Maplewood Memorial Library
🏢 Maplewood Township Library · Maplewood, New Jersey
Maplewood Memorial Library
Established in 1913 by a group of Maplewood women and rebuilt in 2025 as New Jersey's first LEED Gold-certified public library, Maplewood Memorial Library combines a landmark $24 million redesign with the community spirit that has defined it for over a century.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 51 Baker Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone: (973) 762-1688
Website: maplewoodlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G7PPHF+PJ (Maplewood, NJ)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Maplewood Memorial Library
Maplewood Memorial Library was founded on April 30, 1913, by members of the Maplewood Library Association — a group of local women who started with 600 books on the third floor of Ricalton School and 300 charter members. The main branch building at 51 Baker Street opened in August 1956, and the Hilton Branch (1688 Springfield Ave) followed in 1959. In July 2025 the main branch reopened after a landmark $24.5 million rebuild — a 32,000-square-foot, three-story facility 33% larger than before, funded by the township, New Jersey state grants, FEMA resilience funds, and the Maplewood Library Foundation. The new building earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first public library in New Jersey to achieve that designation. The design also incorporates climate-resilience features shaped by lessons from Hurricane Ida, which flooded the site just before construction began. Today both the main branch and the Hilton Branch serve Essex County residents through the BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System), whose shared card works at 78 member libraries across four counties.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1913 by the Maplewood Library Association — over 110 years of community service
- Reopened July 2025 after a $24.5 million rebuild — NJ's first LEED Gold public library
- 32,000 sq ft main branch: 33% larger, climate-resilient, three stories
- Hilton Branch at 1688 Springfield Ave serves South Maplewood neighborhood
- BCCLS member — one card works at 78 libraries across Bergen, Essex, Hudson & Passaic Counties
- Notary public service, museum passes, hotspot lending & Business Center on-site
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Maplewood card unlocks digital borrowing plus free New Jersey statewide resources:
📚 Services
- Free library cards with BCCLS borrowing privileges at 78 libraries
- Notary public (free for Maplewood residents; fee for non-residents)
- Museum passes — free or discounted admission to regional museums & cultural sites
- Wi-Fi hotspot lending
- Public computers and Business Center
- Wireless printing
- Meeting rooms by reservation
- ESL and Digital Literacy programs
- Homebound Services for patrons unable to visit
- Interlibrary loan (ILL)
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes, STEAM activities & summer reading
- Teen programs and events
- Adult author talks and Ideas Festival (annual)
- Art exhibits featuring local and regional artists
- ESL classes and Digital Literacy workshops
- Book clubs and community reading programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Essex County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Maplewood · Browse all New Jersey libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the rebuilt Maplewood Memorial Library special?
The main branch reopened in July 2025 after a $24.5 million rebuild. It is now 32,000 square feet — 33% larger than before — and is the first public library in New Jersey to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The design also incorporates climate-resilience features developed after Hurricane Ida flooded the site before construction.
Does Maplewood Memorial Library offer notary services?
Yes. Free notary public service is available for Maplewood residents with valid ID; a per-page fee applies for non-residents. Appointments are required — reserve a 30-minute slot through the library's online calendar at maplewoodlibrary.org.
Can I borrow museum passes from the library?
Yes. Cardholders can borrow museum passes for free or discounted admission to regional museums and cultural attractions. Availability changes seasonally — check the library's museum passes page for a current list.
Does the Hilton Branch have different hours from the main library?
Yes. The Hilton Branch at 1688 Springfield Ave has its own schedule: Mon & Wed 10 AM–5 PM, Tue & Thu 12–8 PM, Sat 10 AM–1 PM; closed Friday and Sunday. Both branches share the same free BCCLS library card.
🎨 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.
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