More than a place to borrow books
Public libraries began as places to lend books, and that remains central. But in most communities they have also become some of the most widely used free public spaces. A library card often opens access to much more than a shelf of printed material, and many residents use the library for reasons that have nothing to do with reading novels.
Services differ from one library to the next, and they change with funding and community needs. This article describes what libraries commonly provide. For hours, locations, programs and eligibility, readers should check the library directly, since those details change.
Collections and borrowing
The traditional core is still there.
- Print collections of fiction, nonfiction, reference works and children’s books.
- Digital collections such as e-books, audiobooks, streaming media and online magazines, usually borrowed with a library card through an app or website.
- Audio and video in physical or digital formats.
- Interlibrary loan, which lets a library obtain items from other libraries when it does not own them. In New Jersey, libraries participate in networks that share materials across the state.
- Local collections, such as photographs, maps, yearbooks and documents about the area, held by some libraries.
Library cards are generally free to residents of the service area. Rules about who is eligible, such as whether people in neighboring towns can borrow, depend on the library and on state arrangements.
Technology and internet access
For many people, the library is a main place to get online. Common offerings include:
- public computers and printing, often with time limits
- free wireless internet inside, and sometimes outside, the building
- help using email, smartphones and online forms
- basic digital skills classes
- in some places, devices or hotspots that can be borrowed
Applying for jobs, filling out government forms, reading school assignments and taking tests online are tasks that are easier with a computer and printer. In a region where connectivity at home varies, this access can matter a good deal.
Programs for children and teens
Children’s services are often a large part of a library’s activity.
- story times and early literacy programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
- summer reading programs that encourage children to keep reading during school breaks
- homework help, tutoring or study space
- maker or STEM activities and clubs
- teen programs, volunteer opportunities and quiet study areas
Libraries work alongside schools but are separate from them. A school library serves the students of a school, while a public library serves the whole community. Where a district is working to improve outcomes, as discussed in the overview of the education system in Camden, library programs can supplement, though not replace, what schools do.
Services for adults and seniors
Adults use libraries for continuing education and daily needs. Examples include:
- English language conversation groups and citizenship preparation materials
- job search help, resume workshops and career resources, which complement community job training
- small business information and research databases
- book clubs, author talks, film screenings and hobby classes
- large-print and accessible materials, and programs for seniors
- notary or tax form assistance in some locations, though availability varies
Some libraries also connect residents with social services, health information or legal clinics through partnerships. These vary widely and depend on local arrangements.
Research and local history
Reference librarians help people find reliable information, whether for a school project or a personal question. Many libraries provide free access to subscription databases, including newspapers, genealogical resources and academic journals. These are valuable for anyone doing local history research, especially with city directories and digitized newspaper archives that may be available through a library card.
A space for the community
Libraries also serve as meeting places. Many have rooms available to community groups, and some host public meetings, voter information events or civic forums. The building itself, as a warm, quiet and free place open to anyone, is part of the service. Libraries try to be welcoming to everyone, though like all public spaces they have rules about behavior, and they continue to adapt to the needs of people who use them.
How libraries are governed and funded
In New Jersey, a municipal public library is typically overseen by a board of trustees, which sets policy and hires the library director. Some libraries are tied closely to a city, while others are county libraries or part of a regional system. State law sets out how municipal libraries are established and how a minimum level of local funding can be set.
Funding comes from a mix of sources:
- local tax revenue, set through the municipal budget process
- state aid, which supports some services and statewide resource sharing
- grants, donations and fundraising, sometimes through a friends group or foundation
- fines and fees, which many libraries have reduced or ended in recent years
Because library budgets compete with other local priorities, hours and staffing can shift from year to year. Library boards meet publicly, and residents are generally welcome to attend.
Making use of a library
A practical approach is to visit or check the website of the nearest branch and ask about current services. Libraries may differ by branch in hours, collections and programs, and staff are generally glad to explain what is available. Many offer ways to suggest new purchases or programs, and volunteers and friends groups can help.
This article is a general overview, and offerings at a specific library should be confirmed with that library.