FAQs

Where are Montclair Public Library Main Branch and Bellevue Avenue Branch Library located?

Montclair Public Library Main Branch is located at: 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 Bellevue Avenue Branch Library is located at: 185 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

How do I find information about my house?

If you want to find out about a building in Montclair...

(House, church, business, or any kind of building)

Check the Junior League Books.

These are officially called Montclair, 1694-1982: An Inventory of Historic, Cultural and Architectural Resources. Preservation Montclair. A Project of the Jr. League Montclair/Newark Inc. April 1982. (Local History 974.973; BAB R 974.973) They are located in the local history room on top of Map Case 2. These books have blue covers and are spiral bound.

Go to Volume 1 and use the index to locate the street and number of the building. Write down the number. It will be of the form 0713-1234. If there is no listing for a building, then the Junior League Books do not have information on that building.

With the number from Volume 1, select the appropriate remaining Volume, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and turn to the appropriate entry. There will be two pages on each building. The page usually includes information on:
Check the photograph database at: http://www.quickpix.com/Montclair.htm.
Check the city directories
From 1920 there is an index by street address.
Check the tax records:
Tax maps and tax books are located in the first aisle of non fiction on the second floor.
To find a building in the tax records, first select the tax map for the year you want. We have tax maps form 1900-1967.

Some of the tax map books have a map of all of Montclair in the front of the book. If the map book has a map in the front, you can determine which map page has the property you want. If the map book does not have this map, then you will need to look page by page to locate your building.

Turn to that page and then locate the building in which you are interested. Record the map, block, and lot. E.G. 44 G 15.

Select the appropriate tax duplicate book and find the entry for the property you recorded from the tax map. Depending upon year the entry will have information:
Check the Subject Vertical File under the following:

Apartment Houses
Buildings
Government-Municipal-Departments-Town Planning Department-Building Codes
Government-Municipal-Departments-Town Planning Department-Urban Renewal Project
Government-Municipal-Departments-Town Planning Department-Zoning
Historic Houses
Historic Preservation
Housing-Rent
Maps-18th-19th (Centuries)
Maps-20^th (Century)
Monuments
Real Estate
Street Names architecture, buildings, historic houses etc.

If you find a name, you can check the Biography Vertical File.
Check the New York Times Database

Does the Library offer wireless access?

Wireless Access at The Main Library and our Bellevue Avenue Branch

Here are answers to some questions you might have about using wireless in the library.

Q. How can I use wireless Internet at the Library?
A. Wireless access uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b). Most users can simply bring their wireless enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the library and turn it on. The computer will automatically recognize the wireless network. If your laptop does not have wireless built-in, you can install a WiFi-compatible network card. The Library cannot guarantee your equipment will work with the Library's network.

Q. How does it work?
A. Wireless access points located throughout the library communicate with your wireless device. You should be able to connect almost anywhere in the building. When your wireless network card senses a signal, a message appears on your screen indicating a wireless network is available.

Q. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
A. In many instances wireless devices will automatically detect the library's wireless network and configure themselves to use the system. If your device does not connect right away please try the following: make sure your wireless network adapter has been properly installed according to the manufacturers instructions; use the management software that came with your wireless device to confirm that your configuration settings match the values shown below.
NETWORK NAME or (SSID): any
NETWORK MODE: Infrastructure
WEP: Disabled
IP or NETWORK SETTINGS: DHCP enabled or obtain an IP address automatically DNS: Obtain DNS address automatically
If you are using Windows XP SP2 you must disconnect your firewall.

Q. Can the library help me configure my computer?
A. We apologize, everyone's computer is different and you ar responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. The library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings. If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the hardware or software manufacturer.
Q. Is my information safe while using wireless?
A. Your information is not protected while using wireless, unless you are connected to a web page that employs encryption (stores, banks, etc). Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal information. We recommend you use up to date virus software, a personal firewall and turn off file and printer sharing. These steps are the responsibility of the user.
Q. Can I print while using wireless?
A. Printing is not available. If you need to print, please save your work to disk or email files to yourself, then login to a library workstation and send print job(s) to a printer.
Q. Is there wireless access at the Bellevue Avenue Branch?
A. Yes. There is wireless access at the Branch.

What do I need to get my free library card if I am 11 years old or younger?

If you are age 11 or under, your Parent or Legal Guardian has to apply for your library card in person at either the Montclair Public Library Main Branch or the Belleville Avenue Branch Library. Your Parent or Legal Guardian must provide proof such as a driver's license or recent utility bill showing that ther are a resident of Montclair. If they work in Montclair, but live elswhere, they can still apply by showing a "pay stub" and filling out a "Works in Montclair" form, as well as a driver's license for home address.

What do I need to get my free library card if I am 12 years old or older and attend school in Montclair?

If you are age 12 or above, you can get a library card with a printed school schedule, Montclair school ID, tuition bill, or report card.

What do I need to access Kids' Internet computers

To access the 3rd floor Kids' Internet computers you need a Monctlair Public Library card that is in good standing. Make a reservation at any Reservation Station with your library card and your last name. Select "Internet Children" and you are ready to go! You are allowed 2 half-hour sessions per day.

What do I need to access Kids' Software Game & Research computers?

No library card is required to access the Kids' Software & Research computers. Just sign in with your First Name and enjoy popular games like Curious George, Kids Pix, Bailey's Bookhouse, and Oregon Trails. You are allowed 2 half-hour sessions per day.

How much does it cost to print in Black & White and in Color?

Printing costs

.15 cents per Black & White page

.50 cents per Color page

What activities does the library offer for Kids?

Montclair Public Library offers a wide range of programs for kids and their families to enjoy. Among our many programs there are: Recurring storytimes for ages ranging from 6 month old babies to crafts and book clubs for 12 year olds. There are also weekend drop-in craft programs, family music concerts, Children's author visits, Homeschooling meetings, and a top-notch Summer Reading Club drive every year. All Montclair Public Library programs are FREE (with the exception of special field trips). Because space is limited, all programs require pre-registration unless otherwise noted.

How do I access the Library's Databases?

Click on the Databases tab at the top of the page. You can select your database by subject, from an alphabetical list, or look at a list of databases that include Magazines and Newspapers. Kids and Teen databases can be accessed by going to the Kids or Teen pages and selecting Kids' Databases or Teens' Databases. You will need a Montclair Public Library card to access the databases outside of the Library.

What is the library's Youth Services Department telephone number?

If you have a question feel free to call. We are at your service!

Main Branch Children's Floor: 973-744-0500 ext. 2236

Bellevue Avenue Branch Kids Place: 973-744-0500 ext. 2284

What is BCCLS?

BCCLS stands for Bergen County Cooperative Library System. This system is a network of 75 libraries throughout New Jersey's Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties. With your Montclair Public Library Card, you can request items from any of the participating BCCLS libraries. Requested items arrive at Main Branch or Bellevue Avenue Branch within 1 week.

What do I need to access Young Adult Internet computers?

To access the 1st floor Young Adult computers you need a Monctlair Public Library card that is in good standing. Make a reservation at any Reservation Station with your library card and your last name. Select "Young Adult Computer" and you are ready to go! You are allowed 2 half-hour sessions per day.

What activities does the library offer for Teens?

Montclair Public Library offers programs for tweens and young adults such as Mother & Daughter book clubs, music concerts, author visits, summer movies, and a Summer Reading Club drive every year. There are also summer volunteering opportunities that help you acquire community service criteria for school and job applications. All Montclair Public Library programs are FREE (with the exception of special field trips). Because space is limited, all programs require pre-registration unless otherwise noted.