New Brunswick Free Public Library

The present day location of the New Brunswick Free Public Library first opened in 1903 on 60 Livingston Avenue. However, the library can trace its roots back to 1796 where it started as the Union Library Company. Books had to be borrowed at a cost. It became a free library to the public in 1890. New Brunswick was the first city in New Jersey to operate a free public library.

The library employs more than ten professional librarians. It is open on Saturdays and evenings. The library has microfilms of several New Brunswick papers starting from 1783.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library is an important source of local history. Can you think of any reason why that would be?