Early Library Floor Plan, Undated
Library Building
An undated but early floor plan of the library building showing the locations of rooms in the library and Industrial School. Note the separate reading room for women and the former use of the Sinatra Room as a kitchen!
Hoboken Public Library
Unknown
Box 1
Decision Regarding a Dispute Between the Library Board of Trustees and the Industrial School, 1905
Industrial School, Library Building
The Library Trustees and the Industrial School Trustees had a debate over who rightfully had permission to utilize a room in the basement of the building. This room was labeled as a classroom but was being used for library storage until the Industrial School had need of it; the case was decided in favor of the Industrial School. In the present day, the former classroom is now an events and programming space for the library, having been greatly remodeled after Superstorm Sandy caused significant basement flooding in 2012.
Hoboken Public Library
November 8, 1905
Box 3
Two Letters from Richard Stevens, 1895
Richard Stevens, Stevens Family, Library Building
Two letters from Richard Stevens, son of Martha Bayard Stevens, the primary benefactor of the current library building. These letters concern the nature of the family's donation to build the library and to include the Industrial School.
Richard Stevens
Hoboken Public Library
1895
Box 3
Library Building Survey Results, 1996
Library Building, Industrial School
This document from 1996 shows both the needs of the library in improving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (there has since been an elevator added) and that the Industrial School was still active and operational in the 1990s.
Elizabeth Vandor
Hoboken Public Library
December 6, 1996
Box 1
Articles of Agreement to Construct the Library Building, 1896
Library Building, Heatherton Brothers
Articles of Agreement between the Mayor and Council of Hoboken by the Trustees of the Free Public Library and Heatherton Brothers of Jersey City, the contractors selected to build Albert Beyer's final design. The agreement was signed on January 28, 1896.
Hoboken Public Library
January 28, 1896
Box 2
Copy of the Deed Granting the Land for the Construction of the Library, 1896
Library Building, Martha B. Stevens
A photocopy of the deed granting the land to the City of Hoboken for the construction of the library at its current location on the corner of 5th and Park. Martha B. Stevens donated the land for the project.
Hoboken Public Library
January 1896
Box 3
Architectural Renderings for the Hoboken Public Library
Library Building
Copies of a collection of mockups drawn by architect Albert Beyer and other architects bidding on the library before selecting the final design for the library. The final design can also be seen on this site.
Albert Beyer
Hoboken Public Library
1890s
Box 1
Library Building from 5th Street near Willow Ave., c. 1933
Library Building
The library as viewed from 5th and Willow in 1933.
Hoboken Public Library
1933
333
Middle Room, Reference Department, c. 1933
Library Building
The middle room of the second floor reference department in 1933. As of 2019, this room currently houses the local history collection.
Hoboken Public Library
1933
332
North Room, Reference Department, c. 1933
Library Building
The North Room of the reference department on the second floor in 1933.
Hoboken Public Library
1933
331