Welcome to Princeton
Welcome to Princeton! We’re so glad you’ve joined our community. This guide will introduce you to the library, including programs and services. It’s just a starting point, so explore our website for more information. We’re here to help, and encourage you to contact us with any questions.
Information about the Municipality of Princeton, including government, businesses and more, can be found in the Meet the Community section of this guide.
If you have just moved to the area from another country, visit the New to the United States? section for information on the library’s world language materials, English language learning and citizenship preparation tools.
#Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey: Meet the Community
You can learn more about Princeton on the municipal website. Princeton has a mayor and six councilmembers who are elected to make decisions about the operation of the Municipality of Princeton. The public is invited to attend open Council meetings. The municipal website features information on parking, trash and recycling services, property taxes, the community pool and parks and much more. Sign up for a weekly email newsletter from the municipality for updates.
Princeton has multiple options for free transportation by bus in addition to paid bus and rail service operated by New Jersey Transit. Visit the Getting Around Princeton page for more details.
If you have school-age children, you can find information on Princeton’s Public Schools here. Information on private schools in Princeton is available here.
To learn about Princeton’s businesses and attractions, visit Experience Princeton. You can also use our Princeton Visitor’s Guide to help you explore the area.
#ppl
Meet the Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library offers a safe, welcoming space for all community members. We welcome people of all ages to attend our programs, use our workspaces and technology, access certain digital databases, visit our bookstore and read books, magazines and newspapers while they are here. All are welcome to use these resources in the building without a library card.
If you’re looking for job, career or business resources, visit our Job Skills and Careers Guide.
Visit our Location and Hours page for information on library hours, holiday closures and more.
Can I get a library card at Princeton Public Library?
A library membership allows you to borrow materials to take home, connect to our e-library materials and access additional resources like museum passes and our full collection of databases, among other benefits. Princeton Public Library is your free library if you live or own property within the municipality or meet certain other criteria. If you live outside of Princeton and do not meet the other criteria for a free membership, we can direct you to your free library. You can also purchase a monthly or annual membership with us. Full details on eligibility for free and fee-based cards are available here. If you have questions about membership, please call 609-924-9529, ext. 1210.
#events
Library Events
Get more involved in the community by attending one of our free events and spend time with neighbors who share your interests. The library offers many programs and services to the community. You can find out what is happening at the library by visiting our events calendar at any time.
In the events calendar, you can filter events by age group or by area of interest. See what’s happening today or what’s coming up in the month ahead.
Stay Connected: Newsletters and WhatsApp
We send a weekly email newsletter sharing upcoming programs and highlighting services. We also have monthly newsletters focused on kids and teens, technology programs, and books and authors. Anyone can sign up for these newsletters and attend our programs. Sign up for newsletters here.
WhatsApp: Informacíon en Español. ¿Quiere saber más sobre nuestros eventos, servicios, y colecciones? ¡Agréganos y ponte en contacto con nosotros! ¿Quiere saber más sobre nuestros eventos, servicios y colecciones? ¿Tiene alguna pregunta sobre nuestros servicios? ¡Agréguenos y póngase en contacto con nosotros! Siempre respondemos en español. Envíenos un mensaje de WhatsApp a PPL al siguiente número: 314-635-0410.
#technology
Technology
Computers are available for public use on the second floor of the library. Both PCs and iMacs are available, and the iMacs come equipped with professional software. More details on available software can be viewed here.
We offer technology assistance and instruction through classes and drop-in help. View our full calendar of technology classes. You do not need a library card to attend. With a library card, you have additional access to technology instruction through LinkedIn Learning.
The library’s second floor also has a printer, copier and scanners. The scanners can also fax. Scanning and faxing is available free of charge. Printing and copying is available for 20 cents per page. You do not need a library card to use these services.
With a library card, you can borrow MacBooks to use inside the library. Chromebooks and other technology items are also available to borrow for at-home use with your library card through our Library of Things.
#world
New to the United States?
World Language Materials
Books: While most library materials are in English, we have books, e-books, audiobooks and films in a range of world languages. For adults, print materials are available in Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish. For children, print materials are available in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. View full information on our World Language Collections.
Films: Explore our world cinema collection, which includes films in many more languages.
Storytimes: We also offer storytime programs in languages other than English. View our world language storytime details.
English Language Learning
English Conversation Groups: Practice your English conversation skills with other language learners in a warm and welcoming setting. This program, for intermediate and advanced speakers, is free and open to all. Virtual and in-person sessions are available, and details are available on our English Language Instruction page. You do not need a library card to attend.
English classes: The library offers formal English classes with a teacher periodically throughout the year. You can check for upcoming English classes via our events calendar. You do not need a library card to attend, but registration is required.
Mango: Library cardholders have access to Mango, an online language learning system that teaches real conversation skills for practical communication through fun and engaging interactive lessons.
Books, e-books, and audiobooks: You can find books for English language instruction on the second floor of the library. With a library card, you can also access e-books and audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla.
Citizenship Test Preparation
The library periodically offers Citizenship Test preparation classes. Check our calendar for upcoming Citizenship classes. You do not need a library card to attend, but registration is required.
The library has books and databases available to help people prepare to take the U.S. Citizenship Test. Books can be used in the library by anyone, but a Princeton Public Library card is required to borrow print materials and to access online test preparation tools remotely.
Tutor.com is a database that provides online, on-demand academic tutoring, homework help, and test preparation to students of all ages. Some parts of this database can be used in the library without a library card, but a card is needed to access the service remotely.
Peterson’s Test and Career Prep is a database that helps you prepare for standardized tests with e-books, online courses, and full-length practice tests for U.S. citizenship and much more. This database can be used in the library without a library card, but a card is needed to access the service remotely.