Support Montclair Library Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Group Urges

MONTCLAIR, NJ — “He that loveth a book will never want a faithful friend … a wholesome counsellor … a cheerful companion … an effectual comforter.”

So reads the sign above the entrance of the Bellevue Avenue Branch Library in Montclair, which opened to the public 106 years ago. Now – more than a century later – the Bellevue branch and the main library need the support of their community more than ever, several concerned residents say.

On Wednesday night, a group of Montclairites released a letter of support for the Montclair Public Library system. Signatories included the Montclair Library Friends Steering Committee, the Montclair Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Bellevue Avenue Library, Succeed2gether, IMANI, Save Montclair and Watchung Booksellers.

“We urge the Montclair community to support robust funding for the safe use of the Montclair Public Library so that the library programming and resources remain available to all,” the group wrote. “The library needs public support from Montclair Township and private support through donations to the Montclair Public Library Foundation.”

Referencing the sign at the Bellevue Avenue branch, the group continued:

“Even in this difficult time, the Montclair Public Library strives to fulfill these words. The main library of the Montclair Public Library recently reopened so that library patrons can safely obtain books and videos from within the building. Curbside pick-up is also still available. The Bellevue Avenue Branch Library remains closed.

“Library patrons can borrow books and videos from both the holdings of the Montclair Public Library and through interlibrary loans from libraries in northern New Jersey that participate in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). With in-person public schooling still in flux, parents can supplement their children’s education by obtaining books from the Children’s Library.

“Furthermore, the library has a wide variety of online eBooks and eAudios available to patrons. Thanks to generous contributions from individuals in our community, the Montclair Public Library Foundation is able to provide funding for library patrons who do not have access to the internet to borrow Kindles and wi-fi hotspots. The library also makes available Chromebook laptops with wi-fi hotspots.

“Patrons can use the main library computers. The library has the technology to support job seekers who must submit online applications.

“In addition, the Montclair Public Library provides classes through the Adult School ranging from language training to organizing a business online.

“Finally, the Montclair Public Library serves as Montclair’s de facto community center by providing a home for the Adult School, hosting the Open Book/Open Mind series, and offering special services to all ages from children to seniors and numerous community groups.

“Given the current financial situation facing Montclair Township because of the pandemic, we encourage you to inform your Montclair Township Councilor that you support the Montclair Public Library, one of our community’s most valued institutions. Donations can now be made to this year’s Montclair Public Library Foundation Annual Appeal by going online to www.montclairplf.org.”

• See related article: Bloomfield Library Extends Free WiFi Coverage To Town Green
• See related article: Newark Library Stands Tall For City During Coronavirus Pandemic

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact eric.kiefer@patch.com.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.