Looking for a family fun experience? Our charming library by the sea offers adventure and wonder with world-class customer service. The Elberon Branch Library is located in the Elberon section of Long Branch, directly across from the Elberon Train Station. The library offers free wifi & internet, computers, programs, and of course plenty of good reads!
History
Written by Janice Grace, Local History Room Manager & Long Branch Historian
Founded in 1900, the Elberon Branch began as a private-subscription library in the rented parlor of the Rudloff House on Old Stone Rd. (Norwood Ave.). The library served residents in the Elberon section of Long Branch, that included Ocean Twp. area at the time (Ocean Twp. cites it as their 1st library). The early seasons ran from June through October, at a cost of $100.
Their next move into the King Building (behind the current Elberon Post Office) was temporary while the “Ladies of Elberon Library” raised enough money for a new building. While no deal could be struck to purchase the land on Lincoln Ave., they did obtain a 21-year lease at no cost. In 1911 their new building opened for the season. They would operate until 1943 when Mrs. Hamilton F. Kean gifted the property deed to the Bd. of Trustees, finally giving them a permanent home. But by 1992 private subscriptions could no longer support the library, and the city purchased it for $1. Today It continues as an active branch in the Long Branch library system.
