Red Bank Library
A Fond Farewell
Red Bank Library
Read of King; Be a KING!
Read of King; Be a KING!
Red Bank Library
Holiday Hours & our 24/7 library
Red Bank Library
Let's Talk About Race: Land & Legacy
Red Bank Library
It's Spooky Season!

!LIBRARY UPGRADE! On June 13th, LMxAC will launch a brand new library catalog with the RBPL!

See below flyer for all applicable details as well as a QR code with further information. Please see below for Red Bank Public Library Information.

Some more frequently asked questions.
Q: What if I don’t have a library card ?
During the offline period from June 3 - June 12th, we unfortunately cannot create any new accounts. We can however have you fill out an application and let you know that your card is ready once our system is back online.

Q: Can I check out the Library of Things?
Unfortunately, during the offline period, we won't be able to process any Library of Things checkouts. All items will be available again once the system goes live on June 13.

Q: Can you still put items in the Locker System for me to pick up later?
Yes! Our Locker System is still available but only for in-house materials.

Q: Can I still use Kanopy, Hoopla, Libby, and other online services?
Yes, all electronic resources are available during the offline period. Feel free to utilize our numerous digital resources during this time.

Q: What if I have more questions?
If you have any more questions, just ask any of us! We’re here to help and will do our best to assist you during this offline period. If we don’t have an answer, feel free to contact our consortium through their Upgrade Page.

Let's Talk About ... Affordable Housing

Our popular program Let’s Talk About Race is back …

and we’re bringing it to you in-person and via Zoom!

Join us on Tuesday, May 28 as we host two incredible speakers from the Affordable Housing Alliance for a conversation on Affordable Housing.

Whether you join us in-person or online, our May Let’s Talk About Race program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of affordable housing. Led by Chief Executive Officer Randi Moore and Chief Program Officer Toi Collins, this conversation will break down the latest legislation on New Jersey housing and dive into the historical context of housing segregation.

Visit us online and register to save your seat, or click here to join us via Zoom.

The Affordable Housing Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all NJ residents by developing and preserving housing, offering services to maintain housing affordability, and more. To learn more about their work and services visit them online at https://housingall.org/.

Construction Updates

We know that you have questions and concerns about our elevator project. To give you an idea of the undertaking, we are not fixing the original elevator; our grant award replaces all elevator components with updated, modern technology. However, as with any major undertaking, unforeseen challenges have led to delays. Our awesome team, including our talented architect, construction crew, and elevator installer, are all working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. We're aiming to kick off the installation of the new elevator this May, so stay tuned for some exciting changes!

TL;DR

+ What is this project again?

Before the era of COVID, our Library had the honor of being one of the inaugural recipients of the Library Construction Bond Grant. Our primary focus? Making our building more accessible through comprehensive ADA renovations. This includes installing modern automatic front doors, upgrading our lower-level restrooms to ensure ADA compliance, and replacing our existing elevator to better serve all patrons.

+ Will the Library be closed during the elevator installation?

We'll do our best to keep things running smoothly and stay open as much as we can. However, like with past renovations, there might be times when we need to close temporarily as the elevator work progresses. Rest assured, we'll keep you updated on any closures through our website and social media channels. We'll aim to give you as much notice as we can, but please understand that construction projects can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs.

+ Can I still pick up materials if the Library is closed?

If the library needs to temporarily close, don't worry! Our 24/7 locker system is available. Most library materials can fit into these lockers, with the exception of our larger "But Wait There’s More" items. This means you can still borrow items like a cake pan, Chromebook, iPad, or drill set, but unfortunately, our weed wacker is too large to fit in the lockers.

Need something printed? Just give us a heads-up, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up from the lockers

Additionally, you are welcome to visit any of the 40 other LMxAC member libraries with your Red Bank Public Library card.

Moreover, even during closures, you can still explore a wide range of online resources like Hoopla, Libby, Mango Languages, and more, using your library card from your computer or mobile device.

+ Who is paying for the project?

The project is funded by the  State of New Jersey (LCBA), the Borough of Red Bank and the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library. 

+What if I have more questions?

Please feel free to contact the Library Director, Eleni Glykis, by email or at 732-842-0690 with any additional questions.

We understand your frustrations with the closures and construction that have occurred, particularly the absence of an elevator. But hey, once this project is wrapped up, our library will be back to its fully accessible self, and we can't wait to bring back our multi-level programming for you to enjoy!

Over the past couple of years, we've been hard at work making lots of cool improvements to our facilities and services. It's all part of our mission to make the library an even better place for our awesome community. We really appreciate your patience and support through all these changes.

Here are some of the upgrades and enhancements we've made:

+Exterior Revitilization

  • The exterior of our facility received a fresh coat of paint, rejuvenating its appearance and restoring our inviting ambiance. 

