Elizabeth Public Library is proud to be part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2026, EPL's Local History & Special Collections Department will be hosting exhibits, programs, and events that bring the history of Elizabeth — and the nation — to life. Stay tuned for upcoming offerings and come explore the stories that shaped us.
Curious about your family story? Digging into a historic figure? Just want to see what Elizabeth looked like decades ago? The Elizabethtown Reading Room, located on the third floor of our Main Library, is your space to explore, discover, and connect with the past. Our Local History team is here to help you get started, guide your research, and make the most of our collections. Because many of our materials are rare and one-of-a-kind, visits are by appointment so we can have everything ready for you when you arrive.
Review our Appointment Policy, then book your spot:
Request an Appointment →
or call (908) 354-6060 x7220
No problem. Submit a Remote Research Request Form and we'll help you from wherever you are.
Our Microfilm Collection is available during all Main Library open hours — no appointment needed. A great place to start your search.
Mondays through Fridays
- 10:00am – 11:30am
- 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- 4:00pm – 5:30pm
No more than 2 consecutive appointments are permitted.
Questions or not sure where to begin? Reach out at elizlocalhistory@gmail.com or (908) 354-6060 x7220. We're happy to help.
The Local History & Special Collections Department is dedicated to preserving the history of Elizabeth, New Jersey and the people who shaped it. Our collections have grown over the years thanks to the generosity of Elizabeth residents and their descendants from across the country — and we'd love to hear from you.
We welcome donations of books, yearbooks, photographs, maps, postcards, documents, and other artifacts or memorabilia, as well as monetary contributions to support our preservation work.
To donate, complete our Deed of Gift Form and reach out to us at elizlocalhistory@gmail.com or (908) 354-6060 x7220 — we'll take it from there.
elizlocalhistory@gmail.com
Hours:
Mon–Fri by appointment
10:00am–11:30am
12:00pm–1:30pm
2:00pm–3:30pm
4:00pm–5:30pm
Reading Room Appointment Policy
Remote Research Request Form
Deed of Gift Form
Photographic Reproduction Policy
For permissions to publish and reproduction fee schedules, contact the Reading Room directly.
$0.25/page
Color Photocopies
$0.50/page
Computer Printouts
B&W: $0.25/page
Color: $0.50/page