Flemington Free Public Library
🏢 Flemington Free Public Library · FLEMINGTON, New Jersey
Flemington Free Public Library
The Flemington Free Public Library has anchored the heart of downtown Flemington since 1911, occupying a landmark Renaissance Revival building at 118 Main Street donated by local benefactors and designed with ionic pilasters and keystone arched windows. Flemingtonians call it their "Community Living Room" — a place for borrowing, researching, and gathering steps from the county courthouse.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:00 am–8:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am–4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am–8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am–8:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am–4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 118 Main Street, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822
Phone: 9087825733
Website: flemingtonlibrary.org
📖 About Flemington Free Public Library
<p>The roots of public reading in Flemington reach back to 1799, when New Jersey first incorporated library companies. A formal library association re-emerged in 1901 under the Flemington Woman's Club, with Miss Elizabeth Van Liew serving as first librarian for $1 weekly. The present building at 118 Main Street opened in 1911, funded by a $10,000 gift from Dr. William H. Bartles and land donated by Hiram E. Deats; its Renaissance Revival facade — ionic pilasters, keystone arched windows — remains unchanged. In 1938 the community voted to make it a free public library, adding a reference section and children's room, and a 1968 addition by Nedwill Sutphin brought a fireplace reading area and mezzanine. Major renovations in 2020 and 2025 addressed structural safety and drainage, ensuring the 1911 landmark remains in service. The library participates in JerseyCat for inter-library loans and provides access to JerseyClicks statewide online research databases.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- 1911 Renaissance Revival landmark on Main Street — Ionic pilasters and keystone arched windows unchanged since opening, funded by Dr. Bartles ($10,000) and land gift from Hiram E. Deats
- Roots back to 1799 New Jersey library companies; modern public library established 1938 by community vote
- Fireplace reading area and mezzanine from the 1968 Nedwill Sutphin wing — a beloved gathering space
- JerseyCat inter-library loan network and JerseyClicks statewide research databases free for all NJ cardholders
📱 Free with a Flemington Free Public Library Card
Borrow, stream or research online — no fees.
📍 More Flemington Free Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Flemington Free Public Library connected to the Hunterdon County Library System at Route 12?
They are separate institutions. The Flemington Free Public Library at 118 Main Street is an independent municipal library serving Flemington Borough. The Hunterdon County Library System headquarters is located at 314 State Route 12 and serves county-wide. Both hold library cards accepted through JerseyCat, New Jersey's inter-library loan network.
What makes the 118 Main Street building architecturally significant?
The 1911 building was designed in the Renaissance Revival style, featuring ionic pilasters framing the windows and distinctive keystone recessed arches. Dr. William H. Bartles provided $10,000 for construction and Hiram E. Deats donated the land. The original exterior has been carefully preserved through multiple interior renovations, most recently in 2020 and 2025.
Can I request books from other New Jersey libraries through Flemington?
Yes — the library participates in JerseyCat, New Jersey's statewide inter-library loan system. If an item is not available locally, staff can request it from libraries across New Jersey. Ask at the desk or use the online catalog to initiate a request.