  • To preserve its historic appearance and character, the Eisner Mansion's wood window and door trimming has been recapped with designed aluminum, which provides aesthetics and durability.

 

+Enhanced Accessibility

  • Barrier free access with the installation of ADA-accessible doors allows patrons to walk in and out of the library effortlessly, promoting a welcoming atmosphere for all.

  • Installation of our 24-hour Locker System allows patrons to access materials conveniently on their schedule. 

  • Renovation and modernization of the lower-level restrooms, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all residents.

+Modernizing Meeting Facilities

  • Upgrades included a French drain, new flooring, and a fresh coat of paint, which provided essential waterproofing and a contemporary ambiance.

  • Installation of a Zoom Room enabling access to our programming in person and anywhere with an internet connection. 

  • The Young Adult Space had been revamped with new furniture and fixtures, creating an inviting and comfortable environment. 

  • Installation of a TeleTalk Booth providing patrons with a soundproof space on the main floor for meetings, interviews, and phone calls. 

  • Upgrading the Library’s current lighting to LED enhances the environment and provides cost savings.

 

+Expanded Resources and Services


We are truly grateful for your patience and patronage.

TL;DR: The Library will soon have a working elevator. That means we might have to close for construction, but you’ll still be able to check access ematerials as well as physical materials through our 24 Hour Locker System. No, unfortunately the weed whacker won’t fit in a locker. Yes, the Library has recently gotten some new materials!

NO NONSENSE BOOK SALE!

Come on in and partake in our No Nonsense Book Sale, while supplies last!

Looking for some scrapbooking ideas? Curious about the ghosts of Cape May? Want to know which1,000 places to see before you die? You can learn about all of these subjects, and more, when you visit the Red Bank Public Library’s Book Sale room and purchase any non-fiction book for the bargain price of only $0.50 a book!

All other books for sale remain at their regular prices. Inquire at the Circulation Desk should you have any questions.

Checking Out the Future: Our Library's Next Chapter with a Fresh ILS!

Exciting times are ahead! We’re about to embark on a new adventure with the introduction of a cutting-edge Integrated Library System (ILS). We're taking this journey together, and we can't wait to share it with you all! 📚

This June, you’ll see major changes in our Catalog and Online System because we’re saying ‘goodbye’ to Enterprise and saying ‘hi’ to Polaris Vega for an even better library experience! 🌟

So, what can you expect from this shiny new addition to our library?

Picture it: June 2024, you’re trying to place a hold on The Midnight Feast, by Lucy Foley. But wait, there's a twist! You're navigating our brand-spankin'-new ILS! It's more intuitive, user-friendly, and easier to navigate. Managing your account is a breeze, smoother than a fresh bowl of gelato on a hot summer day. And just when you think you've seen it all, bam! You stumble upon new materials, like uncovering hidden treasures in the attic.

Yes, June is just around the corner! In the next couple of weeks, we’ll be getting trained on this new system and sharing information with all of you. Remember, we're on this journey together! Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and plenty of literary delights as we dive headfirst into this new chapter.

Our consortium, LMxAC, is in charge of the transition, and we recommend utilizing their patron update page. Here, you’ll have access to updated timelines, weekly highlights of the new catalog features, FAQs, and asking LMxAC staff additional questions. 

While we hope this causes as little disruption as possible, some interruptions during this upgrade are unavoidable. We anticipate the impact to be limited to June 4-13.

Construction Updates

We know that you have questions and concerns about our elevator project. To give you an idea of the undertaking, we are not fixing the original elevator; our grant award replaces all elevator components with updated, modern technology. However, as with any major undertaking, unforeseen challenges have led to delays. Our awesome team, including our talented architect, construction crew, and elevator installer, are all working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. We're aiming to kick off the installation of the new elevator this May, so stay tuned for some exciting changes!

TL;DR

+ What is this project again?

Before the era of COVID, our Library had the honor of being one of the inaugural recipients of the Library Construction Bond Grant. Our primary focus? Making our building more accessible through comprehensive ADA renovations. This includes installing modern automatic front doors, upgrading our lower-level restrooms to ensure ADA compliance, and replacing our existing elevator to better serve all patrons.

+ Will the Library be closed during the elevator installation?

We'll do our best to keep things running smoothly and stay open as much as we can. However, like with past renovations, there might be times when we need to close temporarily as the elevator work progresses. Rest assured, we'll keep you updated on any closures through our website and social media channels. We'll aim to give you as much notice as we can, but please understand that construction projects can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs.

+ Can I still pick up materials if the Library is closed?

