Archives Recently Established
In March 2021, the Library Board of Trustees resolved to build a local history collection, safeguard it for future generations, and make it accessible to the public for research and learning.
Library space was designated for this initiative, and with the impetus of a Bergen County History Grant awarded to the library in 2022, a curator was hired to formulate objectives, collections policy, and procedure.
Since then, the Local History Archives was established, supplemented with additional funding made possible in part through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Division of Cultural Historic Affairs, Department of Parks, through a General Operating Support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
File cabinets, storage cabinets, shelving, and archival preservation materials were obtained. The cataloguing of library materials began, and the Elmwood Park Historical Society collection was incorporated into the Collection. An Archives Technician was hired to organize all materials and set up the Archives.
In addition to the library’s collection, Historical Society materials, and East Paterson/Elmwood Park yearbooks, the collection of Mayor Richard A. Mola and Geraldine Mola, who is Borough Historian, is gradually being transferred to a permanent home in the Archives.
Donate Your Historical Items
The Library seeks photographs, scrapbooks, and memorabilia that depict the life and history of the community. We would be pleased to look at materials you can share or allow us to borrow for digitization.
Research and Study
The Local History Collection is considered reference and is available for research and study only in the library.
However, not all materials are catalogued yet or easily accessible. Call the library’s Archives to ask about available materials or to schedule a visit.
