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.

I came to this library for the first time in a Tuesday to study, the staff was friendly and very…read morehelpful and my first experience was fabulous, it was so peaceful and quiet, I got a lot of studying done. I decided to come again today (Saturday) and it's a totally different experience. I cannot study in this place due to all of the chit-chatting that's going on. This is not just patrons, but staff as well. I might as well have stayed home and endured the distractions there. Long gone are the days when the librarian would tell people to keep it down. This is totally ridiculous, and I'm extremely annoyed.

Love this library. Great place to study during the day or afternoon, and it is filled with awesome…read moretitles and things to keep your mind occupied. I'm interested in the adult book group and in studying here for my current professional cert class online. The system also offers Udemy and Linkedin courses which seem really fun and useful!.

Came to the Rahway Public Library for one of their events hosted by @FriendsofRahwayPubliclibrary…read more It was such a nice and chill event. The event I attended was the March Mocktail Mixer which we created mocktails inspired by iconic books. The co host @sushalamour who was the mixologist during the event picked great mocktails to curate such as the mockingjay mule which was based on the Hunger Games. The event was put together well and it was a fun afternoon activity. I definitely recommend checking out their events if you are looking for something to do in the Rahway area. It looks like they have events monthly.

Aside from one employee that I had a problem with a couple years back I think this library is…read moregreat. Really nice and open facility and generally very nice people at the desk. Whenever I go to the library to get something done, I am able to get it done with the various computers, printers, etc. also more often than not, as I said a moment a go, the people at the desk are quite friendly. The whole recreation center and library in this town deserve more attention

This community library on Osborne Terrace serves the Weequahic neighborhood in the West Ward of the…read moreCity of Newark. It's near Newark Beth Israel Hospital off of Lyons Ave. The building has a brick façade with white trimmings; it's very pretty from the street. While the library preserved its historic exterior, the inside of the library was renovated in the early 90s with computers, an elevator, air conditioning, and a story-pit for children. There is parking both on the street and in a private lot. Like the other NPL branches, it serves the needs of the immediate community and provides library resources for adults and children. There are collections of books and multimedia available to patrons. Community patrons can also use computers for Internet browsing, word processing, and accessing NPL electronic resources. A distinguishing highlight of this branch is its emphasis on African-American materials. Newark Public Library is a wonderful library. Its branches are essential in supporting the NPL's noteworthy vision and mission. For that, I give the branches 4-stars for the work that its employees and volunteers do to enrich the lives of the people in the community.

Small library with basic needs. You have to sign a list to use the computers and 15¢ to print. No…read moreWiFi printing from your laptop. Limited parking in the back. Closed on Mondays.

I come here with my kids at least once a month. They love it. The children's section downstairs is…read moreamazing, with toys and books and activities for all ages. I've never been to any of their programs, but I do see lots of people using their services. Having automatic renewals, no late fees, and no extra costs for renting media such as games, make this library branch my all-time favorite. Holds are always done very quickly, And I can always find something to read on their online book catalog. Staff have always been super friendly and helpful, although parking situation could be better. This isn't even my local library, but I come to the bound brook branch all the time.

This Library has always been my favorite destination when it comes to choosing a branch. It is…read morealways organized and clean and has a good selection of programs to the public, but lately it seems that the noise has taken over and for those of us who go to study it is likely impossible for those who need to concentrate and the librarians do not seem to mind that a lot.. Just this last week I had to clean gum that was on top of one of the tables around the "Quiet Area". It is very difficult to say but I think I will not be returning for a while until, as in other libraries, people are reminded that there are quiet spaces that must be respected. It is really not my intention nor my responsibility to tell the young kids to behave themselves when it should be part of the library personnel.

This community library on Alexander Street is the Vailsburg Branch of the Newark Public Library…read more Vailsburg is a residential neighborhood in the West Ward, which is closer to South Orange. The library is off of South Orange Ave and by Alexander Street Elementary School. The outside of the library fits in with the look of the historic neighborhood with its white trimmed, red brick, Georgian façade (a popular architectural style in the area in the 18th century). While three of the four outer walls have been preserved, the inside has been practically gutted, modernized, and expanded. The expansion is in the back of the building, where the children's room is located. Like the other NPL branches, it serves the needs of the immediate community and provides library resources for adults and children. Because there are a couple of K-8 schools in the neighborhood, there is a focus on being a resource for students, parents, and teachers. There are story and craft time activities, as well as early educational materials, resources, and other media. Children have access to computers, too. Adults also have access to computers with Internet browsing, basic word processing, and the library's electronic resources. A distinguishing highlight of this branch is its collection of new African-American novels and videos. Newark Public Library is a wonderful library. Its branches are essential in supporting the NPL's noteworthy vision and mission. For that, I give the branches 4-stars for the work that its employees and volunteers do to enrich the lives of the people in the community.

Large selection of books, and often not very crowded and appropriately quiet. The online…read morereservation setup and the ability to read many well known online newspapers and magazines is a really nice side benefit since they come at no cost. Staff is always welcoming and helpful.

They have a good selection of all sorts of media, the staff are exceptionally helpful, and the…read morefacility is comfortable and spacious. The actual building itself seems a bit older, but it ticks all the boxes. Its something nice to be able to have a well organized place to do research.

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!!