
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)

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(towards) Historical document or ledger repair and conservation |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 |

In Appreciation
The 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)
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HISTORY & GENEALOGY PROGRAMS

Hiding Out in the Open:
Discovering LGBT Family History
Saturday, June 4, 2025
10:30am via Zoom
You may have heard family stories about an relative who was “different” or perhaps you’ve discovered someone who simply “disappeared.” Have you considered the possibility that you could have a gay or lesbian relative in your family tree? LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered) people can be found when researching genealogy, but the search syntax, keywords and strategies are very different. By understanding the basics of “gay history” as well as how LGBT folk lived, worked and socialized, you’ll not only locate these relatives, but realize the importance of preserving their stories.
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
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