Contact: [email protected] 

Elizabeth’s Main Library was built during the “free library movement” at the turn of the 20th century. In 1910, Andrew Carnegie granted funds to construct the main library, making It is one of New Jersey’s original 36 Carnegie libraries. The building, designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton, is reminiscent of an Italian palazzo and resembles the Boston Public Library. It opened to the public in 1912.

By the 1940s, the building had become one of the busiest libraries of its size in the United States. Considered one of the most progressive libraries in New Jersey, the EPL since its foundation has been committed to removing barriers to education and helping students build essential career and academic skills. To this end, it has formed within the library its own “Academy” that aims to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.

Saylor ESL courses and for credit courses are offered to patrons for their career goals and self-enrichment.