Near the center of the Hardin County community of Union is the town hall, a 1941 WPA-era building constructed of reinforced concrete. Building space was originally shared with the fire department, but a modern brick addition has since been added for fire trucks and equipment. Located along the Iowa river, Union is one of seventeen area communities that is part of the Greenbelt, as indicated by the sign standing in front of the iconic town hall.
With under 700 residents in 1900, Alden was the smallest community in the United States to be granted a Carnegie library. The $9,000 library opened in 1914 and has served the community since. In 1998, a capital campaign began to add 3,000 square feet to the library including a new children’s learning and activity center. By June 2000, the half-million dollar renovation was complete, and the updated library was dedicated. As evidenced by the featured photo, the addition maintained the historical style of the 85-year-old building.