If the library needs to temporarily close, don't worry! Our 24/7 locker system is available. Most library materials can fit into these lockers, with the exception of our larger "But Wait There’s More" items. This means you can still borrow items like a cake pan, Chromebook, iPad, or drill set, but unfortunately, our weed wacker is too large to fit in the lockers.

Need something printed? Just give us a heads-up, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up from the lockers

Additionally, you are welcome to visit any of the 40 other LMxAC member libraries with your Red Bank Public Library card.

Moreover, even during closures, you can still explore a wide range of online resources like Hoopla, Libby, Mango Languages, and more, using your library card from your computer or mobile device.

+ Who is paying for the project?

The project is funded by the  State of New Jersey (LCBA), the Borough of Red Bank and the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library. 

+What if I have more questions?

Please feel free to contact the Library Director, Eleni Glykis, by email or at 732-842-0690 with any additional questions.

We understand your frustrations with the closures and construction that have occurred, particularly the absence of an elevator. But hey, once this project is wrapped up, our library will be back to its fully accessible self, and we can't wait to bring back our multi-level programming for you to enjoy!

Over the past couple of years, we've been hard at work making lots of cool improvements to our facilities and services. It's all part of our mission to make the library an even better place for our awesome community. We really appreciate your patience and support through all these changes.

Here are some of the upgrades and enhancements we've made:

+Exterior Revitilization

  • The exterior of our facility received a fresh coat of paint, rejuvenating its appearance and restoring our inviting ambiance. 

  • To preserve its historic appearance and character, the Eisner Mansion's wood window and door trimming has been recapped with designed aluminum, which provides aesthetics and durability.

 

+Enhanced Accessibility

  • Barrier free access with the installation of ADA-accessible doors allows patrons to walk in and out of the library effortlessly, promoting a welcoming atmosphere for all.

  • Installation of our 24-hour Locker System allows patrons to access materials conveniently on their schedule. 

  • Renovation and modernization of the lower-level restrooms, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all residents.

+Modernizing Meeting Facilities

  • Upgrades included a French drain, new flooring, and a fresh coat of paint, which provided essential waterproofing and a contemporary ambiance.

  • Installation of a Zoom Room enabling access to our programming in person and anywhere with an internet connection. 

  • The Young Adult Space had been revamped with new furniture and fixtures, creating an inviting and comfortable environment. 

  • Installation of a TeleTalk Booth providing patrons with a soundproof space on the main floor for meetings, interviews, and phone calls. 

  • Upgrading the Library’s current lighting to LED enhances the environment and provides cost savings.

 

+Expanded Resources and Services


We are truly grateful for your patience and patronage.

TL;DR: The Library will soon have a working elevator. That means we might have to close for construction, but you’ll still be able to check access ematerials as well as physical materials through our 24 Hour Locker System. No, unfortunately the weed whacker won’t fit in a locker. Yes, the Library has recently gotten some new materials!

Prep for the new SAT with practice tests & more!

The SAT has changed and after this past weekend, a few test takers were caught off-guard. So what has changed? First, the length of the SAT exam was reduced and the test has gone digital. Questions are more concise, and test takers are allowed to use a calculator during the Math section.

While these improvements are here to help students, taking the SATs can still be extremely stressful. Don’t worry, though, the Red Bank Public Library is here to help!

With your library card, you can access Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep—the perfect resource for you to prepare for SAT testing.

You can use one of the public computers at the Library to study and prepare or access Peterson’s Test and Career Prep from your personal device. All you need is an account to access full-length, timed practice exams.

Remember, there’s a reason why practice makes perfect!

In addition to the practice test, you will find other helpful materials including flash cards, eBooks, and instructional videos. You can also access practice tests for AP, ACT, GRE, and search for scholarships.

Good luck!

Enter our Bookmark Contest!

The Red Bank Public Library is celebrating our 100th anniversary and needs your help!

We’re inviting patrons of all ages to design a bookmark to help us celebrate A Century of Service! Entry into our Bookmark Contest is easy. Download and print this form to design your bookmark. We also have copies available at the Library!

We have four age categories, giving everyone a chance to show off their artistic talents!

  • K-3rd grade

  • 4th-8th grade

  • 9th-12th grade

  • Age 18 & up.

Bookmark entries will be judged by a panel of local artists, and the winning designs will be printed and distributed to our Library patrons all year!

And remember, we’re looking for original artwork; please no computer-generated, AI or copyrighted images. One entry per person. All entries are due on March 15.

The RBPL congratulates one of our own on a job well done!

The Red Bank Public Library honored Linda Hewitt on Friday, February 2nd, with a party to say “farewell and good luck.” After dedicating 16 years to RBPL as Circulation Supervisor and Adult Programming/Community Outreach Coordinator, Linda is embarking upon her well-deserved retirement. Many speeches, toasts, and hugs were given all around on Friday night, and it was a felicitous send-off for an irreplaceable woman. We will miss you, Linda!

