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!
Current Oral History Project
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; and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library.
Help Support Us
Your financial donation can provide:
| $10 to $25 |
Archival Document Cases and Cartons (various sizes) |
| $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 |
Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |
| $1,000 + |
(towards) Historical map repair conservation |
|
|
What's New!
Tri-County History Fair
Saturday, September 30, 2017
11 am to 3 pm
The 2017 Tri-County History Fair, featuring organizations from Somerset, Middlesex, and Union counties, will kick off American Archives and Family History Month. Join us for a day of history, raffles, and fun! This year, we welcome two interesting lecturers: Maxine Lurie, Seton Hall professor, author, and historian; and Eugene Armstead, NJ Chapter President of the Afro American Historical & Genealogical Society.
All activities will be held indoors and
are FREE and open to the public.
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. 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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