Christopher Columbus monument in Easton
The Christopher Columbus monument along Larry Holmes Drive in Easton was dedicated in December 1930. (Matt Smith | For lehighvalleylive.com)
Columbus Day became a U.S. federal holiday in 1937. The holiday honoring Christopher Columbus's arrival in America on Oct. 12, 1492, is also observed in parts of Canada, in Puerto Rico and in some cities in Italy and Spain.
Locally, it is a state holiday in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which means most state offices are closed. But that varies at the county and local levels.
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed.
County offices: Northampton County and Lehigh County offices are open; Warren and Hunterdon counties are closed.
Local municipal offices: Most Pennsylvania city and municipal offices are open including Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Palmer Township, Wilson Borough and Bethlehem Township. The exception is Forks Township, which lists Columbus Day as a holiday on its website.
In New Jersey most local municipal offices are closed including Phillipsburg, Belvidere and Hackettstown.
Mail: Post offices are closed and there will be no mail delivery.
Liquor stores: New Jersey liquor stores are privately owned; hours vary by location. In Pennsylvania, most Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will be open but it varies by location. Check the website for your location.
Department of Motor Vehicles: Motor vehicle offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are closed.
Libraries: Many Pennsylvania libraries are open including Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown. (Mary Meuser Memorial Library in Wilson Borough is normally closed on Mondays.)
Libraries in the Warren County Library system are closed as are the Phillipsburg Free Public Library and Hackettstown Free Public Library.
Money and markets: The New York Stock Exchange and financial markets will trade as usual. Banks and credit unions vary by location.
Public transit: LANTA bus and LANtaVan service and Trans-Bridge will operate on normal schedules.
Email KJ at kjfrantz@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow lehighvalleylive.com on Twitter at @lehighvalley. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.