History of the Library

The History of the Deptford Public Library

By Geraldine N. Johnson and Marie Scholding

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

January 11, 1961 the Deptford Library Association is formed.

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.

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

In January 1963 the Library Association adopts new by-laws and the first Board of Trustees is elected.

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

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

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

In October 1974, the first [and only] full-time Children’s Librarian, Susann Kaback is hired [yes she’s still here and we’re thrilled to have the best children’s librarian around!].

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

Today we have roughly 8,500 members and own more than 80,000 books and 4,400 DVDs.

© Copyright June 1970.