The RBPL Centennial Celebration Commenced on November 10th with Much Fanfare!

Spirits were high at the library on Friday night as the RBPL Centennial Year commenced with food, drink, and friendly chatter.  Notables such as Mayor Billy Portman, Congressman Frank Pallone, Policy Director Mike Illiano on behalf of State Senator Vin Gopal, and Library Director Eleni Glykis, among others, gave speeches, and atmospheric music was performed by students from the Monmouth Conservatory of Music.  This event was a terrific kickoff to the library’s year-long celebration of the Centennial, and we remain truly grateful to the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library for having made this event possible.  Please keep checking our website for information on future Centennial-related happenings! 

The Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library Announces a 100-year Anniversary Celebration

On November 10, 2023, the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library will host  a kick-off celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Library’s founding on January 2nd, 1924.  A series of special events and fundraising activities will continue throughout this special year. The November 10th event will have speakers, raffles, music, food, and good company, and will begin at 7 PM at the Library.  Tickets are $75.

Red Bank’s first library was instituted in 1878, but wasn’t free, charging $1.50 ($46 in today’s dollars) for subscriptions that allowed patrons to take out just one book at a time.

By creating a free public library, the citizens of Red Bank made a definitive statement that they wanted everyone, not just those who could afford it, to have access to the resources a library could provide.  Red Bank’s support for the Library continued even through the stock market crash and the Great Depression. This community spirit continues to be visible today in the wide variety of inclusive programming offered by the Library to engage, support, and educate.

Since that moment in 1924, the library continued to grow, moved to various locations, and expanded its collections.  The current location, overlooking the Navesink River at 84 West Front Street, was secured in 1937 as the result of a gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Sigmund Eisner’s sons.  

The Red Bank community has much to be proud of and celebrate! We hope  to see you at the Library’s special events this year.

Please Pardon Our Appearance

If you’ve been by the Library over the past few days, you may have noticed a bit of noise; that’s because work has begun on our ADA Rehabilitation project. The $300,000 project was one of the library projects chosen to receive a grant from the Library Construction Bond Act. The grant, which amounts to $150,000, will address the existing infrastructure that inhibits us from providing the best service to all residents. The Borough and the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library will provide matching funds. Construction started last week and is expected to last into the Fall.

Renovations and enhancements include replacing the front vestibule with push-button, ADA-accessible doors, expanding and renovating the existing Lower-Level bathrooms to make them ADA-accessible, and replacing the existing elevator. This project aims to enhance the already great space at RBPL by making it accessible to all, expanding the functionality of our Library, and ultimately improving the efficiency of our services.

We know that the public is frustrated with closures, delayed openings and most importantly all of the construction noise, but once this project is done, our library will be completely accessible and we will get back to our multi-level programming.

This project is supported by funds from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

Library Updates - Pardon Our Appearance

Things are happening at the Red Bank Public Library! Our lower-level bathrooms need some finishing touches, but we’re on to the next phase of our ADA Improvement Project with the installation of a new automatic main entryway.

For the next couple of days, we ask our public to enter and exit the Library through the Eisner Room. These are the doors on the front porch, as shown below!

The last and final phase of our ADA Improvement Project will be installing a new elevator, with work beginning this Fall. This project is supported by funds from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library, the Borough of Red Bank, and numerous donations to the Foundation for the Red Bank Public Library. We want to thank the Iliad Fund, the Eisner Foundation, and a group of local donors for their generous support toward this project! 

We were also able to complete the installation of our new Zoom Room system in the Library’s Meeting Room, making it easier for us to offer hybrid programming soon - ensuring that our patrons can access Library programs from anywhere they have an Internet connection! Fundsfor this project were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant CAGML-248454-OMLS-21. The $67,048 federal grant awarded two years ago focuses on improving community access. 


The Town Wide Yard Sale is Back!

The Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale is back on Saturday, September 9th! 

Anyone wishing to take part as a seller can register here or in person at the library. The registration fee is $10 and benefits the RBPL Foundation. Registered homes will be placed on the map, which will be available in paper form and in PDF form on the RBPL website the day of the event. The only way to pay online is through PayPal -- if you'd prefer not to use PayPal, you can register online and then pay later in check or cash at the RBPL circulation desk. All registrants will be sent an info packet before the event.

We have a limited number of plots available at the library for apartment dwellers who wish to sell but do not have a yard. Apartment registrants will be required to bring their own tables and chairs.

UPDATE: ALL LAWN SPACES HAVE BEEN TAKEN!

The deadline for registration is Wednesday, September 6th. The rain date for the event is Sunday September 10th, but the library will NOT make this call -- that is up to the individual sellers.

Register here.