Atlantic City Heritage Collections Archive

02/14/2026

The library is paying tribute to many of the African-American businesses and people who have helped shape Atlantic City by displaying informational posters and photographs throughout the Main Library.

The posters highlight Atlantic City icons, such as JoAnna LaSane, John Henry "Pop" Lloyd and Sara Spencer Washington. Also on display are photos featuring Black-owned and operated businesses listed in the Board of Trade directory, which was created in 1929 to highlight businesses located primarily in the city's Northside.

02/05/2026

More than 12,000 items were digitized by the library staff for this project: thousands of documents and photographs, plus videos, audio, scrapbooks and artifacts. The digital repository provides instant online access to residents, students, teachers, authors, archivists and researchers throughout the world.

The digital repository can be accessed by visiting acfpl.org and clicking on the City of Dreams image.

In 2022, the library digitized its African American history collections, from Atlantic City's inception in 1854 to present day, as part of its City of Dreams: The Atlantic City Experience project. These digitized archives are now easily accessible in the library's Atlantic City Heritage Collections Digital Repository (tinyurl.com/46thzp8j).

The collections feature dissertations, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts that capture the voices of African Americans who grew up, lived, and worked in the segregated section of Atlantic City called the Northside as well as after desegregation.

The City of Dreams: the Atlantic City Experience project was made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

12/26/2025

The library is looking for community members willing to participate in a new project highlighting the history of Atlantic City’s Asian community, from the city’s inception in 1854 to present day.

The project will focus on conducting oral history interviews with members of the public about their experiences and digitizing materials (ie. photos and documents) related to the Asian
community.

Click the link to learn more about this project: tinyurl.com/2xxk9vb5

12/19/2025

We're excited to announce that we'll be holding our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Read-in & Luncheon on Jan. 17 at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. We'll celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King by reading some of his speeches. The program will include a free catered lunch and live music. Registration is required.

The library received funding for this event from the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.

Learn more:
https://acfpl.org/events-menu/past-acfpl-news-stories/575-dr-king-read-in-luncheon-to-be-held-jan-17.html

12/10/2025

The Atlantic City Free Public Library is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Noyes Art Garage of Stockton University to present a new historical exhibition titled Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During WWII. This exhibition highlights the city’s significant role during the Second World War and offers insight into the people, places, and events that shaped Atlantic City’s wartime experience.

An opening reception will be held on January 10, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Noyes Art Garage, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

08/27/2025

Hi Everyone! The Atlantic City Free Public Library is looking to bring back our Kwanzaa program this December! We are looking for groups who would like to perform or tell stories about Kwanzaa.

We would love an event that combines song, music, poetry, and traditional and contemporary dance with an educational element.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] or call (609) 345-2269 ext. 3025.

08/04/2025

We have some exciting news! The Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jacqueline Silver-Morillo as the library’s new director. Silver-Morillo’s first day as director is Monday, Aug. 4.

Silver-Morillo joined the Atlantic City Free Public Library staff in 2014 as an intern in the Alfred M. Heston Room, which houses the library’s archives. She became the library’s archivist in 2017 and added senior librarian to her job title in 2023. In addition to those roles, she has served as supervisor of the Main Library Help Desk staff, IT Department and co-curator of the library’s Atlantic City Experience exhibits located at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

“I’m honored to step into the role of Library Director in the city where I was born, raised and where my roots run deep — a place that shaped who I am and still holds my family today,” she said. “For 120 years, the library has been a cornerstone of our community. I’m committed to building on that legacy by deepening our connection with the people we serve — through meaningful outreach and programs that respond to what our community truly needs.”

Learn more about our new director:
https://acfpl.org/events-menu/past-acfpl-news-stories/570-board-of-trustees-appoints-silver-morillo-new-library-director.html