Bayonne Public Library

The Bayonne Public Library

Once a sleepy little village, by 1903 Bayonne had become the eighth largest city in New Jersey and a center of Industry. Fueled by historic waves of immigration, the peninsula’s population had ballooned to over 30,000, making it the third fastest growing city in the State. Fueled by civic pride, the ethos of self-improvement as well as a desire to promote assimilation among its new and growing immigrant population, a movement began that culminated in the building of the Bayonne Public Library. Designed by noted architect, Edward L. Tilton, the Bayonne Public Library was opened in 1903. Financed with an initial donation of $50,000 from the industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, as well as by contributions from the residents and the City of Bayonne, this beautiful building is one of the 2,509 Carnegie libraries located throughout the world, and only one of 36 in New Jersey. A reflection of the City Beautiful movement, this Beaux-Arts gem, with its grand columns recalling those of ancient Greece and Rome, was built as a temple to learning and to Americanism.

Sadly, during the early hours of Memorial Day in 1959, the library was partially destroyed in a fire allegedly set by an arsonist. The fire caused extensive damage to the central interior and the roof. The wings attached to the central section of the library were further damaged by the volume of water used to put out the flames and a rainstorm that followed later that day. Alongside the staggering number of books that were destroyed, were old documents recording the history of Bayonne as well as a collection of clocks, guns, and other antiques. Although the fire damaged most of the contents in the library, the City decided it would be best to remodel and modernize the building. All designs were made by the architectural firm of E.W. Fannings of Paterson. After a few months of renovations, the building reopened and managed to retain its captivating energy and charm.

Now over 125 years old, the Bayonne Public Library continues to shine as one of the City’s most beautiful buildings and a point of enduring civic pride. It also remains a vital hub for those looking to enjoy a good book, write a college paper, read an old-fashioned print newspaper, or even attend an art show and maybe a movie or two. Critically, the Bayonne Public Library continues to function as that rare public space in which all members of our diverse, ever changing, and still growing community, are welcome as they seek knowledge and quiet in a beautiful setting. Andrew Carnegie and the champions of Bayonne’s library movement would be proud.