Long Branch Free Public Library
🏢 Monmouth County Library System · Long Branch, New Jersey
Long Branch Free Public Library
One of only 17 Carnegie library buildings in New Jersey still operating as a library, the Long Branch Free Public Library opened in 1920 at 328 Broadway after a $30,000 grant — the last Carnegie library funded before Carnegie's death — and was awarded the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service at the White House.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 328 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone: (732) 222-3900
Website: longbranchlib.org
Plus Code: 87G88234+HV (Long Branch, NJ)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Long Branch Free Public Library
The Long Branch Free Public Library traces its roots to 1878, when 30 women formed the East Long Branch Reading Room & Library Association and borrowed a room to start the town's first library. In January 1916 the city voted to establish a free public library, and Andrew Carnegie provided $30,000 — widely cited as the last grant Carnegie made personally — to construct the building at 328 Broadway, which opened in 1920. The library is one of only 17 Carnegie structures in New Jersey still in use as a library and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation by DIG Design Group that restored its original architectural character while adding modern accessibility and expanded community spaces. In May 2023, the library was presented with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service — one of only four recipients nationwide that year — at a ceremony led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, recognizing its work connecting Long Branch's diverse, multilingual community to education, career support, and civic services. Today its two branches together hold about 80,000 books and 9,000 DVDs, 34 public computers, a Local History Room, a Teen Zone, a Senior Space, and a dedicated children's floor.
⭐ What makes this library special
- One of only 17 Carnegie library buildings in NJ still in use as a library — the $30,000 Carnegie grant (1916) is widely cited as his last personal library gift
- 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winner, presented by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden — one of just four nationwide
- Restored Carnegie building at 328 Broadway following a multi-million-dollar renovation by DIG Design Group that preserved the historic facade
- Local History Room for researching Long Branch, Monmouth County, and New Jersey genealogy and history
- Free notary public, free tax preparation (VITA), museum passes, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, and a Career & Technology Center
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Long Branch cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through New Jersey's statewide and consortium digital collections:
📚 Services
- Free notary public service (bring valid ID; do not pre-sign documents)
- Museum passes to local cultural institutions
- Career & Technology Center with 34 public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot lending
- Remote print, copy, scan & fax
- Meeting and study rooms
- Local History Room for genealogy and Monmouth County research
- Citizenship & English classes
- Free tax preparation assistance (VITA program, seasonal)
- Interlibrary loan via JerseyCAT statewide network
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes, crafts, and youth programming
- Teen Zone events and activities
- Summer reading program
- Adult programs and author events
- Online author talks and movie screenings
- ESL and citizenship classes for newcomers
- Job-search and technology workshops
📍 Nearby Libraries in Monmouth County, NJ
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Long Branch · Browse all New Jersey libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Long Branch Free Public Library considered a Carnegie library, and what does that mean for the building today?
Andrew Carnegie donated $30,000 in 1916 to construct the building at 328 Broadway — a grant widely cited as one of his last personal library gifts before his death in 1919. The building opened in 1920 and is one of only 17 original Carnegie library structures in New Jersey still operating as a public library. A multi-million-dollar renovation by DIG Design Group restored its historic character while modernizing accessibility and community spaces.
What award did Long Branch Free Public Library receive in 2023?
The library received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the nation's highest honor for libraries and museums — presented by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at a White House ceremony in May 2023. Long Branch was one of only four libraries nationwide to receive the award that year, recognized for connecting its diverse community to education, career development, and civic resources.
Does the Long Branch library offer notary or passport services?
Yes — the library provides free notary public service at no charge. Bring a valid photo ID and do not sign the documents beforehand; the notary must witness your signature. For U.S. passport acceptance services, contact the library directly to confirm current availability and appointment requirements.
Can I borrow eBooks or stream movies with my Long Branch library card?
Yes. A free Long Branch library card gives access to Libby/OverDrive (eBooks, audiobooks & digital magazines), hoopla (movies, music, comics, TV — no waitlists), and Kanopy (thousands of films and documentaries). You can also request items from any library in New Jersey through the JerseyCAT statewide loan network.
🎨 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 has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
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