Originally Named the Holmes Library
The library was originally named the Holmes Library honoring James Holmes, a prominent Boonton resident, who bequeathed his family home to the Town with the purpose of establishing a free library. In addition to his bequest, Mr. Holmes also left $5,000 for the upkeep of the building.
After Mr. Holmes’s death in 1893, the library opened its doors to the public in 1894. At the time, half of the main floor was dedicated to library operations; the rest of the building housed the librarian’s apartment, the town’s first telegraph and telephone central, and several commercial operations, including the Times Bulletin. Originally, the library’s Trustees were representatives from the Town’s 7 churches. However, when the library became a municipal entity, the Trustees are now appointed by the Mayor for 5 year terms.
Transformations and Additions
Over the years, the building underwent numerous transformations. In 1894 a third floor was added to the building to serve as a meeting place and dance hall for a local Mason’s lodge. Eventually, the second and third floors became rental apartments generating operating income. Likewise, the lower level continued as a commercial space: Heavenly Temptations occupied what is now the History Lounge, and a rare coin vendor operated in the current Makerspace. In 1990, the children’s room was added to the building.
Library Named a Historic Place
In 1972 the library was placed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, thus giving it access to historic preservation and other grants. To this day, grants by the Morris County Historic Preservation Fund have enabled extensive interior and exterior projects which have restored the building to match its appearance in the early 20th century. Moreover, generous NJ State grants facilitated by Boonton Main Street, Inc. funded landscape upgrades to the library’s backyard and front patios.
Library Joins M.A.I.N.
The library joined M.A.I.N. (Morris Automated Information Network) in 1995, thereby giving Boonton library cardholders access to the collections and services of all libraries in Morris County. Today, the consortium has grown to comprise 53 libraries in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union, Warren, and Sussex counties, serving 700,000 residents. In recognition of this expansion, the consortium is now Main Library Alliance, Inc.
Library Renamed
In 2010, the old Holmes Library was renamed the Boonton Holmes Public Library as the Aldermen approved to municipalize the operation. Numerous benefits derived from this arrangement, including a steady income through the town’s property taxes.
Present Day
Today, the Boonton Holmes Public Library serves as a vibrant community hub with programs and activities for all Boonton residents regardless of age, gender, race, or status. The library’s membership in the Main Library Alliance grants library cardholders access to 3 million+ items, thousands of digital books and publications, databases, computers, and much more.
