Elizabeth Public Library facts for kids
The Elizabeth Public Library is a free public library located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It's a place where everyone can borrow books, movies, and more! This library serves a city with about 127,558 people. It has a huge collection of over 342,000 items, like books and movies. Each year, people borrow more than 190,000 items from its four different locations.
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Where to Find Your Library
The Elizabeth Public Library has four handy locations across the city. Each branch helps bring books and learning closer to you.
- Main Library - 11 South Broad Street
- LaCorte Branch Library - 408 Palmer Street
- Elmora Branch Library - 730 W. Grand Street
- Elizabethport Branch Library - 102-110 Third Street
The Historic Main Library Building
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Mid-Town Historic District
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| NRHP reference No. | 95001143 |
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Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 5, 1995 |
The Main Library building in Elizabeth has a special history. It was built around the early 1900s during a time called the "free library movement." This movement helped create many public libraries across the country.
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
The library was partly funded by Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman. He believed that everyone should have access to books and learning. He gave money to build thousands of libraries around the world. The Elizabeth Public Library is one of New Jersey's original 36 "Carnegie libraries."
Carnegie gave $130,810 for the main library and another branch that no longer exists. The Main Library opened its doors in 1912. By the 1940s, it had become one of the busiest libraries of its size in the United States.
Designed by a Famous Architect
The building was designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton. He was a famous architect who designed many other Carnegie libraries. He also designed the immigration station at Ellis Island, where many new Americans first arrived.
The library building looks like an Italian palazzo, which is a grand palace. It also reminds people of the Boston Public Library.
A Protected Historic Site
The Main Library building is a special part of the Mid-Town Historic District. This district is a protected area recognized by both New Jersey and the U.S. government. It was established in 1994-1995.
The Main Library also serves as a Federal Depository Library. This means it receives and keeps copies of government documents. It makes these important documents available to everyone in Union County.
