Weekday spot to get some work done--laptop/headphones in tow
South Orange library allows drinks with lids while you access the wi-fi. Good hours as well. www.sopl.org
Maplewood Library has public wi-fi. You can bring your own computer, though plug in spaces are limited. Maplewood library also has quiet rooms (first come/first serve) for up to three hours a day but longer if nobody else wants to use them.
There are a number of local food establishments that have public wi-fi but they can get noisy and you should be prepared to make multiple purchases if you choose to work at one of those locations for an extended period of time.
Although not intended for the purpose, I use Whole Foods, but its tough for longer than a couple of hours. The seating isn't really designed to entice you to stay that long. They do have power outlets and wifi.
Sometimes I go to Panera in either Montclair or the one in Essex Green. They have a nice amount of outlets as well and although I don't abuse the space, no one from Panera bothers me about time limits.
Not a solution but a thought. The former Women's Club building would be perfect for this. Access to lunch spots, train, post office and a few stationary items at the newsstand.
If the powers that be would install wifi and a pay as you go printer the spot would be golden.
There was a study floating around recently which suggested that a bit of ambient background noise, such as coffee grinders whirring, actually helps the creative work process. Who knows.
The 24/7 Dunkin Donuts on Morris Ave (or maybe it's called something other than Morris Ave there), opposite Panera has plenty of seating, free wi fi, and of course coffee. I've gone there to work and it's very pleasant. They do not bother you.
Plus lots of air conditioning in the summer.
Looking for 10-days/month to get out of my house and get some real work done. Any suggestions locally? I'm going to check out Work and Play--I assume the libraries would work too? Would love to share an office locally if anyone has some extra space. Thanks