Union Public Library October 2023
UPL Celebrates Hispanic Heritage, Filipino American History, and Native American Heritage Months With Music and Crafts You Can Also Improvise, Get Healthy, and Learn About the New Jersey Devil
October Events at the Union Public Library
Improvisation with Harry Patrick Christian (Main Library)
Mon., 10/2 @ 6:30 pm
Join a Dreamcatcher’s Improv Troupe professional to think on your feet and free your mind, body, and imagination through group exercises and games. Improv is a valuable skill for auditions and job interviews, too. Limited to 20 persons.
Learn About Mental Health (Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 10/4 @ 1:00 pm
Almost half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point. With early and effective treatment, individuals can do something about it. Learn how to identify the symptoms and what you can do to help.
Unwind & Paint (Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 10/4 @ 6:00 pm
Please join us for an evening at the library as Newark resident Ms. Lelia Stevenson leads attendees for a fun and relaxing evening of painting!
Union County Department of Aging (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/5 from 10 am-12 pm
Do you have questions about services for seniors or their caregivers? Visit the Aging Services Kiosk, speak to our specialist, and get answers to your questions about Pharmaceutical Assistance, Home Energy Assistance/USF, Cooling Assistance, Home Care, Delivered or Congregate Meals, Medicaid Eligibility, Social Security, Caregiver Relief Programs, Transportation.
What Are You Reading? (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/5 @ 10:30 am
Everyone has a favorite. Bring your recommendation and, if you like, a book to swap with others who love reading.
Chair Yoga (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/12 @10:30 am
Take a deep breath with friends and stretch! For beginners to professionals. Presented by the Gateway Family YMCA.
Meditation (Virtual on Zoom)
Thursdays @ 11:30 am
Join Bindu Bhatt for a virtual meditation session. No experience is necessary. Bindu has practiced meditation for over 30 years and wants to share her insights with you.
Friends of the Library (Main Library)
Thurs. 10/5 @ 6:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Library at their monthly meeting. New members are always welcome. Come and support your library.
Latin Standards at the Library (Vauxhall Branch)
Sat. 10/7 @ 1:00 pm
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Music with an afternoon of Latin music. from Banda Ritmo Cubano. Cubano is from the world-renowned group Banda Ritmo. He’ll play the top Latin classic favorites.
Learn the Truth about Smoking and Vaping (Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 10/11 @ 1:00 pm
Vaping and e-cigarettes are associated with many health problems, including severe lung disease and death. Nicotine, in any form, can lead to addiction to other drugs. They can also be used to stop smoking. Learn the facts about this sad but popular drug and how to talk to your children/youth about it.
Expungement/Re-Entry Program (Virtual on Zoom)
Wed., 10/11 @ 6:30 pm
The Urban League offers pre and post-release services, including connection to employment services, skills training, and expungement clinics. Learn about their program and get answers to your questions.
Filipino Calligraphy (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/12@ 6:30 pm
Baybayin was the writing system used by indigenous communities on the islands of the Philippines before Spanish colonization over 400 years ago. Filipinos worldwide are working to bring it back to life through art, calligraphy, crafts, and fashion – including here in the United States. Mark Libatique from Baybayin by TK will host an informative workshop on the writing system and provide a small demonstration of how to use it to write modern names, translations, and more.
Practice Your English! (Main Library)
Mon., 10/16 @ 6:00 pm
Now’s your chance to practice your English and have fun. (Must be able to speak basic English). Not a formal class
Community Conversations Hosted by the First Baptist Church at 5 Hilton Ave. in Vauxhall
Tues. 10/17 @ 6:30 pm
Learn a little about your neighbors and share stories with them. Everyone is more than welcome.
Balance Class with the Y (Main Library)
Wed., 10/18 @ 10:30 am
As we age, avoiding the risks of falling is more critical than ever. Learning to balance your body in different situations through gentle strengthening exercises and stepping strategies. Give this
popular class a try! Registration is limited.
Reading and Discussion with Kim Coleman Foote (Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 10/18 @ 6:00 pm
NJ author Kim Coleman Foote leads a reading and discusses her forthcoming debut novel, Coleman Hill. Her novel is inspired by her family’s experience of the Great Migration from Alabama to Vauxhall, NJ.
Off the Shelf Book Club (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/19 @ 6:30 pm
New members are always welcome. This month’s title isThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The Legend of the Jersey Devil (Vauxhall Branch)
Sat., 10/21 @ 1:00 pm
Professor Angus Kress Gillespie discusses the legendary tale of the Jersey Devil which lurks in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. Attendees will learn how the accounts of its sighting were reported and how the folklore was developed. Professor Gillespie received his B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and his Ph.D. in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania.
College Admissions: Union College (Vauxhall Branch)
Mon., 10/23 @ 6:00 pm
Union College Admissions Counselor Victor Alvelaez from Union College answers your questions and advises parents and teachers.
Hilton Readers (Vauxhall Branch)
Wed., 10/25 @ 6:00 pm
This month the group reads Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid.
What You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Virtual on Zoom)
Wed., 10/25 @ 6:30 pm
Skip Dillard, Brand Manager from New York radio station WXBK-FM, tells you what you need to know about artificial intelligence and how it can help or harm.
Practice Your English (Main Library)
Thurs., 10/26 @ 6:00 pm
Now’s your chance to practice English and have fun. (Must be able to speak basic English). Not a formal class.
Adult Watercolor Fall Wreath Workshop (Main Library)
Sat., 10/28 @ 10:30 am
Swetha Swenoy returns to UPL to teach how to paint a watercolor fall wreath! All materials provided. Registration is limited.
All the Hail Queens (Vauxhall Branch)
Sat., 10/28 @ 1:00 pm
Newark native and singer Rhonda Denet pays tribute to Aretha Franklin and other “queens” including Donna Summer (Queen of Disco), Chaka Khan (Queen of Funk), Tina Turner (Queen of Rock-n-Roll) and other heavy hitters like Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Etta James, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston. Rhonda has performed throughout the region and country, appearing at concert halls, theaters, clubs, resorts, and museums, including the Metropolitan and Lincoln Center.
Native American Crafts and Culture (Main Library)
Mon., 10/30 @ 6:15 pm
This program honors National American Indian Heritage Month. Claire Garland is Director of the Sand Hill Indian Historical Association and Co-Chair of the NJ Historical Commission on Indigenous People. Her ancestry includes native Lenape, Cherokee, and colonial Dutch.We’ll create a Native American mandala, and learn about the history and culture of Native New Jersey. Registration is limited.
