
Actors Reading with Kids (ARK) returns to UPL!
What is ARK? Actors Reading with Kids (ARK) is a free online program to build confidence in oral and expressive reading for children ages 6 – 13, made possible in part by a grant from the Nora Roberts Foundation. ARK began as an answer to the following question: during the theater shutdown, how could actors who would normally be preparing to perform on stage use their skills and time to benefit the community? It was piloted in summer 2020, as a collaboration between The Theater Project and Union Public Library, with the notions that (a) acting and teaching have much in common, and that (b) as skilled, trained readers, actors could coach children in developing confidence and excitement for the vital exercise of expressing the written word. Click here to learn more about the ARK program and view participant testimonials! How can I join? ARK returns for a fourth summer in 2023. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in participating? Visit bit.ly/uplnjark2023 to fill out an interest form! Please contact kids@uplnj.org if you have any questions.
Seed Library
Welcome the spring and summer weather with Union Public Library’s new Seed Library! You can come to the library and “borrow” seed packets from us: You’ll be able to check out up to 3 seed packets per household per month. All we ask is that you harvest and “return” the seeds to the library when and if you can. We encourage all patrons who are interested to come check out our seeds; whether you’re a seasoned gardener, never tried to grow something in your life, or somewhere in between. Some of our seeds do require being planted outside, while others can grow in a pot or tray, so just choose the ones that fit your needs best! Availability We currently have the following seeds available: Basil Cucumber Lavender Pea Sage Summer Squash Sunflower Swiss Chard Wheatgrass Wildflower Checkout At this time, there are no holds for anything in the Seed Library and it is entirely first come first serve. You can find the seeds, and the agreement form, on a table by the circulation desk/entrance at both the Main and Vauxhall library. Please limit yourself to no more than 3 seed packets per household per month. Below is a document that has planting directions for the various seeds in our collection. If you have any questions, concerns, or donation inquiries, please email: lot@uplnj.org
Virtual Author Talks
Listen to and interact with authors to learn the story behind the story. Union Public Library presents free, live streamed virtual author talks each month featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. The featured writers and thought leaders will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres including historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, OwnVoices, poetry, business, personal growth, social justice, history, art, culture, and more. Each talk will be a live, one-hour interview with a bestselling author and a professional moderator. Questions will be a mixture of those prepared by the moderator and those submitted by participants during the event. The events will be completely virtual so people can watch the talks wherever it is convenient for them. All events are closed captioned, and will be available for on-demand access. A complete list of events and registration information is available on Union Public Library’s virtual author talk series website at https://libraryc.org/uplnj.Funding for this is made possible in part by the Friends of Union Public Library
Digifind Digital Newspapers
Browse digitally scanned copies of Union Leader, Union Register and Union County Local Source. To access the online digital collection of Union Public Library, click here. Union County Local Source (2008-2020) Union Leader (1958-2005) Union Register (1928-1957)
Borrow Unique Items!
Check out our newest collection that we call Library of Things. Visit our webpage to find out about our collection of non-traditional items that can be borrowed with your Union Public Library card.
Introducing Little Pim – Language Learning designed just for young children
Childhood is the best time to start language learning and Little Pim, from Mango Languages is specifically designed for children ages 0-6. Each course features videos that teach 180 words and phrases, providing the essential building blocks of a foreign language. Little Pim is available in the following languages: Spanish French Italian German Mandarin Chinese Japanese Hebrew Russian Arabic English/ESL Little Pim is free to Union Public Library cardholders. Use your Union Public Library card to sign up at https://connect.mangolanguages.com/union-township/ Choose a language, and click on the Explore tab to get started with Little Pim.
