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  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! Join our Memoir Writing Club!
 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
 
   Our digital  collections are constantly growing, and are composed of over 55,000 photographs, postcards,  blueprints, documents, and more! All of these records are viewable online. In addition, researchers can  access Plainfield's historical city directories, early newspapers, Plainfield Common Council Minutes, and Police Department Ledgers online for free. Check out our digitized Plainfield Reference collection.  PublicationsSome publications may take a few seconds to download.
 
(Adobe PDF file - download   Adobe for viewing)
                 
 Help Support UsYour 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                      | $500 | (towards) Historical  document or ledger repair and conservation |  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 |  
 In AppreciationThe Local History Department received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Additionally, the Department is supported, in part, by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; the Union County Board of Commissioners; the Plainfield Foundation; the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission; the New Jersey Council for the Humanities; and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL) |  | 
HISTORY & GENEALOGY PROGRAMS
 
  
Join us for the firstNew Jersey Archival Film Festival
 Saturday, November 1, 2025
 10am to 4pm
 Monmouth University's Great Hall
 400 Cedar Avenue in West Long Branch, NJ 07764
 
 REGISTRATION REQUESTED (not required)
 This program is FREE and open to all,
 parking is free.
 
 Get ready to immerse yourself in the history of cinema and discover rare   footage that you won't find anywhere else. From silent films to modern   works, this festival has something for every film buff. Don't miss out   on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of cinema in person.   Grab your popcorn and get ready for a day of movie magic!  Upcoming Programs
 Recorded Past Programs
 Memoir Writing Club
  
 Reproduction Fees 
                
                  | B&W Photocopies | 25 cents per page |  
                  | Color Photocopies | 50 cents per page |  
                  | Digital Scans | See Information Below* |  
                  | Computer Printouts | 25 cents per page |  
                  | Microfilm Printouts | 25 cents per page |  
                  | Blueprints | $5 per page (11" x 17") |  Certain  items are too fragile or too large to be photocopied or scanned. In some cases, the items may be photographed by Library staff and the images printed or saved to a USB drive 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..
 
 For More Information
               1894 Map of Plainfield by F. A. Dunham
 WAIT! DON'T THROW IT OUT!Call the Local History Department before you discard your old Plainfield memorabilia, such as photographs, newsletters, postcards, letters, scrapbooks, diaries, business cards, restaurant menus, event programs, school report cards, maps, club & organization flyers, and anything like these items that document the great history of the Queen City. The Local History Department preserves these records for future generations             |