Chatham Library Foundation

10/14/2026

Our very own Chatham Library Foundation Board Trustee, John Adams, is back leading the conversation for the next installment of Reading Through History! 📖✨

John welcomes back scholar David Lynn to discuss E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime.

🗓️ Nov 12 @ 5:00 PM

📍 Library of the Chathams

🎟️ Limited to 20 spots (registration required)

Full details & registration 👇

Read the article on Patch: https://buff.ly/tSExgCZ

10/13/2026

A library isn’t just built from bricks and mortar; it’s built from vision, community, and extraordinary acts of generosity.

The story of the Library of the Chathams began with a community coming together. After the Fairview Hotel burned down, a borough-wide solicitation secured the land we call home today. But it was a single transformational gift in 1924—a $30,000 bequest—that brought the building itself to life. Given as a heartfelt memorial to honor two fathers whose friendship spanned a lifetime, this act of giving set a powerful precedent for leadership philanthropy and memorial naming in Chatham.

A gift of memory, made over a century ago, created a sanctuary of learning, discovery, and connection that is still thriving today.

When you leave a gift to the Chatham Library Foundation, you aren't just supporting a building; you are shaping generations to come. What legacy will you create?

10/13/2026

Couldn't agree more, Kristin! 💙 The Midnight Library is a beautiful reminder of how our everyday choices and kindness shape the world around us.
Books - and libraries- have a unique power to inspire hope and connection. Through your support of the Chatham Library Foundation, we help ensure our library continues to enrich lives every day.📖

If you could revisit one decision, would you? A book that makes you think about with warmth and hope. Thank you, Kristin for sharing this one!

10/08/2026

Serving our community since 1924. 🏛️✨

For over 100 years, the Library of the Chathams has grown alongside our town—with six additions over the decades! But behind the scenes, the essential building systems have finally reached the end of what quick fixes and repairs can handle.

Our upcoming renovation is focused on the core infrastructure:
🛠️ Replacing aging mechanical systems
♿ Improving accessibility for all visitors
📚 Updating spaces to match how our community uses the library today

We’re building a stronger foundation so the library can continue serving Chatham for the next 100 years.

Learn more about the project plans and updates at the link in our bio! 🔗👇

10/07/2026

Your library card is basically a local cheat code. 💳✨

Did you know your Chatham Library Card gets you free access to all of this?
🗞️ The Wall Street Journal & The New York Times
🖼️ Museum passes
🔭 A telescope
📶 Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots
🎸 Musical instruments
🩸 Blood Pressure Monitor
🕹️ Games (board, video, yard)
🎬 Streaming films
📚 E-books & audiobooks
✒️ Notary services
🌱 A seed library

Grand Total: $0.00.

Stop by the library or head to our website to claim your free pass to… pretty much everything. 🎟️👇

10/06/2026

After a few early attempts, the dream officially stuck! On June 1, 1907, the Chatham Public Library opened its doors inside the brand-new Borough Hall and Fire House on Fairmount Avenue.

Right from the start, the community embraced it:

📜 Card #1 was officially issued.

📚 50 books circulated every single day.

Fast forward to today—we are getting ready to mark 120 years of continuous service in 2027! From a cozy room in Borough Hall to the vibrant community hub we have now, thank you for being part of our story.

Do you remember getting your very first library card? Share your story in the comments! 👇

10/05/2026

There are so many wonderful things going on a the library this month.

Where Books Bring People Together Book lovers have plenty to look forward to in October, with three book groups (Chatham Chapters, Suspenseful Saturdays and the Library Book Group) offering...

09/30/2026

Community Spotlight: Sunday Connections Intergenerational Dinner 🍽️💙

We are happy to share an upcoming event on behalf of our close partners at the Senior Center of the Chathams!
Chatham older adults are invited to Sunday Connections, an intergenerational dinner hosted by the Chatham High School National Honor Society students. It’s a wonderful opportunity for great food, meaningful conversation, and making new friendships across generations.

📅 Date: Sunday, October 25
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Presbyterian Church, 240 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township
📞 How to Join: RSVP or request a ride by calling the Chatham Senior Center at 973-635-4565.

09/29/2026

Tuesday Library Legacy: The First Try

Every big success starts somewhere—even if that first step is short-lived!

Back in 1869, local residents gathered with a big vision: opening a free reading room for the community. The Lackawanna Railroad stepped in to help, donating an upstairs space right at the train depot. 🚂

Doors officially opened on January 1, 1870. While that initial attempt closed within a year or two, the seed was planted. It took another try, and then another, to build the library system we know and love today.

Persist, adapt, and keep reading! What’s your favorite piece of local history? Let us know below! 👇

09/28/2026

Worth saying plainly: the footprint does not change.

The Space for Everyone project isn’t an expansion of our building—it’s a complete reimagining of what’s inside.

What is changing? How well every single square foot works for our community:
🧸 Children’s Room: Updated, functional spaces for play, learning, and discovery.
🤝 Meeting Rooms: Flexible, modern areas built for collaboration and gathering.
⚙️ Behind the Walls: Upgraded systems that keep our library safe, efficient, and running smoothly for years to come.

Same walls. Smarter space. Built for everyone. 💡