JCFPL :: Services

Main Library, Third Floor
Phone: (201) 547-4503

Department Supervisor: Cynthia Harris
Assistant Director: Sonia Araujo

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00a - 8:00p	9:00a - 6:00p	9:00a - 8:00p	9:00a - 6:00p	9:00a - 5:00p	10:00a - 2:00p

Woman researching genealogy at the NJ Room

The New Jersey Room is a collection of materials about New Jersey with an emphasis upon Jersey City and Hudson County. The collection includes both current and historical information and numbers about 20,000 volumes. In addition to books, the New Jersey Room has a complete collection of all published Jersey City/Hoboken city directories dating from 1849 to 1925; an index for the Jersey Journal for the years 1912-1954 and 1969 to the present a picture collection of over 13,000 images, hundreds of historic and contemporary maps; over 150 periodicals; and files of articles and pamphlets.

While the New Jersey Room is the main resource of information on the history of Jersey City, many of our patrons come in search of information on local real estate, development, and business information. These collections are continually growing, as the economic climate of the city is constantly changing.

The historic collection includes most books published in or about Jersey City, plus privately compiled volumes such as church histories. We have many books on other towns in Hudson County and throughout the state. The newspaper index and the city directories help those researching their family histories. The department recently began preserving its rare map collection, which includes maps of the area dating to the early 18th century. Later maps and atlases are helpful in determining the age of houses in the city.

Please note that while everyone is welcome to use materials in the New Jersey Room, none of the materials can be checked out. Most materials, except for rare and fragile items may be photocopied. Photos may be reproduced through the use of our camera stand; however, you must provide your own camera.

The NJ Room staff can answer questions submitted by mail, phone, or email that inquire about holdings of the library. A quick look-up, requiring only a few moments, can be accommodated free of charge. Such questions as "Is Mr. XYZ listed in the 1918 city directory?" or "Where is PS # 14 located?" are the types that would fit in this category. If, however, your research requires a more in-depth investigation or the use of microfilm, and you cannot perform the research yourself, the NJ Room Staff can conduct the research for you. There will be a fee for such services effective April 15, 2003.
Please download the form to request this service and submit it to the NJ Room.

"Explore the History of Dutch Immigrants in Jersey City"

Resources in the New Jersey Room for Genealogical Searches

The Sandra & Glenn D. Cunningham Foundation Scholarship

The Sandra and Glenn D. Cunningham Foundation (SGCF) is a not-for-profit organization created to positively impact the growth and advancement of Jersey City, New Jersey, by offering needed educational and training opportunities to the community. With the theme of Empowering Stars of Tomorrow, it focuses on providing both financial assistance and a one-on-one mentor relationship with positive roles models to promising high school students who may need help and encouragement in reaching their goals.

Applications are available to any high school senior (must be graduating in May/June 2009) in either Jersey City or Bayonne. The deadline for application is April 30. Further details are available on the Foundation's website at http://www.sandraglennfoundation.org/?page_id=7.

High school seniors who wish to apply may pick up an application at the Foundation's Headquarters at the Newport Center Mall or at the New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library located at 472 Jersey Avenue.

Hudson County Genealogical Society

On Oct. 13, 2007 the Hudson County Genealogical Society was established to promote the study of the genealogy and history of Hudson County, NJ. The Society is working in partnership with the Jersey City Free Public Library, through the New Jersey Room, to index the obituaries that have appeared in the local newspapers. For more information and to learn about joining this Society, please check their website at http://www.hudsoncountynjgenealogy.org/.

Celebrate the 350th Anniversary of Bergen, now Hudson County - Saturday, October 9th
350th Anniversary Oldest Family Application

New Jersey Room Celebrates Researching Home Histories 2008
Meet the Author, December 5, 2007, New Jersey Room, Charles P. Caldes, author of Jersey City’s Journal Square, with McGinley & Bergen Squares, Picture Gallery
Meet the Author Chad Millman, The Detonators, 9/12/06, NJ Room, picture gallery (about the Black Tom Explosion)
New Jersey Room Celebrates Glenn D. Cunningham’s Birthday, September 16, 2005, Picture Gallery
The Battle of the Century, Jack Dempsey vs. Georges Carpentier on July 2, 1921, June 21, 2006 Commemoration, Picture Gallery