Ramsey Free Public Library

The Ramsey Free Public Library has a rich history deeply intertwined with the community’s development. Here's a simplified recount of its journey from inception to present.

The Village Improvement Association (VIA) was instrumental in establishing the foundation for what would become the Ramsey Free Public Library in the early 1900s. In 1907, before Ramsey was officially a borough, the VIA laid the groundwork for the library. In 1911, the library joined the New Jersey Circulating Library Commission, allowing access to a larger collection of books. Due to space constraints, it moved to the High School on North Central Avenue, where it remained until 1914. Fundraising teas by the VIA helped furnish this new space with the necessary furniture.

Despite these efforts, space continued to be an issue, leading to another move to a room in the Journal building, which was offered rent-free. The library operated here for seven years before moving to larger quarters in the same building at a nominal rent.

In 1920, the Borough Council began supporting the library with an annual book purchase fund, which started at $200 and eventually increased to $600. In 1929, the library moved to a rented store in the Plaza Building, but financial constraints hindered expansion. A turning point came when Emerson McMillan of Darlington matched community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000, significantly boosting the library’s funds.

In 1939, with overwhelming support, the community voted to establish a free public library in Ramsey. This led to the Borough taking over the library, and a board of seven trustees was appointed to manage its affairs. The library was allocated two large rooms in the remodeled Municipal Building.

Since its establishment as a public library, the Ramsey Free Public Library has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the community. The library now provides comprehensive reference and information services and offers a wide range of materials to meet all residents' informational, recreational, and cultural needs. Today, the Ramsey Free Public Library remains a cornerstone of the community, offering extensive resources, programs, and services to patrons of all ages. The ongoing digitization project continues to expand the library’s online archive, ensuring that local history is preserved and accessible to all.

The library’s commitment to free and equal access to information reflects its long-standing role as a vital public service institution that adapts and evolves to effectively serve the community’s needs.