Our New Chapter
From Devastation Comes Opportunity
The Caldwell Public Library will finally have a new, permanent home at 80 Bloomfield Ave.
In 2021, after a devastating flood destroyed the Library's original home of over 100 years, it was recognized that the Library needed a new, safe, and accessible space that would allow the Library to continue to serve all people in our mission as a welcoming literary, educational, and community hub for all.
Construction started in the Spring of 2025 and we anticipate starting the moving process in June 2026.
To get updates, please subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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View Renderings
Learn more about our new space and features. Please note that lighting features, technology, carpet and paint colors are not reflected in these renderings. In addition, some furniture finishes may not accurately show.
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Features We Love
Building a modern space for the Caldwell community to learn, explore, gather, and thrive.
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Parking lot with plenty of spots for Library visitors.
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Sink and counter space in Community Hall to allow for more types of programs.
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Catalog computer to privately access the catalog to see what is available for instant borrowing.
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Plenty of power outlets to plug in and charge devices.
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More computers for adults and teens.
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Reading nooks ​for children.
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Sensory corner in the Children's Room to providing a calming experience.
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Flexible layout to allow for increased functionality and growth based on what YOU need.
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Wobble chairs for teens that provide a comfortable and stress reducing experience.
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Updated audio/visual technology for more interactive programs and meetings.
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Water fountain with bottle filler to hydrate sustainably.
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Technology for hybrid meetings to increase accessibility.
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More accessible Circulation Desk to better assist patrons and staff, as well as increased visibility for our younger visitors.
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Hug chair that calms stimulated children.
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Display tables, shelf tops, and side panels to highlight more books that may be of interest to readers.
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Circulation Desk in Children's Corner for personalized assistance.
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Additional phone at Circulation Desk to better assist callers.
A change is coming...confirmed!
NEWSFLASH: Saturday, June 6 is our last day in the trailer!
What does that mean for you, our patrons? Let's prepare!
Your library at 24 Smull Avenue will be closed while we move to the new building. We hope to reopen in our new building at 80 Bloomfield Avenue quickly after the move is complete. Here's what you need to know in the meantime:
Book returns: You have two choices:
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You can hold onto your books during our transition. We are fine-free, so no worries if they are overdue. Or...
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You can return them to any of our partner libraries. Here is a list.
Holds: You can place holds as usual, choosing Caldwell as your pickup location; the books will automatically be
re-routed to Verona while we are closed. We will call you when they are available for pickup. If you prefer to pick them up at a different library, make sure you change the pickup location when you place the hold.
Visiting privileges: Your library card allows you to visit any of our partner libraries. To name a few closer ones: Verona, Cedar Grove, Little Falls, and Wayne (check here for a full list).
Additionally, your ReBL sticker allows you walk-in privileges at other Essex county libraries such as Montclair, Roseland, and West Orange; please note that books taken from these libraries must be returned there.
Our digital collections are open 24/7! Check out the Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy apps, which offer books, audiobooks, music, movies and magazines. Click here for more information.
We thank you for your patience and anticipation as we prepare your NEW Caldwell Public Library. We are here for you!
Past and Present!
As the countdown to moving day continues, we spotlight different aspects of the library-in-progress for you to get excited about!
We have been sharing construction photos in our newsletters, but once you see them side-by-side, you can see how far it's all come.
The infographic highlights the front entrance, the front desk area, the Hub business center and Study room, and the grand entrance to the Children's Room.
This is just a taste of what's to come, but if you look carefully, you can see a glimmer of detail: the carpets, the lighting, the paint colors, the doors and windows. This is just a hint of what is in store for you once the new library is furnished, stocked, and open to you. As the transformations show, it is very exciting, indeed!
Our move-in date is forecast for early June, but final construction details leave our date undetermined, so make sure you've signed up for our newsletter for important information on our transition and what you can do while we set up your brand-new library!
Moving in!
