| Director: | Allison Ballo |
| Address: | 50 W. Clinton Avenue Bergenfield, NJ 07621 |
| Phone: | 201-387-4040 |
| Fax: | 201-387-9004 |
| Web Site: | http://www.bergenfieldlibrary.org |
| Hours: |
Hours Monday - Thursday: 10AM - 8PM |
The Bergenfield Public Library maintains its own separate web site at http://www.bergenfieldlibrary.org
Services and Collections:
Bergenfield’s first lending library was located in a small room in Mutual Hall on Front and Van Houten streets at the end of World War I. In 1920, the Library moved to the second floor of Town Hall where it grew from one to four rooms, until it relocated to Borough Hall in 1936. As the Borough of Bergenfield grew post-World War II, so did the demand for Library services. During the 1960s, the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library (which was organized in 1961) began a concentrated effort to build a dedicated space for the Bergenfield Public Library. Construction at 50 West Clinton Avenue began in 1967; the new facility, which the Library has called home for 51 years, opened in 1968.
Throughout its nearly 100-year history, community leaders had the foresight to know that a public library would play an important role in the growth and well being of the town. In 2003, the Library moved to temporary quarters and a major renovation and expansion funded by a State Library Grant and Borough funds began. Dedicated in 2005, the new space helped expand programming for children and teens, and paved the way for vital improvements such as English as a Second Language tutoring, greater access to public computers, job and career assistance, adult quiet study rooms, and more.
The Bergenfield Library's collections include print and audiovisual materials for adults, teens and children. Special collections include large print books, Spanish language books and films, video games, Kindles, board games, English as a Second Language (ESL) materials and Museum Passes.
With the addition of a children’s activity room and a young adult room, programming for children and teens can be scheduled throughout the week and throughout the year. Children’s programs include story times for infants and pre-schoolers, films, book discussions, crafts, Summer Reading Club and special celebrations and events (e.g. Harry Potter Day). Teen programs include movies, crafts, games, anime, book discussions and Summer Reading Club.
As part of its renovation the library also added dedicated space for English as a Second Language. The library offers training for volunteer English as a Second Language tutors who meet with students in one-on-one instruction and conversation groups. Citizenship classes are run on a quarterly basis.
Work by local artists or collections are displayed in the lower level gallery area. Meeting room space may also be reserved by community groups for meetings or special events. Additionally, the Library offers public computers and printing options, volunteer opportunities, notary service, scanning, photocopying and faxing.
The Bergenfield Library is a founding member of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). A card in good standing at Bergenfield Library entitles the cardholder to borrow materials from any of the 77 member libraries of BCCLS. Through BCCLS, residents have access to eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines. Materials may be requested and renewed online. Requested items are delivered free of charge to the Bergenfield Library and borrowed items may be returned at any BCCLS member library.
From a small 400-book collection to a dynamic institution that encompasses books, multimedia, digital material, and so much more, the Library is a center of learning, growth and enjoyment for everyone in our community.