplifies what a vital resource it is for local residents. Banks of computers, free wi-fi, an up-to-date selection of novels, job-seeking resources, a teen room, a multipurpose room and a separately staffed children's library with a wonderful selection of tomes for young (and future) readers make this library an essential resource for a broad swath of people. A helpful staff, access to dozens of libraries throughout Essex and Hudson counties and a convenient location (and near the lovely Maplecrest Park, to boot!) make this the perfect place to spend an afternoon -- or several -- to broaden one's horizons. I only wish it were open seven days a week!

The staff is nitpicking me and my student. Others are talking loud in the main area, but a few of…read morethem keep coming into the smaller room we are in while I am tutoring. It's a very uncomfortable place. I would not recommend this place.

Love the quiet space! Always so clean and their events are very interesting. I take my toddler…read morethere all the time

Excellent resource in this area for students and adults looking for a quiet place to study and get…read moresome work done. It is one of he cleanest public libraries in the area. The staff at the front desk is friendly and helpful. The wifi is reliable and fast. They have a calendar on their website which lists their ongoing free seminars and classes (i.e. Avoiding Identity Theft, financial wellness, blood drives, etc). The hours at this library can be confusing. They open M-F at 9am and every OTHER Saturday (so check the calendar on te website). They close at 9pm on Monday and Wednesday. Close at 6pm Tuesday and Thursday. Close at 5pm Friday and Saturday. The schedule is definitely odd and can make it tricky to study here in the evenings after work.

The Cranford Public Library has, by far, the most eclectic and interesting collection of blues,…read morerock, folk, country, and popular music CD's I have found in any of the dozen-or-so local community libraries that I have checked out in this part of NJ. It participates in the MURAL program, so residents of 40 different neighboring communities can register here for free borrowing privileges. Non-Cranford residents can borrow six CD's at a time for up to 2 weeks each. They also have a decent DVD collection, and, unlike other area libararies who charge a fee, DVD borrowing here is free. Their CD collection includes some real gems, by great, obscure artists, including Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Little Willie John, The Mississippi Sheiks, Rev. Gary Davis, and Tim Hardin. Also, rather than just a smattering of random albums by more well-known acts, you will find relatively comprehensive catalogs by Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, the Beatles, the Stones, The Band, Dylan, Springsteen, Van Morrison, Elton John, Tom Petty, Zeppelin, Santana, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, etc, etc. Besides my own musical likes, they also have plenty of jazz, opera, classical, and international music CD's. The library also runs many events and programs including a film series, free live concerts, educational seminars, and several book sales each year.

When I was a little boy, and my grandparents lived in Cranford at that time, they would take me…read morehere just to read and borrow some books. My dad did the same thing too, and this was the first library that I've ever been to in my life. Now let's move on to the present. Recently, my dad and I came here to check out the book sale. For this, we had to go to the Book Cellar, which was in a separate entrance on the side of the building. There, we saw a lot of old books that were for sale at really cheap prices. Usually, we end up buying something here, but in the end, we bought nothing. Another reason why we came here was to pick up some tax forms. The other libraries in my area ran out of them, and we were told that we had to print them online. Tax season is stressful enough (unless you're getting a refund), but we don't need to add to the stress by printing online with our own, expensive ink and paper. Thankfully, this library had a lot of tax forms in stock. So we grabbed what was necessary for the submission of our tax returns. In order to get to the book cellar, you have to utilize the separate entrance in order to go down stairs. If you want to go into the main library from there, you have to exit the building and head to the front of the building to enter. Unfortunately, there's no way to enter the main building without going outside. But, if you want to buy a good old book, or borrow a new one, or pick up some tax forms, then you have to do what must be done. Overall, I'm a fan.

My local library that I grew up with. I've never really appreciated it as much during my childhood…read more Now that I take my 3 year old here, I notice a lot more about the library that I haven't in the past. Nice children's area. They have a calendar of events each month.

Just another location in the New York Public Library system. There isn't much to say about these…read moreplaces other than the fact that they're loaded with knowledge. The NYPL isn't just loaded with books they have CD's, DVD's, magazines, newspapers, copiers, computers, and most importantly printers for when you run out of ink at home (happened to me countless times). I think what sets these locations apart is the size of the library, how quiet it actually is, whether or not its clean, and how dated its become keeping in mind that these places are publicly funded and change is hard to come by. I find this location to be pretty clean, quiet, but it is sort of dated. The building looks like it was influenced by some sort of 80's architecture. All in all this a good library but certainly not the NYPL's gem. I'd suggest this place and look forward to more reads!

I use to go their regularly and once I checked out a book, THEY LOST THE BOOK when I returned it…read more They billed me for their own inventory issues. I even told them the day and time I returned it. I e-mailed the director of the library she didn't respond or even show the slightest of interest. I told her I put the right in front of the clerk when I returned it because they have no book drop because of the delinquent kids. I would not recommend you don't check out books or any media there they seem like they don't have it together. If you do return a book/media, take a picture of it on the desk and make sure you wait until the clerk says they have received the media. I screwed up trusting them to be competent.

It's a small, decent library fit for a small town. I would advise not to go after school hours…read moreduring the school year, some parents tend to use the library as a babysitters. There are quite a number of elementary school kids and they can be noisy. Outside of those hours, its a good place to sit and read. I used to study for exams here all the time. Some of the staff members aren't that helpful. That may be because I was in high school at the time, but usually the reference librarian who sits at her own desk is your best bet. The men and women behind the larger desk tend to have an attitude when you speak to them.