Library Hours Beginning October 24
Effective Monday, October 24, 2022, our Vauxhall Branch Monday hours will temporarily change due to a personnel shortage. Monday hours will be 10am – 6pm (changed from 12pm to 8pm) See below for full hours Main Library – 1060 Stuyvesant Ave. Monday: 9am-8pm Tuesday: 9am-8pm Wednesday: 9am-5pm Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED Vauxhall Library – 123 Hilton Ave. Monday: 10am-6pm Tuesday: 10am-6pm Wednesday: 12pm-8pm Thursday: 10am-6pm Friday: CLOSED Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED
Health Literacy Tote Bags
Check out a Health Literacy Tote Bag at the Union Public Library Through a collaborative partnership between Overlook Hospital and Atlantic Health System the Union Public Library now offers valuable information and resources to improve the health and health literacy of our community. The tote bags contain books and DVDs. as well as informational pamphlets and brochures which you may choose to keep. The Health Tote bags are available for checkout at either the Main Library or the Vauxhall Branch. Holds can be placed by visiting our website www.uplnj Our newest Health Totes cover these important topics Breast Cancer Eating Disorders Pain management Prostate Cancer Teen mental Health/Resilience Additional topics include: Alzheimer’s Disease Arthritis Bereavement/Grief Hospice/Palliative Care Mental Health Prediabetes and Diabetes Opioid and Substance Abuse Stroke Recovery This program is generously supported in part with funding from the Chubb Foundation and Novartis
The New York Times
Enjoy access to The New York Times, courtesy of Union Public Library. Whether you’re managing finances, tackling tough parenting problems or simply looking to make sense of this moment, rely on our original, quality journalism to lead the way. It’s an essential source for fearless reporting, varied perspectives and practical advice on nearly every topic — from the vital issues shaping our world to the simple pleasures that make everyday life better. Start Exploring Today How Do I Access The New York Times Onsite? Any patron inside the library at 1060 Stuyvesant Ave. or 123 Hilton Ave. is welcome to log in to the NYT while on premises using the library’s WiFi. Once connected to the Wi-Fi, register or log in here at nytimes.com/register How Do I Access The New York Times Offsite? Union Public Library cardholders can click here for offsite access. You will log in to the NYT using your library card number and then will redeem a code. You will have 24 hour access to The New York Times using the same code before being asked to redeem another.
Introducing Kanopy
Kanopy offers 30,000+ films and TV shows for you to stream to your device(s). To get started watching, sign in with your UPL library card number and 4 digit PIN–the last 4 digits of your phone number on your library account. Each month you will be provided 5 play credits to use on Kanopy movies and also access to both Kanopy Kids and 1 Great Courses series. Once a movie is selected, you will then have 3 days to watch it without using another play credit, and a one month access to your Great Course and/or Kanopy Kids. To get started sign up here http://uniontownship.kanopy.com What is Kanopy? Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access tothousands of critically acclaimed movies, documentaries and kidfavorites. They partner with studios like A24, The Criterion Collection,PBS and more to bring access to thoughtful entertainment. How can I watch Kanopy? You can stream Kanopy on any of your favorite devices! Kanopy isaccessible via mobile and tablet apps for iPhone and Android. Youcan also access Kanopy on your Desktop, and SmartTV apps likeRoku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick. How to create an account: • To get started, visit http://uniontownship.kanopy.com • Enter your library card credentials• Create an account using your preferred email• Begin streaming!
Interim Main Library is Open!
We Are Back! The Board of Trustees and staff are excited to announce the re-opening of the interim Main Library, located at 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue. There is a parking lot attached to the building! At the Main Library, you can browse and check out new fiction books, new non-fiction books, new DVDs, magazines, newspapers, and video games. Plus, you can borrow museum passes and Chromebooks with hotspots. The Main Library houses the children’s and young adult collections in their entirety, so be sure to bring the kids! Computers and limited study space are available for all ages, and you can print, copy, and scan, on-site. Adult books and DVDs published more than 6 months ago will be kept off-site, and will be available for pick-up at either the Main Library or the Vauxhall Branch Library in one to two business days. You can request books and other materials digitally through the Library’s online catalog, on the Library’s mobile app, in person, or over the phone. You can return books in the book drop outside or at the circulation desk inside either library. We are thrilled to invite you into the building, but curbside service will continue to be an option if you do not wish to come inside. If you are looking for an item that we do not own, you can request materials through our interlibrary loan service, and we will get it for you. Don’t forget – you can also visit other MURAL libraries and check out materials directly from them. This location will serve as a temporary space until the completion of our brand-new, 21st-century library at the former site on Morris Avenue. Construction is expected to take about two years. We are looking forward to seeing you!
