CPL Updates
Last Updated: March 17, 2022
Library Services - Updated 5/30/2022
Where to Browse/Borrow
Caldwell Residents:
Your library card provides you access to almost* all PALS Plus materials. In Essex County, that includes: Verona, Cedar Grove, Fairfield Public Libraries, and Belleville. Full List of PALS Plus Libraries.
In addition, you will be able to borrow at participating Essex County ReBL libraries.
Belleville Public Library
Bloomfield College Library
Bloomfield Public Library
Caldwell University Library
Cedar Grove Public Library
East Orange Public Library
Essex County College Library
Fairfield Public Library
Glen Ridge Public Library
Irvington Public Library
Livingston Public Library
Maplewood Public Library
Montclair Public Library
Newark Public Library
Orange Public Library
Roseland Free Public Library
Rutgers-Newark (Dana Library)
Seton Hall University Library
South Orange Public Library
Verona Public Library
West Orange Public Library
Paid Membership
Your membership has been automatically upgraded during this transitional time in order to provide you with continued library services. In addition to our extensive and growing digital library, you have access to materials at participating PALS Plus Libraries. Full List of PALS Plus Libraries.
*Exceptions at this time may be non-traditional items, such as Museum Passes, WiFi Hot Spots, and Library of Things. If you know of someone needing a WiFi Hot Spot, please email our director at rrockman@caldwellpl.org.
Returning Books & Other Items
-
Items can now be placed in the Book Drop behind the library building at 268 Bloomfield Ave.
-
They can be returned to any of our neighboring PALS PLUS libraries: Verona, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Little Falls among other libraries. Full List of PALS Plus Libraries
-
If you borrow items directly from a nearby library that is NOT in PALS Plus (such as Roseland), please return the items to the item's home library.
Fines are waived
All fines are waived and if any accrued in your account for items being held during this time, please get in touch with us and we will take care of it. We can be reached via email at librarian@caldwellpl.org or leave a voicemail message and your phone number at 973-226-2837 and we will call you back.
Notices
If you have any questions about an automated email or text message about library items or membership status, please reach out to us.
Digital Services
Our Digital Library and Research and Lifelong Learning resources are still available. They are accessible 24/7.
This includes:
Libby, Hoopla, Digital New York Times, NewsBank/Digital Star-Ledger, and Kanopy.
Adult & Children Programs and Events
Programs are still on, but with some modifications.
View our Calendar of Events
Children & Teen Programs and Activities
Access to Computers and Printers
Most, if not all of our neighboring libraries, allow non-residents to use the space for study/work, computer usage, reading, and printing. However, there may be limitations due to COVID. We recommend calling the library first to find out what is available and what precautions are in place.
In-Person Help from Caldwell Staff
In addition to help via email or phone, we have staff member, Frances Larkey, helping Caldwell patrons at the Verona Public Library. Hours change by week and are most frequently updated on Facebook and Instagram.
Building & Contents - Updated 5/30/22
Temporary Space
We are actively working on preparing for our temporary space, which will be located off of Smull Ave. A presentation of the temporary facilities was presented at the March 1, 2022 Borough Council Meeting.
We are hoping to open in some capacity around July 2022, but It is too premature to officially announce an opening date for the public at this point. We are pleased with the progress and pace so far, but aware we may run into delays out of our and the Borough's control. We will continue to keep the community updated.
Archives & Historical Content
Polygon, an experienced and recommended document restoration company, now has our archives and historical documents in their appropriate temperature-controlled environment. This will be a long process as they work on the restoration. The most recent update is that the materials are reacting well to the process.
Updated 5/2/22:
The photos have finished the stabilization process and will begin the chemical application used to restore them. We have been told this is a tedious and time-consuming process. We currently do not have an estimate of how long it will take.
Future Space
The Caldwell Public Library will be a part of the Municipal Complex that is being developed by the Borough. We are excited to be a part of the beautiful space and are working with the architects to ensure that we have the space we need to provide essential services now and in the future.
Plans for the temporary library space and the permanent building were presented at the March 1st Council Meeting.
Every effort is being made to incorporate historical elements into the new space. If you have any questions, please email director@caldwellpl.org.