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; 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)
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(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |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 |
|
|
Local History Movie Mondays
Join us on Mondays in October and November for a big-screen viewing of "Plainfield and its Neighbors" and "Fallen Flags" (historical railroads). These interesting and educational films were created by former Plainfielder George Weiss, and aired on Fanwood's TV Channel 35. The program will start at 1 pm in the Anne Louise Davis room on 10/29, 11/5, 11/19, and 11/26. There will not be a showing on 11/12.
Registration not required. Click here for a printable flyer.
Plainfield Genealogy Club
Are you interested in researching your family history? Join the Plainfield Genealogy Club! Our next meeting is Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm in the ALD room.
Memoir Writing Club
The next meeting of the Memoir Writing Club is Thursday, December 13th, at 10:30 am in room 8 (on the lower level).
This month's optional writing topic is "promises."
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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