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Union Arts Center gala
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The Market at Union
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Students’ STEM tour
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VOL. 10 NO. 04
JULY 2025
Union Public Library & Arts Center hosts a grand opening By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent It’s official. The newly renovated Union Public Library & Arts Center is now open! “I’m excited we’re finally open,” said library director Kassundra Miller. “We’re happy to be able to offer everything – a sensory room, a creativity lab… We’re the public’s library. We’re here for the public.” “Today’s a special day for the township of Union,” said Gabriel Ramos, manager of the Vauxhall branch. “It’s a state-ofthe-art library that meets their needs. In my opinion, one of the best in the state.” There are three levels in the gorgeous building – and all three floors were jampacked with visitors. On the lower level there’s an art gallery, a Black Box Theatre and a podcast room. There’s a main level and an upper level with an outdoor patio and a cozy fireplace area. There are individual study rooms, a learning lab for classroom activities and restrooms on every level. Nancy Rocha of Union said, “It’s a nice building in the neighborhood. There’s more space for kids and those who spend time here.” Her son, Nicholas Rocha, also of Union, said, “It’s very much like the university libraries at Seton Hall. The study rooms are actually a bit better. It’s soundproof.” Irma Melgar, of Union, loves everything about the library. Anthony Guarino, of Union, pointed out that you can borrow musical instruments from the library. The grand opening celebration was going on for three days. Highlights included the Art Gallery unveiling, featuring works by acclaimed artist Winston Young See UNION, Page 14
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Isaac, 5, has a blast at the LEGO workshop in the Union Public Library & Arts Center. Above right, library Director Kassundra Miller and Gabriel Ramos, manager of Vauxhall Branch, are all smiles for the grand opening of the Union Public Library & Arts Center. Below left, artist Steve Nyman draws a caricature of Brandon, 11, at the library’s grand opening. Below right, trophy-winning LEGO master, Corey Samuels, and his brother, Travis Samuels, were there at the grand opening of the Union Public Library & Arts Center, where they led a workshop.
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