Union County News

Vina, LE BISTROT, Kome Omakase, and Insomnia Cookies are all in various stages of opening in Westfield, while PopUp Bagels and Cookies N' Cream held grand openings last week.

Fanwood's free Movies Under the Stars continues every Tuesday at La Grande Park through Aug. 11. Dog Man, Sonic, and more films under the stars.

GEO-Optimized Title: Westfield Memorial Library Summer Reading 2026: "Unearth a Story" — Free Dinosaur and Archaeology Program for All Ages Meta Description: Westfield Memorial Library's free "Unearth a Story" summer reading program is underway for ages birth through grade 12. Register at wmlnj.beanstack.org. (120 characters) URL Slug: westfield-memorial-library-unearth-story-summer-reading-2026 Newsletter Blurb: Westfield Memorial Library's summer reading program "Unearth a Story" is off to a roaring start—more than 300 students signed up before school even ended. Free for Westfield cardholders birth through grade 12, the program features reading challenges, prizes, and special events including Dino Academy on July 18 and a Mad Science archaeology show on July 23. The Rush to Register More than 300 students signed up before the last day of school even arrived. That's what happened when Westfield Memorial Library announced "Unearth a Story," its 2026 Summer Reading Program, on June 22. The response was immediate. Kids knew what they wanted: dinosaurs, discovery, and adventure—exactly what this program delivers. "Every great discovery starts with a little digging," the library wrote in announcing the program. "This summer, we're inviting readers of all ages to pick up a book and unearth something extraordinary." How It Works The program is free for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's organized into three age groups, each with its own reading challenge and prizes: Little Listeners (birth through pre-readers): Track books read Kids (readers through entering grade 5): Log reading time in minutes Teens (entering grades 6 through 12): Log reading time in minutes The more your child reads, the more prizes they earn. Registration is easy. You can sign up in person at the library, online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app (available on the App Store or Google Play). The library tracks everything for you—no spreadsheets, no complicated tracking. Just read and watch the minutes add up. The Main Events Two special events anchor the summer schedule: Dino Academy — Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m. Bright Star Theatre brings the prehistoric world to life through science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets, led by the character Dr. Sarah Tops. If your kid has ever wanted to learn about dinosaurs from someone who talks like a paleontologist, this is it. Mad Science: "Explore Lost Worlds" — Thursday, July 23 at 4 p.m. Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds: The Science of Archaeology, Paleontology, and Dinosaurs." Participants practice real archaeological and paleontological techniques—it's hands-on, not just watching. Additional programs for all ages are scheduled throughout the summer. Check the full calendar at wmlnj.org. Who Made This Possible The program is supported by lead sponsors Tutu School Westfield and Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, and supporting sponsor The Baked Bear Westfield. Community sponsorship is how programs like this stay free. Quick Facts Program: "Unearth a Story" — 2026 Summer Reading Program Location: Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E. Broad Street Eligible: Westfield library cardholders, birth through entering grade 12 Cost: Free Registration: wmlnj.beanstack.org, Beanstack app, or in person Age groups: Little Listeners (birth–pre-readers), Kids (readers–grade 5), Teens (grades 6–12) Event 1: Dino Academy, Bright Star Theatre—July 18, 10 a.m. Event 2: Mad Science "Explore Lost Worlds"—July 23, 4 p.m. Lead sponsors: Tutu School Westfield, Tiffany Natural Pharmacy Supporting sponsor: The Baked Bear Westfield Contact: 908-789-4090 or wmlnj.org FAQ Q: What is the Westfield library's summer reading program? "Unearth a Story" is a free summer reading program for Westfield library cardholders from birth through entering grade 12. It's themed around dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology. Participants earn prizes based on how much they read. Q: Is it really free? Yes. The program is completely free for Westfield library cardholders, made possible by sponsor support. Q: How do I register my child? Register in person at the library (550 E. Broad Street), online at wmlnj.beanstack.org, or through the free Beanstack app on the App Store or Google Play. Q: What events are happening as part of the program? Dino Academy from Bright Star Theatre performs July 18 at 10 a.m., featuring science, storytelling, and life-like dinosaur puppets. Mad Science presents "Explore Lost Worlds" on July 23 at 4 p.m., where kids learn real archaeological and paleontological techniques. Additional programs are listed at wmlnj.org. Q: My kid is a voracious reader. Will they earn more prizes? Yes. The more your child reads (measured by books for Little Listeners, minutes for older kids), the more prizes they earn. There's no reading limit. Q: When does the program end? The program runs through summer. Check wmlnj.org for the complete calendar and end date.

New NJ e-bike rules take effect July 19. Westfield riders must be 15+, licensed, registered, and helmeted. The MVC is waiving fees.

A Westfield resident lost 54,000 airline miles after falling for a phishing email. Police offer protection tips.

The College Men's Club of Westfield awarded three WHS Class of 2026 graduates $24,000 scholarships each at its June 29 Spring Scholar Reception.

Westfield's Barnes Blake finished tied for 12th at the Ike MGA Stroke Play Championship and now defends his NJ Amateur title at Baltusrol Golf Club July 6–8.

Westfield police are looking for the owner of two dogs found Monday near Boulevard and West Grove Street. Call 908-789-4000 ext. 0 with information.

Buddha Bash returns to Brassy Buddha Yoga Studio in Westfield on July 16 from 6–9 p.m. at 107 Quimby St. A wellness evening open to the community.

The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a prospective member breakfast July 14,

Union Catholic's girls 4x400 relay team set a new New Jersey state record at Franklin Field, and Scotch Plains is celebrating the Vikings' historic run.

Westfield, NJ unveiled new public art downtown by artist Dea Lenihan and announced America 250 events from July 1 through July 15. See the full lineup.

The Westfield High School Blue Devils baseball team finished the 2026 season 7-5 before falling in the NJSIAA sectional quarterfinals.

Westfield Police are moving daily roadwork alerts to a separate Nixle channel. Residents must opt in by texting 07090ROADS to 888-777.

Westfield's Jefferson Elementary community is celebrating new accessible playground equipment, the latest milestone in the town's Project Playground effort.

Westfield's Blue Devils softball team endured a down 2026 spring season. Returning underclassmen give the program a foundation heading into 2027.

Municipal offices will operate on a summer hours schedule from May 29 through September 4. Monday-Thursday 8:30-4:30, Friday 8:30-1:30.

Westfield High School junior Deren Miller is biking 1,700 miles from Miami to NYC this summer to raise money for cancer research and seeking local sponsors.

Downtown Westfield's Prime Local promotion runs this week with discounts at six local businesses including Adlers, Sole Shoes, and Patricia and Paul.