The Camden County Library was established in 1921 to serve rural parts of the county.
  • Prior to its founding in 1921, all citizens of Camden County had to travel to Camden to access a public library.
  • Service consisted of selecting and delivering small collections of books to schools and other locations. Firehouses, stores, and even homes were enlisted.
Until 1931, the library occupied rented rooms in Haddonfield.
  • Its first annual report showed a collection of 9,167 books.
  • In need of more space, the library then moved to the original courthouse in Camden.
  • The first bookmobile was a Model – A Ford.
  • In 1953, the library moved to the basement of the new county courthouse, where it remained for almost 20 years.
  • In 1966 a revival began with a new Commission who appointed a professional librarian and made plans for relocation.
1969
  • The library leases space in the new Echelon Mall in Voorhees. Library usage increases quickly to the point where the new headquarters are inadequate.
1973
  • Camden County Library is designated as the Area Reference Library to Camden and Gloucester Counties.
1975
  • Haddon Township and Winslow Township Libraries join the county system.
1977
  • The main library moves to the new headquarters building across from the Echelon Mall. It is built on land given to the county by the Rouse Company.
1977
  • Gloucester Township Library becomes a branch.
1983
  • Literacy Volunteers begin to work out of the Voorhees Branch.
1986
  • Winslow Township Branch moves into new building.
1987
  • The Camden County Library is designated Reference Center for Region VI of New Jersey Library Network.
1989
  • Gloucester Township Library moves into a new facility.
1993
  • Haddon Township Library moves into its new building. Use of all four facilities is so high that plans to expand the Voorhees Branch and build a regional library in the southern part of the county.
1995
  • CamNet is introduced, providing Internet access and other library resources to participating schools.
1996
  • The Library celebrates its 75th Anniversary; topping one million in circulation.
1997
  • The South Jersey Regional Technology Center is open to the public; branches offer Internet access.
  • The Bellmawr Branch of the Camden County Library opens in December.
1999
  • The Camden County Library Reading Center at Merchantville School and Public Library opens in March.
  • Construction begins in the fall for the new South County Regional Branch.
2000
  • The South County Regional Branch opens in December.
2001
  • Camden County Library is appointed as the New Jersey Statewide Reference Center.
2001
  • Camden County Library joins other libraries in New Jersey to offer Q & A NJ, a virtual reference service.
2004
  • The Voorhees Township Branch is renamed the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch, to honor the former county commissioner who led the planning efforts to build the facility.
2005
  • Camden County Library offers downloadable audiobooks to its patrons.
  • Shelf Life, a library annex, opens at the Echelon Mall in Voorhees, NJ.
2006
  • Shelf-Life closes when the Echelon Mall is redesigned.
2007
  • Downloadable video is introduced.
2008
  • Library introduces online event registration.
2011
  • Camden City becomes a member of the County System.
  • The Ferry Avenue Library becomes a branch of the Camden County Library System.
2012
  • A new branch opens inside the Robeson Library on the Rutgers Camden Campus.
2014
  • Career Online High School helps adults get their high school degrees.
2014
  • Museum passes are added to the collection.
2019
  • Library System eliminated late fines for most materials, becoming the first county library system in New Jersey to do so.
2021
  • Library System launches its new app.
  • The Library System begins to lend hotspots.
2022
  • The Library System begins to lend Google Chromebooks.
  • The Library System introduces its Personal Care Pantry.
2023
  • The Library System offers faxing and scanning services at all locations.
  • The Library System begins to offer virtual meeting rooms via Zoom for patrons.
2024
  • The Ferry Avenue Branch’s new Digital Literacy Classroom opens in January. This project was supported, in full, with grant funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library.
  • On March 1st, the Camden County Library System launched a shared borrowing arrangement with five other county library systems. The partnership provides residents with expanded access to books and library services beyond their local library location. The Burlington, Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex and Warren County library systems are also participating in the program.
  • The first Baby Café in New Jersey opened at the Ferry Avenue Branch in November. The Café provides a dedicated space where breastfeeding parents can gather for support, education, and connection in a welcoming environment. The Café is presented as a partnership between the Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, NJ Healthy Communities Network, NJ SNAP-Ed, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
  • The Library System introduces its first social worker for patron services.
  • The Library System starts to circulate cake pans.
2025
  • The Library System introduces new self-check kiosks known as Book-Its!.
  • The Library System introduces the No Questions Asked Collection.
  • The Library System introduces the New Americans Corner.

Historic Camden County Library Photos and Documents