The Orange Public Library
🏢 eLibraryNJ Network · Orange, New Jersey
The Orange Public Library
Designed by the celebrated firm McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1901 with a $100,000 gift from Joseph and Mrs. Stickler in memory of their son, the Orange Public Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as one of New Jersey's most architecturally distinguished public buildings.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9am–2pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 348 Main Street, Orange, NJ 07050
Phone: 973-786-3988
Website: orangepl.org
Plus Code: 87G7QQF9+49 (Orange, NJ)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About The Orange Public Library
The Orange Public Library began in 1883 as a dues-supported association library before taking shape as the magnificent Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival structure at 348 Main Street. Joseph and Mrs. Stickler donated $100,000 to build the 1901 McKim, Mead & White building — officially called the Stickler Memorial — as a tribute to their son who had died suddenly the year before. The facade's Ionic and Doric columns and richly ornamented stonework remain landmarks of Orange Township's streetscape. In 1945 a citizen referendum converted it to a municipally operated free public library, opening the collection to all residents without charge. The building was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, recognizing both its architectural significance and its century of community service. Today it holds more than 72,000 items, participates in the eLibraryNJ statewide digital network, and has served the roughly 33,000 residents of Orange for over 140 years.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Designed by McKim, Mead & White, completed 1901 — one of the firm's notable New Jersey civic commissions
- Known as the Stickler Memorial, funded by a $100,000 gift from Joseph & Mrs. Stickler in memory of their son
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981 for architectural and historical significance
- Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival style with Ionic and Doric columns and ornate facade stonework
- Municipal free public library since 1945 following a community referendum
- Serves Orange Township residents with 72,000+ items and eLibraryNJ digital access
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Orange cardholders can borrow digitally and research free through New Jersey's statewide digital network:
📚 Services
- Borrowing from 72,000+ item collection serving Orange Township
- eLibraryNJ eBooks and audiobooks via Libby
- Public computers, printing & free Wi-Fi
- Meeting room reservations
- Interlibrary loan through WorldCat
- Reference, reader's advisory & community programs
🎸 Programs
- Children's programming and storytimes
- Adult community events and programs
- Summer reading program
- Community outreach for Orange Township residents
📍 Nearby Libraries in Essex County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Orange Public Library building, and when was it built?
The building was designed by the celebrated New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1901. It was funded by a $100,000 gift from Joseph and Mrs. Stickler in memory of their son, which is why the facade bears the inscription 'Stickler Memorial.' The Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival structure features Ionic and Doric columns and remains one of the most architecturally significant public buildings in Essex County.
Is the Orange Public Library on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. The building was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1981, and to the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 1981, recognizing its outstanding architectural design and historical significance as a community institution.
When did it become a free public library?
The library started in 1883 as a private association library, supported by dues, endowments, and donations. In 1945 Orange Township residents voted in a referendum to establish it as a municipally operated free public library, opening the collection to all residents without charge. It has operated as a free public library ever since.
What digital resources are available with an Orange library card?
With your Orange card you can access eLibraryNJ through the Libby app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from the statewide New Jersey network, plus JerseyClicks for online databases covering news, genealogy, business, and academic topics — all free for New Jersey library cardholders.
🖨 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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