Library · Union
Libraries in Union
Union Free Public Library serves Union’s 59,728 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 109,292 visits, about 1.8 for every resident, and lent 139K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Union Free Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue, Union 07083
57 hrsopen a week
9,000sq ft
122Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#172
#172 of 236 · Most-used libraries in NJ →Among NJ towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#187 · Most library borrowing →#145 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
109K
visits
1.8 per resident
139K
loans, print + digital
2.3 per resident
646
programs & events
8,430 attended
12K
library cards
21% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
1.8 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.8 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.6 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (27th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.2 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (17th percentile)
Cardholders
21% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
139K loans last year
Books & media (adults)23%Kids’ books & media52%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
646 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.7M.
Local 98%State 1%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Union
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.