Paulsboro's first Library came into existence before the Borough was incorporated in 1904. The Paulsboro Free Library was formed in 1901, on the west side of Mrs. Elizabeth Nolen's residence located at 26 West Broad Street. Back then the rent was a small fee of $15.00 a month. The property was later sold to Mr. Frank Stines in 1911. The Library remained there until it was moved to the old Borough Hall in 1932. The first librarian was Nellie Silvers (Borden) from 1901 to 1907, followed by Adelmah Reeves (Shuster) from 1907 to 1914, and then Irma C. Lodge from 1914 to 1954.

The old Borough Hall was located at 28 East Broad Street where the Senior Citizen's Center is located today. At that time the Library was a small room in the back with an entrance located on the side of the building. Paulsboro resident, Irma C. Lodge was the Librarian at this time. The library was there until it was moved to its present location at 145 East Broad Street in 1951.

Mrs. Mary England Fish as a memorial to her grandparents, Matthew Gill and Mary Jessup Gill, and her mother, Sallie Jessup England, donated the present Library building to the Borough. The deed is dated January 10, 1949 and is recorded in the Gloucester Country Clerk's office. (Book No. 615 of Deeds, page 383) In her gift there was also another building next to the Library but it has since be torn down to widen the road that at the present time is North Commerce Street.

Before the Library could move in to the building there was much work to be done. The wooden section that was attached to the back had to be removed because it was not structurally sound. The front porch was also removed and wooden steps were installed.

The Library name was changed from the Paulsboro Free Library to the Gill Memorial Library at the dedication opening on July 7, 1951 with Irma C. Lodge as its first Librarian. A rounded porch with wrought-iron posts and railings was added in June of 1959. The Library replaced this porch in 1999 with one that complemented the architectural style of the building.

This building has a long history extending almost 200 years and is one of the first to be built in Paulsboro according to old records of Gloucester County. This structure was made from stone brought down the river by barge from Pennsylvania. Architect John C. Clark built it for Matthew Gill in 1806. The front has two doors because the building originally served as a dwelling and a store. There was a fireplace in every room with chimney cupboards on each side. The timbers are mortised and pinned and the walls are over 18 inches thick. Proof of this can be found by looking at the deep recessed windows inside and the thick center wall that runs up the center of the building from the basement to the roof. Today, only one fireplace remains but all of the recessed window frames are still in tact. Upon entering the building you will find that the entrance hall still offers the perfect view of the beautifully polished wooden railing, spindles and banister of the original staircase. The warmth and charm of the old building makes for a very unique library that is a landmark the community can be very proud of.

The building has survived through many changes over the course of its existence. From a family residence and general store to a doctor's office, and then an antique shop, this cultural icon of history in Paulsboro now thrives as the Gill Memorial Library.

Library services have expanded over the years to meet the changing demands of our patrons. Along with books we offer videos, books on cassette and computers with Internet access. The Library started a museum in 1963 with memorabilia of Paulsboro. The museum located in the N.J. Room is a collection of things all related to the history and people of Paulsboro. (Yearbooks, photos, postcards, maps, genealogy, etc.)

The Library is also host to the Henry C. Loudenslager monument. Henry C. Loudenslager was a Paulsboro resident who was a United States Congressman from 1893 till his death in 1911. This monument was in several different locations in Paulsboro before it was placed on the Library grounds on July 22, 1965.

The Library recently purchased a new microfilm machine for better access to the microfilm collection. We now offer patrons access to several local newspapers as far back as 1924 to the present time.

Our current project is a database with Paulsboro High School Senior classes, local births, deaths, and marriages. Come in and visit the Library to see how you will be able to add your family to the database for future the generations to come.