Collections
View Collections Index
 Our historical collections include Plainfield history, fine art, genealogy, diversity studies, oral history, personal papers & manuscripts, records of local organizations, Jerseyana, and United States history, as well as the original Library collection from the 1800’s. There is also an additional set of books on subjects that support our collections such as photography, art, architecture, and historic preservation.
Be sure to check out the Genealogy page!
The Local History, Genealogy and Special Collections
are held in closed stacks. Collection items do not circulate and may only be viewed in the Plainfield Room
Publications
Some publications may take a few seconds to download.
*(Adobe PDF file - download Adobe for viewing)
In Appreciation
The Local History Department is supported by funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State;
the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; the Plainfield Foundation;
the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission; the New Jersey Council for the Humanities; and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL).
Help Support Us
Your financial donation can provide:
| $10 to $25 |
Archival Document Cases and Cartons (various sizes)
Photograph Digitization |
| $30 |
Archival Photograph sleeves |
| $40 |
Archival Folders or Custom Boxes |
| $50 |
Archival Frame Kit or Book Purchase |
| $150 |
Archival Poster Frame Kit |
| $200 |
Purchase of an Historical Publication |
| $500 |
(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |
| $1,000 + |
(towards) Historical map repair conservation |
|
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Special Programs
"Dismantling the Racism Machine"
with Karen Gaffney, Ph.D.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
10:30 am
in the Anne Louise Davis Room
This NJCH Public Scholars Program is co-sponsored by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield.
Learn More Here
"Sojourner Truth"
portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century
Saturday, March 28, 2020
10:30 am
in the Anne Louise Davis Room
This program is co-sponsored by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield.
Learn More Here
Genealogy Club
The next meeting of the Library's Genealogy Club is Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 10:30 am. Following the club meeting, join us for a lecture by Chris Tracy. Mr. Tracy will provide the basics of using DNA - including terminology, testing services, DNA tests and resources for maximizing your DNA data and results - in your genealogy research. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Registration is requested.
Learn more here
Memoir Writing Club
The next meeting of the Memoir Writing Club is Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 10:30 am in room 2 (on the lower level). The optional topic for March is "Shopping". Were you involved in the weekly grocery shopping or trusted to run to the store by yourself for emergency items? Was household shopping something you had nothing to do with? Did you shop for back-to-school clothes or for Mother's Day gifts?
Write about whatever strikes your fancy,
and then come share it with the group.
New members are always welcome!
Learn more here
Digital Archive & Indexes
Search Image Collections
 Our digital image collections are constantly growing, and are composed of over 55,000 photographs, postcards, and blueprints. All of these records are viewable online. In addition, patrons can now access Plainfield's historical city directories and the Plainfield's early newspapers online for free. Some of our special digital projects include:
Reproduction Fees
|
B&W Photocopies
|
25 cents per page |
|
Color Photocopies
|
50 cents per page |
|
Digital Scans
|
See Below* |
| Computer Printouts |
25 cents per page |
| Microfilm Printouts |
25 cents per page |
| Blueprints |
$5 per page (11" x 17") |
| Blueprints on DVD |
$25 per disc* |
Certain items are too fragile to be photocopied or scanned. In some cases, the items may be photographed by Library staff and the images printed or saved to CD for patron use. Please see forms below for details about our specific policies regarding visual materials and documents.
Patrons unable to come into the Library may pay online via PayPal. We can no longer accept personal checks. Contact the Local History Department at 908-757-1111 x136 for more information.
*Please refer to Reproduction Fee & Use Form below.
For More Information
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