Union Public Library May 2023
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Asian American Pacific Island, and Jewish Heritage Months, and Our Local Authors at the Union Public Library! To keep fully informed of what’s new at the library sign up for ournewsletter, and to register for all events, visit uplnj.org.
Drop-In and Knit with Beyond Yarn (In-person at Main Library)
Mon., 5/1 @ 6:30 pm
Whether you’re an expert knitter or want to learn how, this is your chance to talk with an expert; bring your materials and projects and join us. Adults and teens are welcome. This program takes place at the Main Library. Registration is required, as space is limited.
Drop-In and Knit with Beyond Yarn (In-person at Vauxhall Branch)
Tues, 5/2 @ 10:30 am
Whether you’re an expert knitter or want to learn how, this is your chance to talk with an expert; bring your materials and projects and join us. This program takes place at the Vauxhall Branch Library. Registration is required, as space is limited.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo (Virtual on Zoom)
Tues., 5/2 @ 7:00 pm
Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo with popular Mexican music, a showcase of Mexican sombreros, maracas, ponchos, and a talk on Mexican celebrities’ contributions to the US, the Cinco De Mayo battle, and victory for Mexicans in the 1800s.
Neighborhood Conversations with Elsa Nazario (In-person at Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 5/3 @ 6:15 pm
Enjoy friendly conversation and get to know your neighbors by swapping stories and experiences with them.
Union County Department of Aging (Table event in-person at Main Library)
Thurs. 5/4 from 10 am-12 pm
Do you have questions about services for seniors or their caregivers? Speak to our specialist, and get answers about Pharmaceutical Assistance, Home Energy Assistance/USF, Cooling Assistance, Home Care, Home Delivered or Congregate Meals, Medicaid Eligibility, Social Security, Caregiver Relief Programs, and Transportation.
Chair Yoga (In-person at Main Library)
Thurs., 5/4 @ 10:30 am
Take a deep breath with friends and stretch those winter muscles! For beginners to professionals. Presented by the Gateway Family YMCA. Sign up early. Registration is limited.
Discover India! (Stuyvesant Ave. AAPI Festival)
Asian American Pacific Island Celebration
Sat., 5/6 @ 2:00 pm
Enjoy dance, music, and entertainment from India to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. The program features cultural dance performances, a sari-tying demo, and a dance-along Bollywood dance class. Celebrate with Kulture Kool Inc.
American Jewish Humor with Author Jenny Caplan (Virtual on Zoom)
Jewish Heritage Celebration
Mon., 5/8 @ 7:00 pm
This program will offer a short reading from her new book Funny You Don’t Look Funny: Judaism and Humor from the Silent Generation to Millennials and a discussion of the changes in American Jewish humor over the 20th and 21st centuries from Philip Roth to TikTok. Audience questions and comments are encouraged! Presented by author Jenny Caplan.
Local Author Book Fair (In-person at Main Library)
Sat. 5/13 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy new titles by local authors, purchase signed copies, and discover published books about science fiction, poetry, spirituality, history, autobiography, and children and young adult literature.
Publishing Tips with Lindsay Mach (In-person at Main Library)
Sat. 5/13 @1:00 pm
Learn invaluable tips for taking your writing ideas from concept to manuscript and then a finished book; this program will provide critical information.
Immigration and Citizenship Workshop (In-person at Main Library)
Tues. 5/16 @ 6:30 pm
The free workshop provides information on becoming a US citizen, including eligibility requirements, application review, fee waiver guidance, and interview preparation. Handouts will include the application for citizenship and fee waiver and interview preparation materials. Presented by Jewish Family Service of Middlesex.
Movie of the Month (In-person at Vauxhall Branch)
Tues., May 16 @at 12:00 pm
Based on a true story, this tale of an abandoned dog and the man who takes him in will make you laugh and cry. Please call the Library for the exact title.
Witnessing History: The Surrender of Nazi Germany (In- person at Vauxhall Branch)
Memorial Day Commemoration
Wed., 5/17 @ 6:00pm
Please join us as author, professor, and military historian Mr. Paul Zigo leads attendees in discussing “Victory in Europe Day.” This presentation details the circumstances leading up to the signing of the unconditional surrender and enables attendees to witness history via the photos of Sgt. Meserlin took over the historic event.
Off the Shelf Book Club (Virtual on Zoom)
Thurs., 5/18 @ 7:00 pm
New members are always welcome. This month’s title isKaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel.
Vivid Stage Concert at Senior Center
Celebrating Older Americans
Wed. 5/24 @ noon at the Senior Center (525 Rahway Ave. in Union)
VIVID CABARET entertains with live piano highlighting the tunes of the Great American Songbook. Sing along or enjoy listening to professional singers perform such favorites as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “All of Me,” and more!
Hilton Readers Book Club (In-person at Vauxhall Branch)
Wed. 5/24 @ 6:00 pm
New members are always welcome. This month’s title isSister Mother Warrior by Vanessa Riley.
Backyard BBQ Cooking Demonstration (In-person at Vauxhall Branch)
Celebrating National Barbecue Month
Wed., 5/31 @ 6:00 pm
Join Newark native Chef Jesse Jones for a tasty demonstration of his backyard BBQ sauce from his recent cookbook, POW! My Life in 40 Feasts. He will also discuss how he cleans up his ribs for competition as attendees taste his award-winning ribs and cheddar cheese biscuits. Chef Jesse Jones is a renowned chef and author known for his modern approach to southern cuisine. He developed his culinary DNA during summers in Snow Hill, North Carolina, where his grandmother’s cast iron stove was the source of many memorable food experiences.
For more information about our programs and many resources, please call Adult Services at (908) 851-5450, extension 3, visit our website at uplnj.org or the Main Library at 1060 Stuyvesant Ave. and the Vauxhall Branch at 123 Hilton Ave.