In 1921, a group of interested citizens met to establish the first library in New Providence in the home of the first librarian.  

In 1941, New Providence residents voted to establish a free public library in the Borough of New Providence that would be part of the municipal government. 

In the late 1940s, a community fundraising drive was held to build a formal library that would also serve as a war memorial. As a result, in 1950, a new brick building on Elkwood Avenue was dedicated as the Memorial Library.  This building was incorporated into the enlarged structure in 1958 as the population grew.

In 1964, new construction and renovation of the older parts of the building resulted in a quadrupling of the  library's space and the addition of a meeting room.  

The current library building is the result of the largest fundraising project ever undertaken in New Providence, begun in 2004.  The Grand Re-Opening was held in 2005 and featured a new meeting room and children's activity room.   

The New Providence Memorial Library with its modern, expanded facilities and offerings attracts visitors from out of town as well as its own patrons.  It has truly grown into a full-service community and informational center for all.