About Us

The Mission

Serving Avalon, near and far, with dedication and accessibility.

The Vision

Library: Empowering every Avalon household with the key to enriching experiences – a library card.

History Center: A lively hub for Avalon’s history, where stories are shared, engaging programs thrive, and vibrant exhibits captivate.

The Avalon Free Public Library is located at 235 32nd Street, Avalon, NJ 08202

We can be reached by phone at 609-967-7155.

The Avalon Library and History Center is open to all. Library cards are available free to Avalon residents and property owners and to residents of Cape May County. Seasonal cards are available for Avalon visitors.

• Nearly 80,000 books, movies, music, magazines, games, and more
• Public computers and Wi-Fi
• Local history museum on 39th Street - Open six days a week, year-round
• Printing, copying, scanning, and fax service
• Year-round events, classes, and programs (including best selling author visits and concerts)
• Year-round tech classes & one-on-one tech help
• Digital Library - Read books, magazines, and newspapers; watch movies and TV; and listen to music - from anywhere.
• Over 20 fantastic online resources (genealogy, reader recommendations, finance, language learning, job search, and many more)
• Innovative loans & technology (including wifi hotspots, discovery kits, binge boxes, and photo printing)
• Study/work space and a welcoming porch
• Open seven days a week, year-round

Strategic Plan 2024-2026

AFPL Strategic Plan at a Glance 2024-2026.pdf

Click the link above to view our Plan at a Glance or the link below for the complete plan.

Avalon Library & History Center Strategic Plan 2024-2026.pdf

In 2023, the Avalon Library and History Center initiated planning for a new three-year strategic plan spanning 2024-2026. The Planning Committee outlined strategies for data gathering and established a timeline for the process. Efforts included gathering data from the community, staff, and stakeholders through methods including a staff SOAR analysis, community-wide surveys, and focus group sessions. The Staff Strategic Committee, formed during previous planning efforts, continues to ensure accountability and increase staff engagement. The launch of the new plan in 2024 will prompt renewed actions and engagement for staff and the organization.

Our planning process led us to the following two strategic initiatives.

• Strengthening Community Connection Foster deeper connections within the Avalon community by leveraging the resources and facilities of the library and history center. Promote engagement through integrated programming and outreach efforts and support a sense of belonging, learning, and collaboration.

• Cultivating Culture in the Community Position the organization as a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, education, and community engagement, offering exceptional experiences and connection among Avalon’s residents.

The Records Custodian for all library related documentation is the Library Director. The Library Director can be reached at 609-967-7155.
Information requests covered by the Open Public Records Act should be submitted using the Request for Access to Government Information form: OPRA.pdf
Send completed forms to Director, Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd Street, Avalon, NJ 08202. Forms can also be faxed to 609-967-4723.
For more information concerning access to government information, contact the New Jersey Government Records Council.

Click the link here to access the Library's Policies.

AFPL_Library Policies_2019.pdf

AFPL Reopening Policies_summer 2020.pdf

View the Avalon Borough Resources