Searching Your State Library Website

Published May 29, 2026

The NJ State Library (NJSL) offers a wealth of information, including resources for researchers, librarians, and the public. Our Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) supports New Jersey residents of all ages who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to a visual impairment, physical limitation, or reading disability.

With these steps, you can begin to efficiently navigate and utilize the resources available through your State Library website.

Step 1: Access the Search Function

1. Locate the Search Box:
   Our search is prominently displayed at the top right of all of our pages.

Step 2: Conducting Your Search

Use Keywords

• Type in specific keywords or phrases related to your query. For example, “New Jersey genealogy records” or “grant resources.”
• Use quotation marks for exact phrases. For example, “historic documents.”
• Use Boolean operators for advanced searches. For example, “libraries AND funding.”
• Hit Enter on your keyboard, click, or tap the Search button on the right side.

Use Filters

• After executing your search, apply filters on the left side through check boxes, to further refine and narrow results by categories like Research Library, Talking Book and Braille Center, or NJSL Presents for our events.

Step 3: Explore Key Sections

1. Visit the homepage of the NJ State Library for the latest news, general resources, services, and curated spotlights.
2. Stay up to date through our News section for our latest announcements.
3. Enjoy our Blogs for features, marketing tips, event recaps, and interesting genealogical findings.
4. Browse our Calendar for upcoming events you can enjoy from your home, phone, or at your convenience after through our YouTube page.
5. Discover Electronic Resources featuring databases, our NJSL Discovery Search, our Library Catalog, eBooks, and more!
6. Explore resources such as our Research Guides, New Jersey Legislative Histories, the New Jersey State Digital Publications Digital Library, and our New Jersey Digital Collections.
7. The Talking Book and Braille Center supports a wide range of accessible materials to eligible New Jersey residents of all ages, as well as to institutions and libraries that serve them, who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to a visual impairment, physical limitation, or reading disability.

Digital Exhibitions

Explore the latest content in our NJ250 Digital Exhibition through it’s own search page. As the nation marks 250 years since the Revolution, our exhibition will explore how New Jersey helped shape, and was shaped by, the fight for liberty.

Step 4: Contact Support (Optional)

If your search does not yield desired results, consult the Help Overview page or reach out to library staff for personalized assistance via the Contact Us page.

Have a website accessibility issue? Read our Digital Accessibility Statement.