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

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.

Books are like drugs and this library's a great dealer! With an excellent children's section that…read moreboasts a puppet theater, Lego stations, board games, educational computer games, and live shows and activities, my kids enjoy a couple hours here every visit and can't wait to come back. For all ages, they have books, ebooks, DVDs ($1 rental), game clubs, craft and learning workshops, and Rosetta Stone for 31 languages for free (off of their website https://www.sfplnj.org/). The staff's super helpful and accessible in person (during non-covid times) and via phone (973-376-4930) and email (questions@sfplnj.org). With so much offered for free or nearly free, I just can't get enough! NOTES/TIPS: **During covid times, they provide curbside contactless pick-up of books you request. They also offer a "Pick Five" service where you tell a librarian via email or phone a couple of books or authors you fancy, then they'll put together a package of 5 similar books you might also enjoy. **Returned books remain in quarantine for 1 week before they can be borrowed again. **This library's part of a book lending system called "Libraries of Middlesex" where you can hold and borrow books from 31 other libraries in Union and Middlesex Counties. **Wheelchair-accessible, gender-neutral restrooms. **Free wi-fi 24/7 even outside the building where there are benches.

Summit Library is very nice. Many things in Summit are expensive. Library is not. It is in fact…read morecompletely free. It is filled with books. Also many cds and dvds. You can also get seeds. You don't borrow the seeds. You get to keep them. Well, I suppose if you plant them they cease to be seeds and then become plants. They have these weird digital audiobooks you borrow. And for some reason you need to plug your headphones into them. The. You can listen to a book. They also have a library of things. You can borrow a microscope or a telescope and plenty of things not scope related. Also, museum and zoo passes. Those will get you into a museum or zoo for free. And thy have computers. Library is really pretty cool. Parking is not free. Which seems odd. But you could probably find free parking somewhere nearby and then walk to the library. Library doesn't charge late fees any more. I guess they felt it wasn't worth it. Go to the library and read something. Your brain is not full. That's what I would say to my students when I taught 7th grade math and sometimes I would sneak in some science or some other interesting thing. And when the kids would complain that I had added additional knowledge I would say, it's okay, your brain is not full.

This library repeatedly gives up its prime work and reading space for shopping. No other places to…read morework that have power. No place to read quietly. Can we please make the library a place where there is no financial transaction? Seriously. Why does this keep happening here. This is a library not a mall.

I love studying at Westfield Library. I usually go during the day because parking is easy. It has…read moretwo floors, with the children's area on the first floor and the second floor is perfect if you want peace and quiet. The staff are friendly and everyone is respectful. I enjoy doing my work there and the view is nice. The place is always clean and well taken care of.

This is one of the nicest libraries I've ever been in... Comfortable and complete...read more

I love this library and they're dedicated staff. They do great programs and are very helpful in…read morereference. Right now they are having a prom gown & tux collection to benefit students in need. Kudos to them! It's not easy to be a librarian in an urban public library, but they rock it.

I live the next town over & am Job Hunting. Elizabeth Public Library opens earlier than most in the…read morearea and I'm able to use the computers to access and check on important emails. Although busy the Librarians are personable, Friendly & helpful. The areas are clean and parking is ample. When I get back on track financially, I plan on making donations to Libraries especially because of the interactions I've had with Staff.

Another main stay of South Orange. I've spent plenty of time here in all my years of learning. To…read morethis day it is well maintained, well ran and just welcoming for any literary information you need. The library takes part in the 'Rebl' program which allows you check out books etc. From another participating library. So if a book is out the librian will find out if another library a part of the program has it and have it held for you. The bottom floor has a very inviting children and young reader room full of things to check out and upstairs in the main library are everything else. Beyond books - editorials, magazines, newspapers and computers to use. What is great is the DVD wall. Hundreds of alphabetically ordered DVD movies are in the library ready to be checked out, so if Netflix and Redbox let you down for a movie a decade or so old you want to watch, you may find it here, for FREE! Just don't forget your library card.

The library is a fantastic resource for the community. In addition to the obvious books, music,…read moremovies, magazines, etc., they have so many programs for the community, especially kids. You need to check the monthly calendar to see what they have planned each week. The staff, as well as outside groups such as Seton Hall students, do story time several times throughout the week for various age groups. They bring in animal specialists, musical guests, and a host of other special activities. I've also asked the reference librarians for help going research on the history of the town and local community, and they were so helpful. They even contacted me when they uncovered some information days after I left. I am so impressed with their dedication, resourcefulness, and commitment to help patrons. Great Job South Orange Library!!

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.

The grounds are well-maintained and beautiful on the campus of Kean University. I attended an…read moreindependent authors expo to support my favorite former high school teacher (who is now a children's book author). The area where the event was held has a huge parking lot. The signage was a little confusing as far as instructions to/from various buildings. So, I did get lost, twice lol but it did not bother me. I was happy to explore my way around until I found the correct site. Although the event was held indoors, it happened to be a gorgeous day outside re: weather.

WOW. This is disheartening to read. I'm a graduate of Kean University class of 1993 (Computer…read moreScience) and it was amazing experience. The staff, campus life and most importantly the education. I would particularly like to thank the EEO Department for making my education possible. (Miss Falu, Mr. Williams and Miss Beverly)