*Please note that you can sign up for programs up to two weeks in advance. We recommend signing up as early as possible to avoid disappointment!
*Program details subject to change. Please contact the library to confirm.
Union Public Library – Main
December 2018 Youth Programs
Weekly Programs
Mondays: Construction Zone at 3:30 p.m.
All ages; No registration required
Learn, play, and build with us every Monday using Legos, K’Nex, and more!
Please note: Construction Zone will not be held on 12/24, as the library will be closed for Christmas Eve.
Mondays 12/3 & 12/17: Read to Waldi at 4:15 p.m.
Ages 5+; Registration required
Bring along a book or two and practice reading aloud to Waldi, our visiting therapy dog! Waldi will be stepping down from his therapy dog duties at the end of the year, so on 12/17, join us for a ‘retirement party’ in his honor!
Please note: Program takes place on alternate weeks.
Wednesdays: Tiny Tots (Storytime) at 10:30 a.m.
Birth – 2 years; No registration required
Spend this special time with baby singing songs & rhymes, listening to stories, followed by free play & socialization.
Please note: Tiny Tots will not be held on 12/12 due to a staff training event.
Thursdays: Alphabet Soup (Storytime) at 4:00 p.m.
Ages 4 – 6; Registration required for 12/6 and 12/13
Jump into reading with UPL! We explore phonics, letter recognition, and numbers all while reading fun stories, singing songs, and making new friends! The 12/6 session will be Stretchy Stories, a yoga and movement-based storytime, and the 12/13 session will feature a craft following storytime.
Please Note: Alphabet Soup will not be held on 12/20, due to Bedtime Storytime later that evening.
Fridays: Toddler Tales (Storytime) at 10:30 a.m.
2 – 4 years; No registration required
Enjoy stories, singing, and movement, following a different theme each week! The 12/14 session will focus on music & movement.
Please Note: Toddler Tales will not be held on 12/7 or 12/28 due to staff scheduling constraints.
Additional Programs
Wednesday 12/5: Teen Wii U & Waffles at 12:30 p.m.
Ages 13 and up; Registration required
Play some games on the Wii U and enjoy some freshly-made waffles!
Wednesday 12/5: ShopRite Kids Cuisine at 4:00 p.m.
Ages 6 – 12; Registration required
Learn about healthy eating and try some yummy new foods, following a different theme each month! Presented by Megan Hewitt, RD from ShopRite of Union.
Friday 12/7: SciFri (Science Friday) at 3:30 p.m.
Ages 8 – 12; Registration required
Learn about winter solstice and the science behind winter weather, then make a jar of snow slime!
Saturday 12/8: NJPAC Books on the Move at 12:00 p.m.
All ages; Registration required
Join NJPAC Teaching Artist Wincey Terry in an interactive reading of the inspiring true story, Tito Puente, Mambo King (Rey del Mambo) by Monica Brown. Young listeners will hear the reading in English with excerpts in Spanish, enjoy dance steps and drum rhythms of the mambo & cha-cha, and complete some fun arts & crafts activities. Plus, the first 25 families receive a FREE copy of the book!
Saturday 12/8: Cat Castles Intergenerational Craft at 2:30 p.m.
Children ages 5 and up, teens, and adults; Registration required
Cat lovers of all ages are invited to this afternoon of feline fun, inspired by Carin Oliver’s book, Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself. Petra Romano of Petra Romano Photography will also show us how to take the best smartphone pictures of our furry friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great family bonding activity, plus an escape from holiday stress!
Friday 12/14: The W.H.O. (We Help Others) Club: Teen Edition @ 12:30 p.m.
Ages 13+; No registration required
Interested in making our community a better place and earning community service hours? Join us each month for a new service project. This month, we’ll be making ‘You Deserve a Break’ Kit-Kat notes to show your appreciation for a family member, teacher, community helper, or another important person!
Saturday 12/15: Touch the Music Presents The Nutcracker at 2:00 p.m.
Ages 3 – 10; Registration required
Hear the story of The Nutcracker accompanied by the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. Learn about the different sounds that orchestral instruments create, then play & explore the instruments you’ve just heard!
