Passaic Public Library
🏢 Passaic Public Library · Passaic, New Jersey
Passaic Public Library
The Passaic Public Library's Julius Forstmann Main Library at 195 Gregory Avenue anchors a two-branch system serving one of New Jersey's most densely populated and linguistically diverse cities, open seven days a week between the two locations.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 12pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 195 Gregory Avenue, Passaic, NJ 07055
Phone: (973) 779-0474
Website: passaicpubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G7VV5C+2V (Passaic, NJ)
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📖 About Passaic Public Library
The Passaic Public Library serves the City of Passaic, New Jersey — a densely populated urban community of roughly 70,000 in Passaic County known for its diversity, with large Spanish-speaking and immigrant populations. The library's Julius Forstmann Main Library at 195 Gregory Avenue is named for Julius Forstmann, a prominent Passaic wool manufacturer and philanthropist of the early twentieth century whose family was central to the city's industrial history. A second branch, the Reid Memorial Library at 80 Third Street, extends service across the city with expanded evening hours. The library participates in the PALS Plus shared catalog system and provides statewide digital resources including hoopla and OverDrive/Libby, along with ESL classes and English-language learning materials to serve its multilingual community.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Julius Forstmann Main Library named for the prominent Passaic wool manufacturer and philanthropist
- Two-branch system: Main Library (195 Gregory Ave) and Reid Memorial Branch (80 Third St)
- Open Sunday 12–5pm at the main branch and Monday–Friday at the Reid Branch — seven-day coverage across both locations
- ESL classes and English language learning materials serving Passaic's diverse multilingual population
- Part of the PALS Plus shared catalog — access materials from member libraries across New Jersey
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Passaic cardholders can borrow, stream and research for free through the library and New Jersey's statewide resources:
📚 Services
- Circulation of books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines
- Reference department with English-language learning materials
- Children's Room with youth services
- Young adult and teen services
- ESL classes in English and Spanish
- Local history and obituary research
- Public computers, printing and free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through PALS Plus
- Book request services
🎸 Programs
- ESL classes and English language learning (English and Spanish instruction)
- Children's programming and storytimes
- Teen and young adult programming
- Adult programs and community events
- Outreach and community engagement
📍 Nearby Libraries in Passaic County, NJ
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Passaic · Browse all New Jersey libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Julius Forstmann and why is the main library named for him?
Julius Forstmann was a prominent Passaic wool manufacturer and philanthropist of the early twentieth century whose family played a central role in Passaic's industrial development. The Forstmann & Huffmann Company was one of the largest wool producers in the United States, and the Forstmann family's philanthropic contributions to the city extended to the public library, which bears Julius Forstmann's name at its main Gregory Avenue location.
Does the Passaic Public Library offer ESL classes?
Yes. The library offers English as a Second Language classes in both English and Spanish to serve Passaic's large multilingual community. These programs are part of the library's broader commitment to literacy and community education. Contact the library at (973) 779-0474 for current schedules.
What are the hours at the Julius Forstmann Main Library?
The main library at 195 Gregory Avenue is open Monday through Wednesday 9am–8pm, Thursday and Friday 10am–6pm, closed Saturday, and Sunday 12pm–5pm. The Reid Memorial Branch at 80 Third Street is open Monday through Friday 1pm–6pm.
What is PALS Plus and how does it work?
PALS Plus is a shared library catalog and consortium serving multiple New Jersey public libraries. Passaic Public Library cardholders can search the PALS Plus catalog to find and request materials from member libraries, expanding access beyond the local collection.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
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