1877

The Barron Library opens. It is the first free public library in Middlesex County and the fourth in the state of New Jersey.

1913

The Sewaren History Club and Sewaren Civic Association work together to open the Sewaren Free Public Library.

1924

The Woman's Club of Fords starts the Fords Library.

1926

The Avenel Free Public Library's trustees officially turn the building over to the library committee.

The Iselin Library opens its doors.

1939

The Colonia Library at the intersection of New Dover and Chain O' Hills greets their first patrons.

1943

The Hopelawn Library is incorporated.

1945

The Port Reading Free Public Library opens at Second and Tappen streets.

1963

June. A report submitted to the Town Committee suggests "Woodbridge establish a Township wide library system."

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November. The Library Referendum establishing a municipal library system passes overwhelmingly.

December. The Free Public Library of Woodbridge is incorporated.
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1964

January 2. Edwin P. Beckerman, first director of the new Woodbridge Library System, reports to work.

1965

The Central Library at 800 Rahway Avenue (formerly a hardware store and now Ariana's Grand restaurant) opens. The Barron Library is now a branch of the library system.

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The Woodbridge Public Library receives Federal Depository Library status from the United States Government.
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1966

September. The new Henry Inman branch opens to serve North Colonia.

1967

The Central Library is designated an Area Reference Center by the New Jersey State Library. The Main Library will hold this designation through the year 2000.

1968

April. The ribbon is cut to inaugurate the new Iselin Branch building on Green Street.

November. The new Port Reading Branch opens.

1970

The Children's collection and services are moved from the Central Library to the Barron Branch.

1972

The newly constructed Fords Branch on Ford Avenue opens to the public.

1974

October 20. The new Main Library on George Frederick Plaza opens. The Central Library on Rahway Avenue closes and the Barron Library reverts to a neighborhood branch.

1976

The Barron Branch is turned over to the township and is converted to an arts center.

1989

The Woodbridge Library System becomes automated! The books are barcoded and the card catalogs are removed from the agencies.

1991

Ed Beckerman retires after 27 years as Director. Catherine Ann O'Connell steps into the position.

1992

The Friends of the Libraries of Woodbridge Township is formed.

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The Woodbridge Library System is consolidated, strengthening services at the Main Library and the three largest branches: Fords, Henry Inman and Iselin.
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1995

The public can now dial into the library system's catalog via modem.

1996

Catherine O'Connell resigns and Ed Beckerman returns as interim Director while a new Director is sought.

1997

John Hurley is appointed Director.

The Woodbridge Library System adds public internet access to the services it offers the community.

2006

Wireless internet service is introduced at the Main and Branch libraries.

2009

New lights illuminate the Main Library and solar panels are installed on roof.

2010

The Woodbridge Public Library adds a different kind of book to its collection: Facebook!.

John Hurley retires, and Christine Murchio is appointed Director.

2011

The Local History Archive Room is established at the Main Library.

2012

The Woodbridge Library system continues to help children dream big, welcoming over 2000 in the annual Summer Reading Club.

2013

Twitter adds @WoodbridgePLNJ to its nest.

Patrons download 7,320 eBooks from the eBook and eAudiobook collections.

2014

AND BEYOND... The Woodbridge Library System continues to improve and strive to meet the informational, educational, cultural and leisure-time needs of our community.