Directions
Location
The Cotsen Children's Library is located on the main floor of Princeton University's Firestone Library, at the corner of Nassau Street and Washington Road (for interactive and printable maps of the Princeton University campus, click here). After entering Firestone, simply look to your right for a lampost. The lampost marks the entryway to Cotsen.
Parking
It's not always easy to park in Princeton! There are two public parking lots close to campus: one on Palmer Square (at the corner of Witherspoon and Hulfish Streets), and another at Spring Street (adjacent to the Public Library). Metered parking on city streets is usually limited to one or two hours, and overtime and illegal parking regulations are strictly enforced. Meters operate on weekdays and Saturday. On Sundays metered parking is free of charge.
Visitors for the day may park in the garage at the south end of campus. To reach the garage, take the Faculty Road entrance to campus at the rotary between Alexander and Washington Roads.
For more detailed information about parking, as well as helpful maps, please click here.
Driving Directions
From New York and points north:
- From the North, take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 9 (New Brunswick) and follow signs for Trenton (Route 18 West for .5 miles, then Route 1 South).
- Follow Route 1 South for about 18 miles to Washington Road (Rt. 571).
- Turn right on Washington Rd.
- Cross over Lake Carnegie (just short of a mile).
- Turn left at the light onto Faculty Road.
- About .3 mile, turn right into campus on Elm Drive.
- At the guard booth, ask for directions to visitor parking and the shuttle.
- Take Rt. 571 (Ridgeway Road).
- Turn left onto Rt. 537.
- Take the I-195 ramp towards Trenton/NJ turnpike. Stay on I-195 for about 14.5 miles.
- Take Exit 2 for S. Broad St./Arena Drive toward Rte 206.
- Stay right at the fork in the ramp and merge onto Arena Drive.
- Take the I-295 ramp towards Rt. 1. Continue on I-295 for 5.5 miles.
- Take Exit 67A-B for Rt. 1 toward New Brunswick/Trenton.
- Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto Rt. 1 North.
- Go 4.2 miles to the jug handle turn for Washington Road (Rte 571).
- Turn right at the jug handle, left to cross back over Rt. 1, then bear right onto Washington Rd.
- Stay straight on Washington Rd. Cross the bridge over Lake Carnegie.
- Turn left at the light onto Faculty Road.
- About .3 mile, turn right into campus on Elm Drive.
- At the guard booth, ask for directions to visitor parking and the shuttle.
Campus shuttle to the Cotsen Children's Library:
- Take the shuttle (Orange Line). Ask the driver to drop you off at Firestone Library (the large building to the left when you are facing the Chapel). The Cotsen Children's Library is on the main floor of Firestone, to your right as you enter the lobby.
- Continue straight on Washington Road after you cross Lake Carnegie (don't turn on Faculty Rd.).
- Go through 3 more lights.
- Turn right on William Street.
- Turn left almost immediately into Lot #10.
- Park in a non-residential spot. Walk back toward Washington, cross the street, and continue straight up the path to the front of Firestone Library. The Cotsen Children's Library is on the main floor of Firestone, to the right as you enter the lobby.