Library Home >> General Information >> History of the Library
The Springfield Free Public Library began in 1931 as a creation of the Springfield Parent-Teacher Association, which donated $50.00 toward its beginning. Then called the Springfield Library Association, the library consisted of 1000 volumes and was housed in the Brookside Building at the corner of Morris and Mountain Avenues.
At first the library was supported by membership dues and private funds, but in 1937 public support was begun and the library association was re-named the Springfield Free Public Library.
In 1943 the collection was moved to the Sarah Bailey House on Main Street (now Church Mall). The house had been willed to the township for library use by Miss Bailey, holder of the first library card, upon her death in 1940.
As Springfield grew rapidly during the 1950s, the library outgrew its space, despite an addition in 1957. In 1965 the library trustees requested township funds to match a federal grant, and construction of a new library building on Mountain Avenue near the municipal building began the following year.
The new single-level building, completely accessible to the handicapped, opened to the public early in 1969. Its special features include separate children’s and adult reading areas, a meeting room and a museum.
The library collection numbers over 66,000 volumes, 300 periodical subscriptions, 200 compact discs and 250 books on tape. Also available to supplement the regular collection is a rental shelf of current best sellers. Videocassettes are also available for circulation to Springfield residents or persons working in Springfield.
The Donald B. Palmer Museum, built as a wing of the library and dedicated in 1975, contains a permanent collection of historical artifacts, most of them donated by Mr. Palmer, a longtime Springfield resident and local historian. Changing exhibits of paintings, photographs, sculpture, and fine crafts are mounted monthly and are available for viewing during library hours.
Services:
Special collections include the Sarah Bailey collection with materials on local and state history, business reference sources, large print books and many periodicals on microfilm including the New York Times from 1851 to the present. A photocopier is also available for patron use. The library catalog is automated and is available from library computers or remotely. Access to the Internet and a selection of electronic addresses are also available.
Anyone residing in, attending school, or working in Springfield is eligible for a library card. Out-of-town residents may also join the library upon payment of a fee.
A meeting room is available for use by charitable, educational or other private groups for a nominal fee.
For children there are story hours and craft programs. For adults there are book discussions, art exhibits, special Sunday programs featuring regional artists, a foreign film series, and a lunchtime video program.
Local patrons may borrow books from almost all public libraries in Union and Middlesex Counties and may also request materials through and interlibrary loan system.
Trustees and staff:
Library policy is set by a board of seven trustees, five of whom are appointed by the mayor for a term of five years. The remaining two ex-officio members are the mayor and the superintendent of schools.
The board of trustees appoints the library director who, with its approval, oversees the daily operation of the library.
Springfield Free Public Library
66 Mountain Ave., Springfield, NJ 07081
Tel: (973) 376-4930
Fax: (973) 376-1334
questions@springfieldpubliclibrary.com
This page was updated on Monday, December 13, 2004