Welcome to The Jamesburg Public Library
The Jamesburg Public
Library was established in 1930 to serve Jamesburg, Helmetta, and Monroe
Township. It was housed in the Grammar School #1, but was moved to a portable
building which stood on the corner of Franklin Street and Stevens Avenue. This
building was demolished and the library was moved to several other sites through
the years. Finally, in 1948 it ended up in the basement of the Presbyterian
Church. At that time the library hours were Monday and Wednesday 2:45 to 4:30
and Monday evenings 7 to 8 P.M.
The drive for a permanent library was taken up by the Jamesburg Lions in 1955.
However, the project proved to be too large in scope and they turned to the
community for assistance. The Library Board of Trustees began efforts to raise
the $25,000 needed to finance the construction of the library building.
Volunteers canvassed pledges from residents and businesses in the area.
The new building was to be of red brick with the main floor 30 feet by 60 feet.
The basement was designed to accommodate community functions of various sorts
and act as the cultural center of the area.
By 1957 the Board of Trustees had $6000 cash and $6000 in pledges. In May 1957,
the Jamesburg Volunteer Fire Department transferred title of the site to the
Library Board of Trustees. Construction began in November of that year. In 1960,
the first of a series of Charity Balls was held to raise money to cover the cost
of completing construction. The trustees decided they would hold a fund-raiser
rather than appeal to the residents and businesses a second time for
contributions. The library opened its doors on Memorial Day, 1963. It was
staffed by 25 women volunteers and housed 6000 books. There was a ten thousand
dollar mortgage which was paid off in just a few years. The Board was very proud
of the fact that the library had been built solely by local efforts and not a
penny of state or federal aid had been used.
By 1981 the library was severely short of funds. It operated on money raised by
the annual Charity Ball, private donations, borough funds and state aid. In an
effort to cut costs, the borough slashed funds from $2000 to $250. State aid was
cut by 80% because the library could not purchase its quota of 440 books.
A referendum was put on the ballot in the fall of 1981 to "municipalize" the
library. It was approved by a 3-1 margin. This change of status required an
annual commitment of $15,900 by the borough government.