North Bergen Free Public Library Mission Statement

The mission of the North Bergen Free Public Library is to provide the people of our community with the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning. To that end, it is our goal to create a humanistic environment with access to state-of-the-art information retrieval technology, in an environment where patrons are encouraged to pursue their interests, become independent learners and develop library-use and research skills.

To achieve a humanistic environment, it is our intention to provide the patron with a full spectrum of ethical considerations through an aggressive collection development strategy. We will also provide an aesthetic setting, which is conducive to the pursuit of knowledge. Finally, we will maintain a comfortable and approachable atmosphere to embolden the patron to express his/her needs.

In providing our patrons with state-of-the-art information retrieval technology, it is imperative for the North Bergen Free Public Library to make library users cognizant of the high level of technology already in place at the library. Patrons shall also be informed of the resources available through the library's membership in the Bergen County Consortium of Library Services. The library will make users aware of the technology training available at the library. In addition patrons will be provided with technology learning modules, designed by the staff of the library and made available at each computer work station.

The intent of the North Bergen Free Public Library has been, and continues to be, to assist every patron to be a free, independent, and knowledgeable individual, capable of making full use of the resources available through the library. By following the plan outlined above, the library will promote patron autonomy and fulfill its mission of providing the people of the community with the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning.

North Bergen Free Public Library ... The First 50 Years!

On June 5, 1935, a preliminary meeting of the North Bergen Library Association was held at Robert Fulton School for the purpose of discussing the establishment of a public library. On June 10 th , officers were elected for a two-year term of office and a constitution adopted. P.T.A. groups held meetings and fundraising events, and had conferences with State Library officials. Finally a Board of Trustees was elected and a store rented at 432 – 33 rd Street (now 77 th Street) for the sum of $300 a year.

The Library officially opened on February 25, 1936 with 2,630 volumes to serve a population of 40,000 persons. On April 1 st , Mrs. Rose Cowler was appointed the librarian.

On July 20, 1940, the Library was moved to new quarters, to the west side of Bergenline Avenue and 76 th Street.

In 1948, Mrs. Margaret Northrup was put on salary as s full-time employee. She later became the library's first Reference Librarian.

On July 15, 1949, the Library moved to new quarters at 7827 Bergenline Avenue.

On November 8, 1950, a referendum was placed before the voting population of North Bergen as to whether or not a public library was to be established. YES vote was: 4,761. NO vote was: 1,947. At this time the library was at 79 th Street and Bergenline Avenue. It had a budget of $5,000.00 and 19,900 books to serve a population of 41,000. The librarian Mrs. John A. Cowler, stressed that new facilities were needed; 1.) To fight juvenile delinquency, and 2.) As a cultural center for the town. Her motto was, “Through good books, great men talk to us.”

On April 18, 1951, the first meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was held at the Municipal building. Mayor Harry Buesser appointed Mr. Sol Schulman as President of the Board, for a five-year term of office. The “Certificate of Incorporation” was signed on May 24 th . The first Librarian in charge was Mrs. Rose Cowler at a salary of $2,200.00 per year. The library had approximately, 20,000 volumes, and the Board of Commissioners appropriated $20,000.00 for the library for the year.

On April 21, 1952, the new library headquarters at 8107-08 Bergenline Avenue was dedicated. Furniture and equipment were installed for $6,373.00, and the township's appropriation for the library was $22,700.00. The John B. Simeone Memorial Collection of books and pamphlets on Civil Rights was presented to the library.

In 1954 Mr. Robert Purrington became Director at $4,000.00 per year.

In December 1956, the first inventory was taken at the Main and the Branch Library (1112 – 14 th Street).

In 1957, there were 2,075 registered borrowers. Two permanent and separate collections were established, the Adult Collection and the Juvenile Reference Department. The voucher system of paying bills was put into effect and the first annual report was submitted o the Board of Trustees.

The Rules and Regulations of the Library were adopted in January 1958.

On November 5, 1958, Mayor Sarubbi presented the first bookmobile to the Board of Trustees. It cost $8,500.00; carried 1,800 - 2,000 volumes and had Mrs. May Turse as the person-in-charge.

In 1959, an agreement to provide Guttenberg with library service for one year for $1,000.00 was signed. The branch at 1112 - 14 th Street was closed. The lease on the Main Library was renewed.

On December 6, 1960, Theodore Doll, Director of Revenue and Finance asked the Hudson County Park Commission if the town could either lease of purchase vacant land adjacent to Bergenline Avenue and 82 nd Street for the construction of a modern library and garage.

In 1964 a Docustat coin-operated photocopy machine was installed to enable borrowers to duplicate personal and library material. The Oregon Company installed a heating and air-conditioning unit on October 31.

In 1965, a five-year lease for four stores at 8107-8113 Bergenline Avenue was executed between the Board and Universal Holding Company, at $8,400.00 per year. An "Open House" celebration was held from December 30, 1965 – January 15, 1996.

On September 26, 1966, the New Durham Branch (at 4315 Durham Avenue) opened. Manned at first by P.T.A volunteers, it was later manned by a paid attendant on Monday -- Friday 3:00PM to 6:00PM.

In 1969 a collection of Spanish language books was initiated with 100 titles.

In 1970, the Lincoln Library Branch was opened with Mrs. Katherine Vallillo as the attendant in charge. In June 1970, the New Durham Branch moved to 4305 Bergen Turnpike.

In 1971, Mrs. Dorothy Karmiller was appointed Library Director. The Guttenberg contract was renewed for 2 years. A Story Hour Program started at the Lincoln Branch.

In 1972, the first staff meeting was held in the library. Summer story hours were conducted in Hudson County Park, across the street from the library.

In 1974, Mr. Edmund A. Savoie was appointed Library Director.

In 1975, the card catalog was divided into 3 sections: author, title and subject.

In 1976 the library hosted a Bi-Centennial Exhibit. Bi-lingual books for children were purchased. An office was constructed for the Director. The Italian Language Collection was increased.

In 1977, the first electric typewriter was purchased for use by the clerical staff.

In 1978, both reference and children's librarians were hired. The New Durham Branch was closed due to lack of use. Negotiations for the expansion of the present quarters were begun.

In 1979 a new bookmobile was purchased. A 16mm projector and screen were purchased to conduct film programs for children.

*The above was obtained from the, "North Bergen Free Public Library Building Program" (6/15/79).

In 1985, the main library was relocated to 8411 Bergenline Avenue. Branches were no longer needed.