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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I have been going to the library for a while now since I'm between jobs and searching. It's a…read morerelatively new building and there are two levels for the library: main floor and a mezzanine. The mezzanine is pretty good because those younger than 18 are not supposed to be up there (unless accompanied by an adult), but kids go up there anyway. There seem to be plenty of computers available for people to use. You do need a library card and need to sign up to use a computer. Usage is limited to 1.5 hours per day. There are separate computers for catalog searching and they don't count in the 1.5 hours. The WiFi is usually good although I have experienced some glitches and slow-downs. They have Comcast service and I would guess they have a 20MBps connection. They have a decent selection of fiction and non-fiction books, not as great as bigger libraries. The magazine selection is poor. They have a few daily newspapers. There's a separate section for young children that I've only walked by. There's also a teen area. New books, music CD's, and DVD's are displayed at the front of the library where you enter. There are plenty of tables with power outlets nearby if you're bringing your own laptop. There are also plenty of comfortable seats on both levels; some are near power outlets. The library is clean and usually quiet. There are a few times that people have spoken loudly on cell phones, but that's a rare occurrence. People are usually nice enough to answer phones away from others, although there are signs that indicate cell phone use is only allowed in the lobby. As long as people are quiet and reasonably brief, I don't mind the use. The reference librarians seem nice and try to be helpful. There's a self-serve checkout up front, but only for books. CD's (music) and DVD's require the front desk staff to go in a back room to get the discs. Restrooms are outside the library proper, around the corner near what looks like a large multipurpose meeting room. The men's room is usually clean and everything in working order. Don't know about the woman's room since I've never gone in there. The building and library are very handicap accessible.

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.

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.

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

High-Quality Academics and Faculty -…read more The coursework was rigorous and relevant, especially in the science and math departments. The curriculum was structured perfectly to prepare me for the next step. What truly sets this college apart is the dedicated and accessible faculty. They genuinely care about student learning and success. They went above and beyond to provide individual attention that you just don't get at a large university. Lots of fun memories on & off campus! I graduated with an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.

If I could, I would give this place 0 stars…read more When you actually start going there, the parking is HORRIFIC! My sister goes to Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and their parking is 100000X better than Union! There are lots so far away that students have to walk so far just to get to the campus and even then, the faculty gets the closest parking - which takes up most of the first 3 lots because God forbid they have to walk more than 5 feet away from the school. And in the snow/rain, it's horrible the way they expect students to want to go to this school with terrible parking lots, walk 20 feet just to get to the campus, and go to class. At that rate, you should take online courses or better yet, go to RVCC! RV is 1000X better and if it wasn't for my program being American Language and Deaf Studies, I would have gone there! Their parking lots alone are reason enough for people to want to go there! If that doesn't get you ready to go, go to Raritan because you do NOT have to PAY for a parking ticket! They have separate dividers for the faculty and staff through a parking ticket, but for students, it's free!! The silent study rooms. I had time between my classes to go there and it was good, except for when people are TALKING IN A SILENT STUDY ROOM! It is silent! I don't know if these students can't read the sign on the door because almost everyone was talking during a certain time - around 12-4. It is a silent study room! There is no group work! No whispering! No talking! And no videos! It is not rocket science or brain surgery! Do NOT do it!! And, on top of that, they would have construction going on again near the silent study room for who knows what, so because of that noise, many people didn't bother to obey the rules of the room, so more people started to talk. That room was also put right next to a different room where students could go for leisure time or group study, so every once in a while, I would hear loud laughter and even some banging on the wall as the students on the other side were arguing over some answers for their homework. What kind of "genius" puts a silent study room right next to a room where students can have group study?! I was constantly telling people to "please go outside" or "please, no group study" because it was a SILENT STUDY ROOM! They need to have someone there ensuring that students who go in do NOT TALK! I would be studying for tests/quizzes/homework/exams, and so many students would be talking and having a group study together! I HATED that college! If Raritan Valley had my program as a Major, I would have been thrilled to have gone to that college, but Union had it, so I was forced to choose that one. Union College was absolutely awful! Terrible parking, horrible design, unbelievable slow learning with basic topics I learned in middle/high school, and very lazy security who are too busy on their phones or sitting at the desk, watching YouTube videos or playing Solitaire. If they have your program at Raritan Valley Community College, go there! It is so much better, my sister is always telling me good things about the staff that help her out, and the parking alone is definitely worth it!

The library is small and lacking in some of the newer books, but has a super friendly and competent…read morestaff. They have a small parking lot out back which I didn't know existed at first. That is where the night drop is.

I work in the area of Kenilworth. I came to this library seeking an article/information for a…read moreproject I was working on. I had no clue where to begin. Luckily, I was helped by one of their staff member who help me gather everything I needed to complete my report. Thanks Guys.

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.