The Burlington County Library (BCLS) is a public library system that serves 37 out of the 40 municipalities of Burlington County, New Jersey. The central headquarters is in Westampton. The library collection contains approximately 770,000 volumes, and its annual circulation was 1.8 million in 2005.[1] The libraries of Moorestown, Mount Laurel, and Willingboro are not affiliated with the Burlington County Library System.
History
In 1921, the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill providing for the creation of a county library system via referendum for Burlington County.[2] Proponents viewed the measure as a method to distribute books to the rural community and centralize library facilities.[2] Burlington County voters approved the referendum by 73 percent,[3][4] making the Burlington County Library System the first county library in New Jersey. The library began as a small room of the Mount HollyYMCA,[5] which functioned as the library's depository. Service consisted of delivering collections of books to various community distribution centers by a Model T library truck.[3][6] In 1971, the library's new headquarters in Westampton was constructed.[5]
All Burlington County residents, except for those residing in Moorestown, Willingboro and Mount Laurel, are eligible for free library membership.[8] Since the Burlington County Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with Atlantic and Ocean County libraries, cardholders of both libraries can apply for Burlington County Library membership.[8][9][10] Likewise, Burlington County Library cardholders can apply for membership in the Atlantic and Ocean County libraries.[8][9][10]
References
^"Burlington County Library". Public Libraries Survey, Fiscal Year 2005. National Center for Educational Statistics. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
^ abNew Jersey Library Bulletin, Volumes 4-11. New Jersey Public Library Commission. 1914.
^ abYoung men, Volume 47. Young Men's Christian Associations. 1921.
^Education Bulletin, Volumes 8-9. New Jersey Department of Education. 1922.
^James, Edward T.; Boyer, Paul S. (1974). Notable American Women, 1607–1950 : A Biographical Dictionary (3. print. ed.). Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. ISBN9780674627345.