Library of the Chathams
🏢 Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN) · Chatham, New Jersey
Library of the Chathams
Serving Chatham Borough and Chatham Township jointly since 1975, the Library of the Chathams at 214 Main Street is open every day of the week — offering free museum passes admitting up to five visitors, notary services and a deep local-history collection funded cooperatively by both municipalities.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–9pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–9pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–9pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–9pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Sunday | 2pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 214 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928
Phone: (973) 635-0603
Website: chathamlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G7PJR9+4J (Chatham, NJ)
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📖 About Library of the Chathams
The Library of the Chathams has deep roots on Main Street: a civic library was established as early as 1907, and after Chatham benefactor John H. Eastwood bequeathed $30,000 upon his death in 1924, a purpose-built brick library opened to the public that same year on the site of the old Fairview Hotel. For decades it served Chatham Borough alone, but as Chatham Township's population grew the library began extending services to township schoolchildren. In November 1974 both communities voted to join forces, and on January 1, 1975 the library became the Joint Free Public Library of The Chathams — officially rebranded as the Library of the Chathams. Governed by six trustees appointed jointly by both municipal councils and the joint school district, it joined the Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN) in 1985, linking patrons to all Morris County public libraries. Today it is open seven days a week and offers museum passes to venues throughout the region.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1907, purpose-built on Main Street in 1924 with a $30,000 bequest from John H. Eastwood
- Joint library since January 1, 1975 — serves both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township
- Free museum passes for up to 2 adults + 3 children (up to $75 value) at regional venues
- Free notary public services for Chatham residents — by appointment (973) 635-0603
- MAIN member since 1985: catalog shared with all Morris County public libraries
- Open 7 days a week including Sunday afternoons
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Library of the Chathams cardholders have free access to digital collections through MAIN and the New Jersey State Library:
📚 Services
- Free public library cards — valid at all Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN) libraries
- Free museum passes: up to 2 adults + 3 children at regional venues (up to $75 value)
- Free notary public services for Chatham residents (by appointment)
- Public computers, free Wi-Fi and printing
- Meeting and program room space
- Interlibrary loan through the MAIN Morris County network
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Teen programming
- Adult programs and book discussions
- Summer reading programs for all ages
- Community events and lectures
📍 Nearby Libraries in Morris County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Chatham · Browse all New Jersey libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Library of 'the Chathams' — plural?
The name reflects a 1975 jointure between two separate municipalities: Chatham Borough and Chatham Township. After a 1974 referendum both communities voted to create a shared library, and on January 1, 1975, it became the Joint Free Public Library of The Chathams. The 'of the Chathams' name has been used ever since.
How do the free museum passes work?
The library's museum pass admits up to two adults and three children to participating venues — a value of up to $75, with additional visitors charged $5 per person. Passes are available for checkout to cardholders; contact the library at (973) 635-0603 to check availability and reserve a pass.
Is notary service available without an appointment?
The library recommends calling ahead at (973) 635-0603 to confirm a notary is available on the day you plan to visit, as availability can vary. The service is free for Chatham residents.
Is the library open on Sundays?
Yes — the Library of the Chathams is open Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm, making it one of the few Morris County libraries with seven-day-a-week service.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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