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Union, NJ

Spirit of Union

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November 2026 issue · Community news

November at Union Public Library

Union Public Library offers history talks, creative workshops, wellness sessions and community programs throughout November. Registration is required for all adult events. Visit uplnj.org for registration and calendar updates.

Union Public Library.
Union Public Library. Courtesy Photo

Main Library: 1980 Morris Avenue. Vauxhall Branch Library: 123 Hilton Avenue.

Hunting History: The Traitor and the Spy of the Revolution

November 5, 6 p.m. — Main Library

Explore the Revolutionary War conspiracy between Benedict Arnold and British intelligence officer Major John André to surrender West Point to the British.

Retirement By Design with Jose Martin

November 7, 10 a.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Edward Jones financial advisor Jose Martin discusses turning retirement goals into a plan, investment strategies and adapting to unexpected events.

Creativity Lab Open Studio: Sewing

November 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Main Library

Use sewing machines and sewing kits for an independent project during this two-hour open studio. This is not an instructional session. Registration reserves a spot.

Health in Black America: A Film & Community Discussion

November 7, 1 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Watch a documentary exploring racial health disparities and the factors behind them, followed by a community discussion.

Candle-Making Workshop

November 9, 5:30 p.m. — Main Library

Create a personalized candle with Salimah Scott of Urban GLO. Space is limited. Open to UPL cardholders only.

Vauxhall Negro League Baseball Club

November 9, 6 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Explore and preserve Negro League Baseball history through presentations, discussions, films, book talks and more.

Senior Zumba Gold

November 12, 10 a.m. — Main Library; confirm date with library

A low-impact dance workout for active adults, beginners and those who prefer a gentler pace. Space is limited. Open to UPL cardholders only.

Shopping Your Own Closet

November 12, 6 p.m. — Main Library

Learn tips for reducing closet clutter and making more of your wardrobe. A Closet Swap exercise follows for participants who attend the full session.

Stokely Carmichael: A Film & Community Discussion

November 14, 10 a.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Watch and discuss a 1972 Howard University lecture by civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael about organizing and taking action.

Hand-Sewing for Absolute Beginners

November 14, 11 a.m. — Main Library

Learn to use a sewing kit and practice a basic stitch on a small project. No sewing machine or experience is needed. Space is limited. Open to UPL cardholders only.

Cudjo Banquante: Newark’s Revolutionary War Veteran

November 14, 1 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Dr. Linda Caldwell-Epps presents the life of Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved man from Ghana who fought in the Revolutionary War and became Newark’s first documented Black business owner. Caldwell-Epps is president and CEO of 1804 Consultants.

Be Your Own Health Advocate

November 14, 1 p.m. — Main Library

A practical workshop on building knowledge and confidence to navigate the healthcare system and take an active role in healthcare decisions.

Morning Mahjong Meetup

November 16, 10 a.m. — Main Library

Mahjong enthusiasts and beginners can gather to play, practice and meet others. Mahjong sets will be provided.

Meet Your Soulmate Workshop

November 16, 6 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Join certified relationship coach Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, founder of Soulmate Synergy, for a workshop about seeking a relationship.

Build Your Balance

November 18, 9:30 a.m. — Main Library

Practice gentle strength exercises and stepping strategies intended to support balance. Space is limited. Open to UPL cardholders only.

Chair Yoga at Vauxhall

November 19, 9:30 a.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Join a chair yoga session presented by the Gateway Family YMCA. Beginners and experienced participants are welcome. Space is limited. Open to UPL cardholders only.

Community Baby Shower

November 21, beginning at 10 a.m. — Main Library

Pick up free new or gently used baby and toddler clothing, toys and supplies donated during the library’s October collection. A resource fair features organizations serving children, families and maternal health. This drop-in program is open to all.

Union Public Library’s Silent Book Club

November 23, 6 p.m. — Main Library

Bring your own book and enjoy reading in quiet company. There is no assigned reading; fiction, nonfiction and ebooks are welcome.

Leonard Peltier & The Fight for Indigenous Rights

November 23, 6 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Historian Dan Battaglia discusses Indigenous rights and the experiences of activist Leonard Peltier. The announcement also lists a live virtual appearance by Peltier to share his experiences and answer audience questions.

ESL Conversation Group

November 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m. — Main Library

Practice English speaking, writing and listening during an informal two-hour session using books, games, audio lessons and role play.

Monterey International Pop Festival: A Film & Community Discussion

November 28, 10:30 a.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Watch a documentary about the 1967 music festival and how organizers Lou Adler and John Phillips assembled the three-day event.

Woodstock: A Film & Community Discussion

November 28, 1 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Explore the celebrated 1969 music festival in Bethel, New York, through a film and community discussion.

Funk!: A Film & Community Discussion

November 30, 6 p.m. — Vauxhall Branch Library

Watch a documentary tracing funk’s history, including its African, soul and early jazz roots and its rise in popularity.

Meditation

Mondays, 6:30 p.m. — Virtual on Zoom

Join Bindu Bhatt for evening meditation sessions. No previous experience is necessary.

Chair Yoga

Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m. — Main Library

Stretch with others in this weekly class presented by the Gateway Family YMCA. Beginners and experienced participants are welcome. Space is limited; register to reserve a chair.

For adult programs, call 908-851-5450, extension 3, or the Vauxhall Branch at 908-851-5451. For youth programs, call 908-851-5450, extension 4, or email kids@uplnj.org.

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