The Research Library offers a wide range of research and information services to the public, including Thomas Edison State University (TESU), with access to government documents, genealogy resources, and expert reference assistance.
Whether you’re conducting academic research or exploring local history, the library provides free tools and support to help you find what you need.
Research
The collections and resources of the Research Library are available for your exploration. See About Our Collections for more information. Reference librarians will assist visitors in identifying and locating materials and provide research guidance. Contact us for research assistance or with any questions.
If you’re planning a visit to our library, you will find directions to the library on our Contact Us page. See our Visitor Conduct Policies regarding library use.
Register for a Library Card
Members of the public and TESU graduates who reside in New Jersey as well as anyone employed in New Jersey may register for a public State Library borrowers’ card. The State Library card enables public card holders to
- use computers and databases while visiting the State Library
- borrow one item from selected collections
Registration must be done in person, at the Library circulation desk at 185 West State Street, Trenton, NJ.
Call Circulation at 609-278-2640 ext.104 with questions about accepted forms of identification.
Borrow Books from our Collections
Individuals with a public NJ State Library card may borrow one item at a time from a circulating collection. Items must be picked up and returned at the Library; we will not mail items.
If you do not live or work in the Trenton area, use your local public library’s interlibrary loan service to request materials not held at their location. NJSL lends materials through ILL to libraries in New Jersey and elsewhere around the country. Interlibrary loan allows you to pick up and return borrowed materials at your local library.
You can find a list of New Jersey public libraries here. Looking for public libraries in other states? Try here.
Databases
Remote access to Jerseyclicks databases is available to anyone with a library card from their local New Jersey public library, and in some cases by geolocation for anyone within the state of New Jersey. Contact your local public library for information on getting a card and additional electronic resources they may offer.
The Research Library subscribes to additional databases available to the public onsite in Trenton.
Research Guides
Explore our collection of Research Guides on a wide variety of subjects including Genealogy, Careers and Employment, Information Literacy, New Jersey Digitized Historic Newspapers and other general topics.
Learning at NJSL
With a wide range of webinars, presentations and training classes available on our Learning at NJSL page, everyone will find something of interest.
Public Computers
Public computers are available on levels 3 and 4 of the library.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Have a question? Need help with research or finding reliable information? The Research Library Ask a Librarian page is here to assist you.
Whether you’re exploring state resources, diving into historical archives, or simply looking for guidance on your next research project, our team of expert librarians is ready to help.