Montclair Public Library

I like this library because it always has the best programs and guest authors available. It is a regular library, but I find that they hire the weirdest people to work there. They are professional, but not friendly. Meaning I have rarely been greeted with a smile. They are all super serious. There is one man (black, late 50s, short, afro, glasses) who walks around like an angry warden. He is always roughly chastising people. He told one man that he could not sleep. The man told him that he wasnt sleeping. Warden flew into a rage that his word was challenged! I was embarrassed for the whole situation.
There is another lady who walks around looking angry. she is usually at the front desk. If you catch her eye, she has a stone look on her face. She refuses to smile. She also is short with an afro.
Train your staff to be pleasant. This is Montclair…

I’ve always been a fan of the Montclair library over my local one Verona. Good books, events… until today when a librarian in the children’s section basically told me I wasn’t welcome there because my toddler was crawling and not wearing shoes. My baby enjoys the library and books so I am very disappointed in this attitude. She was obviously having a bad day, I overheard her, and chose to take it out on me. Her concern was that it was a public area and we all have to wear shoes. I said ‘for real?’ She said yes she couldn’t guarantee it was clean. I said its carpet! Its probably cleaner than my own house. Since when do we not allow babies to crawl? Its an important developmental stage and she should be free to explore. The librarian suggested i hold her. Obviously hasn’t had her own toddlers, its impossible to hold a 13 month old baby for longer than five minutes. I do believe there are grounds on my part for discrimination. I’m just really disappointed as there are already not many places left you can allow a toddler to safely play.

great library with very helpful, charming, and professional staff. the internet on the computers they have is sometimes quite slow, they need to upgrade the browsers. there is a scanner and printers available. lots of events at this library also. some rather mentally ill people hang out here and are sometimes noisy or distracting. lots of windows, a bright and attractive, inviting space.

For the Montclair Film Festival this library hosted an excellent talk by Breaking Bad director and cinematographer Michael Slovis. In addition to books and interesting events, this library has an extensive film collection to borrow.
This beautiful, well-​maintained library is an important part of the community.
For more information, check out their webpage:

We love this library and appreciate their service. Beyond the library service is my greatest appreciation to the bridge group. Several years ago I wanted to learn to play bridge — and found a local group who the library allows to play Mostly seniors the group was and is warm and inviting. It is gratifying to see that the public library uses its space to promote great activities for young and old and in-​between.