How we came about...

Burlington County Library, the first county library in New Jersey, began in a small room of the Mt. Holly YMCA in 1921 after voters adopted a new law providing for the creation of a county library system. The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders appointed a Library Commission of five members to administer library affairs. This form of government continues into the present.

Library service grew in popularity and several moves ensued as more space became a necessity. By 1971, a new headquarters facility had been constructed, Cinnaminson and Bordentown had joined the system as branches, and a bookmobile visited areas without local facilities. Medford and Evesham had joined the system by 1975. The Pemberton Branch joined the system in 1987. Maple Shade became a branch in April, 2001 while Riverton, our newest branch, joined us in December 2003.

Nine community libraries located in Beverly, Burlington, Crosswicks, Delanco, Florence, Mt. Holly, New Gretna, Riverside, and Vincentown maintain an association with the County Library as "member" libraries. Currently, the County Library provides consultant services, processes some materials, pays for popular title collections, and allocates money annually as "member library aid" to these smaller units of service.

The Burlington County Library System has expanded services to county residents and upgraded technologically. It has the distinction of serving the largest county geographically.

Residents located in 818 square miles of both rural and suburban areas have access to over 900,000 volumes within the system, a multi-million dollar reference collection, over 1000 periodicals in print or electronic format, as well as more than 70 electronic databases covering education, health, careers, college catalogs, business, history, multicultural issues and genealogy.

Many of our electronic databases are available to customers remotely at their home or office PCs.

Other collections include large print books, New Jersey materials, foreign language titles, videos, DVDs, CDs, audiocassettes, CD-ROMs, and eBooks. In addition to all of the above, our bookmobile, many great programs for children and adults, and more than 210 dedicated staff members all make up the Burlington County Library System!

Our Mission

Adapting quickly and effectively to the dynamics of the information age, the Burlington County Library System as a gateway and guide to ideas, information and entertainment will:

• Respond to the informational needs of the Burlington County community using the latest technology to link local, national and global resources;
• Ensure access to extensive and relevant print, audio-visual and electronic resources for the community;
• Anticipate and satisfy the educational, cultural, business and recreational interests of the community, including those of individuals with special needs;
• Develop and provide inviting facilities and welcoming environments along with a friendly, knowledgeable staff to create a vital community resource for lifelong learning.

DID YOU KNOW?

For every budget dollar, your library returns about $5.00 value in services.

In 2009, our cardholders borrowed 2.4 million items (books, magazines, videos, and music).  That’s a  $300 value per family.

In 2009, 1.3 million visitors came through our doors, more than visited the Philadelphia Zoo, Franklin Institute, or Art Museum, and more than attended Eagles, Flyers, or 76’ers games.

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