The Library Hunterdon, also known as the Hunterdon County Library, is a public library system serving the residents of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The library's mission is to provide free and equal access to a wide range of materials, programs, and services that promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. With a rich history dating back to 1955, the Library Hunterdon has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, offering a diverse collection of books, media, and digital resources.
History and Development
The Library Hunterdon was established in 1955, with the first library building opening in Flemington, the county seat. Over the years, the library system has expanded to include branches in Clinton, Lambertville, and Ringoes, as well as a bookmobile that serves rural areas. The library’s collection has grown to include over 250,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and digital media. The library also offers a wide range of programs and services for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, book clubs, children’s storytime, and technology classes.
Services and Programs
The Library Hunterdon offers a variety of services and programs designed to meet the needs of the community. These include:
- Children’s services, such as storytime, book clubs, and summer reading programs
- Teen services, including book clubs, gaming programs, and volunteer opportunities
- Adult services, such as author talks, book clubs, and technology classes
- Research assistance, including genealogy and local history research
- Interlibrary loan services, allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries
- Free Wi-Fi and public computers
- Meeting and study rooms available for public use
In addition to these services, the Library Hunterdon also offers a number of digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and streaming media. Patrons can access these resources from the comfort of their own homes, using their library card and a computer or mobile device.
| Branch | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Flemington Branch | 30 Park Ave, Flemington, NJ 08822 | Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm |
| Clinton Branch | 1226 Route 31, Clinton, NJ 08809 | Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm |
| Lambertville Branch | 6 Lily St, Lambertville, NJ 08530 | Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm |
| Ringoes Branch | 60 Old Highway 12, Ringoes, NJ 08551 | Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm |
Technology and Innovation
The Library Hunterdon has invested heavily in technology, providing patrons with access to a wide range of digital resources and tools. The library’s website offers a number of online services, including:
- Online catalog and renewal system
- E-book and audiobook lending
- Streaming media services, such as Kanopy and Hoopla
- Online databases and research tools, such as Ancestry.com and LinkedIn Learning
- Free Wi-Fi and public computers
In addition to these online services, the Library Hunterdon also offers a number of technology classes and workshops, designed to help patrons develop their digital skills. These classes cover a range of topics, including basic computer skills, internet safety, and social media.
Community Engagement
The Library Hunterdon is committed to community engagement and outreach, working to build partnerships with local organizations and businesses. The library offers a number of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the community, including:
- Author talks and book signings
- Children’s storytime and summer reading programs
- Teen gaming programs and volunteer opportunities
- Adult book clubs and technology classes
- Genealogy and local history research assistance
The library also hosts a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including author talks, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. These events are designed to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement, and are free and open to the public.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
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The library’s hours of operation vary by branch, but most branches are open Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
How do I get a library card?
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To get a library card, you will need to provide proof of residency and a valid form of identification. You can apply for a library card in person at any of the library’s branches, or online through the library’s website.
What digital resources are available through the library?
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The library offers a wide range of digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, and online databases. You can access these resources through the library’s website, using your library card and a computer or mobile device.
