Union County libraries launch hands-on programs to build skills and community

Today the Union County Library System is running in-person programs aimed at skill building and family engagement across multiple branches. The West End Library in Laurelton begins a six-session Basic Quilt Class with sessions scheduled for Jan. 14 and Jan. 28, while Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg will host a Teen Science Cafe open house for parents and teens on Jan. 15. These mid-January offerings are part of a broader slate of branch events that residents can view, subscribe to, and export via Google Calendar or iCal.

The quilt class is structured as a multi-session course, giving participants repeated hands-on practice rather than a single workshop experience. That schedule matters for retention and skill acquisition: a six-session progression lets amateur sewers develop technique over time, increasing the chances that participants complete projects and possibly convert hobby skills into small-scale sales or community craft initiatives. The teen science open house positions the library as an informal STEM gateway—an accessible space where families can explore science together without the cost or scheduling barriers of private programs.

Practical details on the events calendar include times, multi-session schedules and branch hours. The three neighborhood branches listed—Public Library for Union County in Lewisburg, Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg and West End Library in Laurelton—offer local access that reduces travel time and out-of-pocket costs for residents. Contact phone numbers and registration details are available on the calendar, and the subscription/export options allow busy households to sync events with personal calendars to improve attendance.

From an economic and policy perspective, local libraries continue to function as low-cost public infrastructure that delivers human capital and social capital. Free or low-cost programming reduces household spending on enrichment, helps parents access affordable educational experiences for children, and supports informal entrepreneurship tied to crafts and technical skills. For local officials weighing budget decisions, these kinds of programs deliver measurable community benefits: repeated-session adult classes and family-oriented STEM events raise skill levels, encourage repeat library use, and strengthen community ties that local businesses and schools can leverage.

Longer term, the integration of digital tools (calendar subscriptions) with in-person offerings reflects a trend toward hybrid public services that expand reach while keeping programming grounded in neighborhood branches. Libraries that maintain this mix are better positioned to serve diverse needs—from lifelong learning to workforce readiness.

The takeaway? If you live in Union County and want practical, low-cost ways to learn or connect with family activities, check the library calendar, sync the events to your phone and show up. Our two cents? Bring a sewing kit to the quilt class and an open mind to the teen science open house—both are small investments that pay dividends for skills and neighborhood connections.