Montclair Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montclair Public Library |
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| The Main Library in Montclair, New Jersey | |
| Location | Montclair, New Jersey, USA |
| Branches | 2 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 201,688 |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 441,649 |
| Population served | 38,021 |
| Members | 30,413 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $3,418,043 |
| Director | Peter Coyl |
| Staff | 36 FTE |
| Website | montclairlibrary.org/ |
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Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
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 Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | F.A. Nelson |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Institutional |
| MPS | Montclair MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003076 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 1, 1988 |
The Montclair Public Library is a public library that serves the town of Montclair, New Jersey. It is located in Essex County, New Jersey, in the United States. The library helps people in Montclair from two different buildings: the Main Library and the Bellevue Avenue Branch. It is also part of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System, which connects many libraries.
Contents
The Story of the Montclair Public Library
The Montclair Public Library started a long time ago, in 1869. It began as the Montclair Library Association, a group of 30 people who paid a fee to use the books. Israel Crane helped start this first library.
Becoming a Free Public Library
On April 12, 1893, the people of Montclair voted to create a library that everyone could use for free. This new free library was first located on the second floor of Dr. John J.H. Love's office. Mary F. Weeks was the first person to lead the library, serving as its director until 1897. In 1898, the library moved into an old inn called Munn Tavern.
Opening the Bellevue Avenue Branch
In 1899, the library opened a smaller branch on Bellevue Avenue. It was in a rented room in a real estate office near the train station. This made it easier for more people to access books.
Carnegie Libraries: New Buildings for Learning
The library got a big gift of $40,000 from the Carnegie Corporation in 1904. This money was used to build the first building made just for the library. This building, at 73 Church Street, was the main library for 50 years. Today, this old library building is part of the Unitarian Church.
In 1913, the Carnegie Corporation gave Montclair another $40,000. This money helped build the Bellevue Avenue Branch. The famous architect Francis Augustus Nelson designed this branch, and it opened its doors on December 26, 1914.
A New Way to Think About Libraries
In 1927, Margery Quigley became the library's sixth director. She wrote a book called "Portrait of a Library" with William Marcus, who was the library board president. This book was very important because it changed how people thought about libraries. Before, libraries were mostly seen as quiet places to read. But their book showed that libraries could be lively places full of information.
Their ideas even inspired a film with the same name in 1940. This film was shown all over the world!
Bringing Computers to the Library
The Montclair Public Library was also a leader in using new technology. In February 1942, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) created a special punch card system for the library. This made Montclair Public Library the first public library in the United States to use computers to keep track of books being checked out.
Building a Modern Main Library
In 1955, the Davella Mills Foundation gave the library the land where Dr. Love's office (the first library location) used to be. They also gave $250,000 towards building a new main library. The new building cost $800,000 in total. It was designed by Ralph Walker and was known for its large glass windows and open spaces inside.
In 1996, the Main Library closed for a big update and expansion. It reopened a year later, looking brand new. In 2002, Library Journal magazine even named it one of the top five libraries in the entire nation!
Who Has Led the Library?
Many people have served as the director of the Montclair Public Library, guiding its growth and services over the years. Here is a list of the directors:
- Mary F. Weeks (1893-1897)
- S. Augusta Smith (1897-1909)
- Katherine School (1909-1912)
- Helen M. Hereling (1912-1915)
- Alta M. Barker (1915-1927)
- Margery C. Quigley (1927-1956)
- Ruth P. Tubby (1956-1968)
- Arthur Curley (1968-1975)
- Betty J. Turock (1975-1977)
- Phillip M. Clark (1978)
- Ellen Foth (acting, December 1978-April 1979)
- Michael L. Connell (1979-1999)
- Carol W. Robinson (acting, 1999-2000)
- Howard W. Curtis (2000-2001)
- Cheryl M. McCoy (acting, 2001; director, 2002-2006)
- Mary Lou Skillin (acting, 2006)
- David Hinkley (2006–2016)
- Peter Coyl (2017–present)
Images for kids
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The Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library.