Exciting Changes for the Main Library
Union will break ground on a new Public Library building this spring! The Township along with the Library Board of Trustees recognize the need for a 21st century library that allows our community to connect, explore and discover. The new library will be built at the former Main Library site at 1980 Morris Ave and is expected to be completed in 2024. Preliminary plans for the new building include a black box theater space, an educational center, meeting rooms, and an arts center. The building will serve as a community hub. According to Union Business Administrator Don Travisano, taxpayers will not be impacted by construction costs, as proceeds from the PILOT program put in place for the Vermella project will cover the costs of the new library. 3D sketch video of new Main Library building, January 2023 View the Library Q&A session from October 28, 2021 During this period of transition, operations and layouts will be altered. However, library staff will continue to provide the services and resources that patrons have come to expect. What to expect: We ask residents for patience during this transitional time, and encourage everyone to visit the Library website for the most up-to-date information. For more information please email unionpl@uplnj.org or call the Main Library 908-851-5450.
Video Game Collection
The library now circulates video games for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch! Union Public Library cardholders may checkout up to 2 video games at a time for a loan period of 14 days. Due to the limited supplies, video games cannot be renewed. Please return video games on time, so they can be made available for the next patron. Late fees will be charged at $1/day. Currently, video games are only available at the Main Library. This collection was started thanks to the generous donation from the Friends of Union Public Library and the Union Township Education Association. Click here to view our catalog, or see below a current list of our circulating video games. Playstation 5 Demon’s Souls Spider-Man: Miles Morales Sackboy: A Big Adventure Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart WWE 2K22 Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga Elden Ring Uncharted: legacy of thieves collection Dying light 2. Stay human Battlefield 2042 Deathloop Playstation 4 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Ghost of Tsushima Gran Turismo Sport The Last of Us Part II NBA 2K21 Ratchet & Clank Spyro Reignited Trilogy Horizon Zero Dawn Grand Theft Auto 5 Gran Turismo 7 Kingdom Hearts lll Kingdom Hearts I.5 + II.5 remix Life is strange. True colors Farcry 6 Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Kirby Star Allies Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Luigi’s Mansion Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Minecraft Dungeons: Hero Edition Pikmin 3 Deluxe Pokemon Shield Pokemon Snap Splatoon 2 Super Mario Odyssey Super Smash Bros. Minecraft Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga Pokémon legends : Arceus Hot Wheels Unleashed Just dance 2022 Metroid : dread Mario Party : superstars WarioWare : get it together! Xbox Series X F1 2022 FIFA 21 Forza Horizon 4 Madden NFL 21 Control: Ultimate Edition Red Dead Redemption II Shadow of the Tomb Raider NBA 2K22 NHL 22 Elden Ring Call of duty Vanguard Guardians of the Galaxy Halo infinite Forza Horizon 5 Updated on 7/24/22
Union Public Library is Now Fine Free!
In January 2019, the American Library Association (ALA) passed a resolution that asserted overdue fines are a barrier to equitable access and encouraged libraries to eliminate them. The ALA is our largest professional organization and we give serious consideration to their resolutions. The Library Board of Trustees and staff desire to remove this barrier to its resources and to provide more equitable library access to everyone in the community. In going fine free, we are joining the ranks of many other public libraries across the nation. In the lead up to this decision, we carefully reviewed studies and articles about eliminating fines. Libraries that have adopted fine-free policies found that: Library card registrations increased. Borrowing of materials increased. More library items were returned. Students returned to the library to use homework resources. Staff time was redirected from fines-handling to patron-focused services. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What Is Fine Free? Fine free means that there will be no late charges on most materials.* The Union Public Library wants to ensure that ALL of our town has access to our resources in the most equitable way possible. Fines tend to penalize the most vulnerable individuals or families who can’t afford them. *Due to a limited supply, late charges will still accrue on Video Games and Museum Passes Why Eliminate Fines? Research shows that overdue fines are not effective in encouraging the return of library materials. Instead, fines can quickly become a barrier to using the library. Our hope is that by going fine free we will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience everything our library has to offer. Won’t This Prevent People from Ever Returning Their Items? Late fines are not effective. Studies show that small fines have no impact on return rates and that those with late fines are less likely to visit the library again. Libraries who have removed late fees report few adverse effects on material return rates. The public library model is based upon a trusting relationship between borrowers and a valued community resource. Union Public Library trusts that borrowers will return items on time, so that others may use them. Will There Be Due Dates? Every item checked out will still have a due date. Please remember that someone else may be waiting for an item, so bring it back on time. What Happens If I Have Overdue Books? […]
Download our Mobile App!
The Union Public Library has a mobile app, UPL-NJ , that lets patrons check search the catalog, reserve items, and manage your Union Public Library account. Try it today! UPL-NJ Mobile App is available for download for both iOS and Android devices.