Montclair Public Library
🏢 Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) · Montclair, New Jersey
Montclair Public Library
Montclair Public Library — open since 1893 as a free public institution and famous for pioneering the world's first computerized library circulation system in 1942 — serves Essex County residents at its landmark main branch on South Fullerton Avenue with evening hours seven days a week, passport and notary services, and museum passes to more than a dozen major institutions.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–6pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: (973) 744-0500
Website: montclairlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G7RQ6J+JM (Montclair, NJ)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Montclair Public Library
Montclair Public Library has roots stretching to 1869, when Israel Crane founded the Montclair Library Association as a private subscription club of 30 members. On April 12, 1893, residents voted to establish a free public library — a name that still defines the institution. A Carnegie grant funded the first purpose-built library at 73 Church Street in 1904, and a second Carnegie gift of $40,000 opened the Bellevue Avenue Branch on December 26, 1914 (now on the National Register of Historic Places). In February 1942, IBM and the library together created the first punch-card data-processing circulation system ever used by a public library, making Montclair a national landmark in library technology history. Today the library holds more than 201,000 items and serves over 30,000 cardholders, participating in the BCCLS consortium so a Montclair card opens doors to dozens of partner libraries across Bergen and Essex counties.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Free public library since 1893 — founded through a town vote after 24 years as a private subscription association
- National technology first: in February 1942 Montclair and IBM created the world's first computerized library circulation system
- Bellevue Avenue Branch (185 Bellevue Ave) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — a 1914 Carnegie-funded landmark
- Official U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility — walk-in passport applications accepted at the main branch
- Museum passes for 14+ institutions including AMNH, MoMA, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Morris Museum
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Montclair cardholders access New Jersey's statewide and BCCLS digital collections free of charge:
📚 Services
- U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility — applications accepted at the main branch
- Free Notary Public services by appointment (Mon–Fri, 10–11 a.m. and 2–3 p.m.; call ahead)
- Museum passes for 14+ institutions: AMNH, MoMA, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Morris Museum, Montclair Art Museum and more
- Public computers, printing, scanning and free Wi-Fi
- Reference and research assistance
- Interlibrary loan through BCCLS (70+ partner libraries)
- Adult School programs and community meeting spaces
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programs
- Adult School of Montclair — non-credit enrichment classes
- Teen programming and maker activities
- Author talks and book discussion groups
- Summer Reading Program for all ages
- Technology help sessions and digital literacy workshops
📍 Nearby Libraries in Essex County, NJ
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Montclair · Browse all New Jersey libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What was Montclair Public Library's famous technology first in 1942?
In February 1942, IBM partnered with Montclair Public Library to design the first punch-card data-processing circulation system ever used by any public library in the United States. The system automated the tracking of borrowed books — a milestone that made Montclair a landmark in library and computing history decades before personal computers existed.
Does Montclair Public Library accept U.S. passport applications?
Yes, the main branch at 50 S. Fullerton Ave. is an official U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. Staff can process first-time passport applications and renewals for children under 16. No appointment is needed for acceptance, though you should bring a completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID and passport photos.
Which museums can I visit with a library museum pass?
Montclair cardholders in good standing can borrow passes (up to two per day, up to 60 days in advance) to more than 14 institutions — including the American Museum of Natural History, MoMA, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Children's Museum of Manhattan, Montclair History Center, Montclair Art Museum and the Morris Museum. Reserve online or call (973) 744-0500 x2234.
Is the library open on Sundays, and what evenings does it stay open late?
Yes — the main branch at 50 S. Fullerton Ave. is open Sunday 1–6 p.m. Monday through Thursday hours run 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The historic Bellevue Avenue Branch keeps its own schedule (check montclairlibrary.org for current hours).
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
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