Princeton’s recent consolidation also meant a big change for the library. Since 1961 we’ve operated as a Joint Free Public Library, one of six in NJ, chartered to serve the residents of Princeton Borough and Princeton Township. But we could no longer be a joint library and serve just one town so we’ve re-incorporated as a municipal library, now legally known as the Free Public Library of Princeton. We’re still planning to use the friendlier “Princeton Public Library” or “Library” in our communications with you and the world.
Along with the new library came a new library board. A nine-member Board — including the Princeton Mayor and a representative from the school district — with community members appointed by the mayor and approved by council, governs the library. Our new board includes three reappointments from our previous board of trustees and six new members. The Board sets policy for the library, provides financial oversight and appoints and evaluates the library director.
We invite the community to attend Board meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm in the library’s second floor conference room, to share your comments and suggestions with the Board. Board meetings offer a glimpse into the complex challenges we deal with in operating the library and planning for the future as well as a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about library staff and services. Come join us, we would love to hear from you.