Tuesday 12/18: The W.H.O. (We Help Others) Club: Kids Edition at 4:30 p.m.
All ages; No registration required
Interested in making our community a better place and earning community service hours? Join us each month for a new service project. This month, we’ll be making ‘You Deserve a Break’ Kit-Kat notes to show your appreciation for a family member, teacher, community helper, or another important person!
Thursday 12/20: Bedtime Storytime at 7:00 p.m.
All ages; Registration required
This month’s Bedtime Storytime will have a Winter Wonderland theme. Don’t forget to wear your coziest PJs to warm you up in the winter chill!
Friday 12/21: Teen Advisory Board Meeting at 12:30P p.m.
Ages 13 and up; Registration required
Help us make Union Public Library the place for you! Let us know what programs and events you want to see at the library. Recommend books, movies, and music you want to see on the shelves, and earn community service hours by coming to TAB meetings and participating in programs!
Saturday 12/29: Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at 11:30 a.m.
All ages; Registration required
Join us for a kid-friendly New Year’s celebration! We’re celebrating with a New Year’s craft, a special storytime, and a countdown to noon!
Union Public Library – Vauxhall
December 2018 Youth Programs
Weekly Programs
Tuesdays: Toddler & Pre-K Time at 11:00 a.m.
Ages 3 – 6; Registration required
Interactive storytimes, crafts, and more for young children and their parents/guardians.
12/4: Story & Craft: Cookies
12/11: Music & Movement
12/18: STEM Story & Activity: Winter
12/25: Library closed (Christmas Day)
Additional Programs
Wednesday 12/5: Club Teen: DIY iPhone/iPad Holder at 6:00 p.m.
Ages 14 and up; Registration required
Create a iPad or iPhone Holder made from recycled paper towel rolls!
Thursday 12/6: Quick & Healthy Snacks for Tweens at 3:00 p.m.
Ages 9 – 13; Registration required
Megan Hewitt, RD from ShopRite of Union will teach you how to make some fast, delicious, and healthy after-school snacks! Please inform staff of food allergies when registering, if necessary.
Saturday 12/8: Family Karaoke at 3:00 p.m.
All ages; Registration required
All are welcome for a fun afternoon of singing along to your favorite songs!
Thursday 12/13: Homeschool Hangout at 11:00 a.m.
Ages 10 and up; Registration required
Meet, learn, and engage with other local homeschooling families through a variety of fun and interactive activities!
Thursday 12/13: Tween ‘Make It at Your Library’ at 3:00 p.m.
Ages 9 – 13; Registration required
Tap into your creative side and create a beautiful winter snowflake!
Saturday 12/15: Family Craft: Mitten Wreath at 11:00 a.m.
All ages; Registration required
Create a beautiful mitten wreath to celebrate the arrival of winter!
Wednesday 12/19: Club Teen Pajama Movie Night: This Christmas at 6:00 p.m.
Ages 14 and up; Registration required
Join us for a showing of This Christmas (Rated PG-13)! We’ll supply the popcorn and a beverage.
Thursday 12/20: Tween STEM Builders Club at 3:00 p.m.
Ages 9 – 13; Registration required
Play around with Legos and 3-D magnetic tiles to create amazing shapes and structures!
Saturday 12/22: Lunch and a Family Movie: Frozen at 1:00 p.m.
Ages 9 – 13; Registration required
Stop by for a screening of Frozen (Rated PG)! Bring your lunch, and we’ll supply the popcorn and a beverage. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wednesday 12/26: Annual Kwanzaa Ceremony & Celebration at 6:00 p.m.
All ages; Registration required
Celebrate family, community, and culture during this special holiday program! Families are encouraged to sign up in advance to bring a dish for our community food table.
Thursday 12/27: Tween Game Time at 1:00 p.m.
Ages 9 – 13; Registration required
Join us for an afternoon of friendly competition. We’re breaking out the Wii U and our collection of boardgames. Feel free to bring your own games too!
Saturday 12/29: Family Prize Bingo at 3:00 p.m.
All ages; Registration required
The whole family is invited to play bingo for a chance to win some cool prizes!
