Elizabeth Public Library
United States historic place
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Elizabeth Public Library is the free public library of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Serving a population of approximately 127,558, its collection contains 342,305 volumes, circulating 190,581 items annually[1] from its four locations.[2]
Locations
- 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
Carnegie library building
Mid-Town Historic District | |
  Location within Union County, New Jersey  Location within New Jersey  Location within the United States | |
| Coordinates | 40.661539°N 74.215199°W |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 95001143 |
| NJRHP No. | 2665[3] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 5, 1995 |
| Designated NJRHP | September 29, 1994 |
Elizabeth's Main Library was built during the "free library movement" at the turn of the 20th century in part with the impetus of Charles N. Fowler,[4] US Congressman from Union County. It is one of New Jersey's original thirty-six Carnegie libraries, which by the 1940s had become one of the busiest libraries of its size in the USA.[5] Records show that millionaire Andrew Carnegie granted $130,810 made February 3, 1910, for the main and no longer existing Liberty Plaza branch libraries.[6][7] Opened in 1912, the building, reminiscent of an Italian palazzo and the Boston Public Library was designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton,[8] who had designed many other Carnegie libraries as well as the immigration station at Ellis Island. It is a contributing property to the Midtown Historic District, a state and federal historic district established in 1994–1995.[3] The Main Library is the Federal Depository Library for Union County.
Branch libraries
The Elizabeth Public Library consists of its main library along with 3 other branch libraries, which includes the Elmora, LaCorte, and Elizabethport branches.[9]
Elmora
Located in Elmora, a neighborhood in Elizabeth containing a modern orthodox populace.[10] Behind the library’s parking lot contains Groundwork Elizabeth's Microfarm, 3/4 acre microfarm accessible to the public.[11]
LaCorte
The Nicholas S. LaCorte Branch is located in Peterstown, a neighborhood in Elizabeth marked by Italian roots and history.[12] The library is in the Peterstown Community Center, which also houses the Public Health Nursing Clinic[13] and the City of Elizabeth Office on Aging Senior Center.[14]
Elizabethport
Also known as the E-Port branch, it is the newest branch of the libraries. Located in the downtown / port area of Elizabeth, the oldest area in the city.[15]
Services
The Elizabeth Public Library has programs and services for people of all ages. The library's website has information about its free monthly events, adult classes, databases, and exhibitions.[16] Its reoccurring adult classes include computer classes, often taught in both English and Spanish, ESL, English conversation, and GED / HSE classes.[17]