The Elizabeth Public Librarys mission is to serve the residents of Elizabeth, especially the poor and disadvantaged residents. The librarys mission includes not only providing information to people, but also providing access to the technology and software which will allow people to access information and skills training for themselves. In this way, the library ensures that all Elizabeth residents are not denied access to multimedia software and the Internet which have the potential for improving their lives.

The Libraries Online! project has allowed the library to create a secure network with access to the internet and information resources, including CD-ROM multimedia products. This project has allowed access to these services for a large number of low income and under-educated persons in Elizabeth City. In addition to providing access to multimedia software and the Internet, the library has utilized its resources to provide homework assistance, English as a Second Language and literacy training, reference information, and instruction in word-processing, graphics, and spreadsheet programs.

The library utilizes Data Research Associates as its library automation vendor for circulation and catalog services. The librarys online public access catalog will be accessible from the workstations in the Libraries Online! Lab. The library is a co-founder of the North Jersey Public Information Exchange, an online community information service, and this too will be available from the labs workstations.