About the Library

The Montclair Public Library has two locations that serve over 40,000 residents of Montclair Township, NJ, with a dedicated staff of 21 FTE's and 28 PTE's and a budget of over $4.3 million. We are expanding by adding 15 additional positions in early 2024.

Over 76% of residents are library card holders. 2023 has seen 160,000 visitors and counting, and the Library has offered 1400 programs attended by over 21,500 people. Through a cost-recovery model, the Library is able to offer a wide variety of extended adult learning classes through the Adult School Department, a well beloved institution the Library absorbed in 2015. Our popular Open Book / Open Mind series has brough many bestselling authors including Colson Whitehead, Michelle Zauner, Maggie Haberman, Isabel Wilkerson, Ann Patchett, Jhumpa Lahiri, Charles Blow, Christina Baker Kline, and Sandra Cisneros.

   Main Library: 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042

   Bellevue Ave. Branch: 185 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043

   Phone: 973-744-0500

   Website: montclairlibrary.org

About the Community 

The Township of Montclair is a vibrant New Jersey community. Nestled at the foot of the First Watchung Mountain, Montclair is identified by its diverse population, grand old homes, proximity to New York City and its thriving arts community. The second largest university in the state resides in Montclair as well as an art museum, live theaters, art galleries and a wide range of boutiques. Montclair's lively business districts are flush with restaurants, movie theaters, shops and nightlife that attract visitors from all over the region.

Montclair is a model for Sustainable Communities – designated a Clean Energy Leader by the N.J. Board of Public Utilities and a Climate Showcase Community by the U.S. EPA – with vigorous recycling and home composting programs, Environmental and Conservation Elements in our Master Plan, active bike and walk advocacy, a thriving Farmers Market in its 28th season, a Green Business recognition program, and a hub of public charging stations for pluggable electric vehicles.

The Township’s public schools are dedicated to educational excellence for every child. The district serves students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade and comprises seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. The district’s award-winning magnet system has elementary and middle schools identified by themes: global studies, science & technology, creating connections, Montessori, university, STEM, environmental science, and gifted & talented. Its academically challenging high school provides a diverse curriculum center for social justice and visual art and performance options.

Montclair also has excellent private schools for Pre-K through 12th grade, and for students with special education needs.