BCLS is always striving to provide opportunities for learning, growth and personal development. That means our eight library branches are always bustling with activity. But did you know there are seven member libraries located throughout the county too? These independently governed, community treasures include Beverly Free Library, Crosswicks Library Company, Delanco Public Library, Florence Library, Library Company of Burlington, Riverside Library and Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library.
Each member library has its own unique history and plays a vital role in the community it serves. The Library Company of Burlington, for example, was founded in 1757 and is the oldest library in continuous operation in New Jersey. Originally housed in a rented room on High Street, the library is now located on West Union Street in a beautiful brownstone that was built in 1864 and later expanded. Today, this historic landmark houses volumes dating back as far as 1521 as well as current bestsellers, CDs, DVDs and more. Incorporated in 1817, the Crosswicks Library Company bounced from home to home before eventually taking up permanent residence in the Union Fire Company on Main Street, which is nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Crosswicks.
Want to know the stories behind all these special libraries? Why not visit each one and explore fascinating history as well as all they have to offer today?