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Deptford Public Library

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History of the Library

Past Presidents of the Board of Trustees

Year

President

1960 – 1961

Charles Crabbe Thomas

1962 – 1963

Edward J. Rosinski

1964 – 1965

Richard Small

1966

James H. Johnson

1967

Harry Burton

1968

Richard Small

1969 – 1976

James H. Johnson

1977 – 1994

Charles P. Conant, Jr.

1995 – 1997

Geraldine N. Johnson

1998 – 2005

Judith Tanger

2006

Charles P. Conant, Jr.

2007 – 2011

Yolette Ross

2012 – Present

Dina L. Zawadski

Library History Timeline

June 1960

Charles C. Thomas

In June 1960, Charles C. Thomas was appointed to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a library in Deptford Township.

January 11, 1961

Deptford Library Association Formed

January 11, 1961 the Deptford Library Association is formed.

July 15, 1961

Deptford High School Library

At this time the library operated out of a room off of the Deptford High School Library. It opened to the public on July 15, 1961 for one evening a week and Saturday mornings with 1,589 books.

November of 1961

Building Offered for Library

In November of 1961, the Almonesson Methodist Church is offered to the Deptford Library Association. Mr. Thomas Moore loaned the association $3,500 to move the church building to a new location about 200 yards down the road and oversaw the project.

January 1963

New By-Laws Adopted

In January 1963,the Library Association adopted new by-laws and the first Board of Trustees was elected.

September 1963

New Building Dedicated

In September 1963, the new building was dedicated and officially opened to the public on September 10, 1963.  At the end of 1963 there were 988 members and 7,127 books in circulation.

July 1, 1965

Geraldine N. Johnson Hired

On July 1, 1965, Geraldine N. Johnson was hired as the director/librarian. She was the first paid employee. She remained as director/librarian until September 15, 1968.

November 1972

Referendum Passes

In November 1972, a referendum was passed by Deptford Township voters (4,470 to 1,883) to make the Deptford Library a municipal library.

October 1974

First Full Time Children’s Libraian

The first full-time Children’s Librarian, Susann Kaback was hired in October 1974. Ms. Kaback served as the children’s librarian for 49 years until her retirement in 2022.

1981

Moved Into Current Home

The Deptford Free Public Library moved to its current home on Ward Drive in 1981 and the first major renovation to the building was in 1998.

2023

Restrooms Renovated

The library renovated the public restrooms in 2023, and started additional renovations in 2024 to move office space and add a public computer lab. The library is currently undergoing additional renovations to update the interior and exterior of the building.

Today

Stats

Today we have roughly 6,000 active members and own more than 60,000 books and 4,400 DVDs. The library offers many programs, classes and events. There are computers for public use and the staff is here to assist

Deptford Public Library

  • 670 Ward Drive, Deptford, NJ 08096
  • (856) 848-9149
  • (856) 848-1813

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