Best Libraries of Bergen County, New Jersey

Bergen County,New Jersey boasts an excellent library system. I have visited almost every library in Bergen County and while all are very good there are some that are a cut above the rest. Below are my criteria for evaluating the best libraries.

Size-The best libraries need to have a good collection of books in every section. The best libraries are large-the bigger the library obviously the bigger the selection of books. I feel I should be able to go into a library and leave with books on all of my interests.

Collection-The library collection should be wide in all departments. Some libraries are better known for only one department such as a great children's department. Some libraries are like small mazes with books in one topic stopping at some point and continuing at a back wall or somewhere else. Others have teen sections that can't be found since they are small collections and are fitted in wherever there is some room. A best library must have clear and reasonable sectioning which doesn't require asking the librarian where to find a certain section. I personally prefer the mystery and science fiction books separated from the other fiction but it's not a deal breaker

Noise Level-Some libraries are known as after school hangouts. I avoid these libraries, especially during the afternoon. The best libraries have tough librarians who kick out annoying loud children and teens.

Library Staff Behavior-The best libraries must have helpful and people friendly staff. If I ever meet up with nasty staff I don't return to that library. This is especially important for the children and teen sections since many librarians in these sections can be very impatient and testy due to dealing with sometimes annoying kids and noisy toddler. However it is important for the librarian to be helpful and encouraging to the children and not turn them off from visiting libraries.

Internet Access-I am writing this article in a best library. These libraries have a reservation station where you type in your card number and get a receipt with the computer saved for you and the access code. No librarians need to be involved. The best libraries should have many Internet stations, too few is a huge discredit to a library. While most people have Internet at home, sometimes there are too many people using it, or you might want a quiet place to work, or your computer is old and doesn't have the capabilities of a newer model. That's another point-the best libraries have newer PC's and fast wifi. This is a must and is a deal breaker.

Decent Parking- This is not usually a problem in Bergen County, New Jersey but the best libraries have large parking lots.

Ambiance-This is not an absolute necessity but it's a big plus. Some libraries listed below have very nice accommodations and other attractive elements.

I will now identify the best libraries in Bergen County, New Jersey. All of these best libraries have the qualities above unless described otherwise.

Bergenfield, Bergen County- 50 W. Clinton Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 (201) 387-4040
This best large library has an excellent book collection, many computers with fast wifi-with s reservation station, helpful staff, and an extensive DVD collection (not my interest). One fantastic aspect of this library is the children's room. They have little animal cages-and they really take care of them, a fish tank, large toddler area with toys and loads of picture book. The children's book collection is excellent with classics and popular books as well. But the best thing about the children's section is that it's way upstairs in a balcony away from the rest of the library thereby allowing the adults peace and quiet.

The adult collection is wide ranging with fiction, non-fiction and reference well represented. While this library is not huge I tend to find books there that I can't find in other libraries.

Bergenfield is definitely a best library but has one drawback which is that there isn't always enough parking. However, this defect is far overshadowed by the many positive attributes.

Upper Saddle River, Bergen County- 245 Lake Street, Upper Saddle River New Jersey 07458
(201) 327-2583
This best library has incredible ambiance with a gorgeous large alcove with a glass wall overlooking a forest. The library has beautiful huge leather chairs and sofa with end tables and large globe. This gives that area an old reading room feel. The library is clearly sectioned with the large children's section in it's own alcove. The book collection is extensive though possibly not as much as some of the other best libraries.

By far their best element of the Saddle River library is the cozy atmosphere which is created by the alcoves and the view of the forest. When you drive up to the library it's a little startling that it looks like it's almost in the forest. It's truly a beautiful library and I would recommend it just for the beauty and ambiance alone.

Englewood, Bergen County-31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631, (201) 568-2215
This best library architecturally is a mini Guggenheim. The levels are reached via a slightly winding ramp. Understandably, the library is basically round although most of the collections are on one side in levels. The children's gigantic section is far below and is reached by a beautiful flight of stairs with colorful murals on the stairway walls. With the children section basically in the basement, not a toddler cry is heard upstairs. This library does not win that many points for the collection set up but this is due to the architecture which apparently was important to the township. There are cozy chairs planted throughout the library with separate quiet reference areas. There is an upper wall of glass which is a nice touch.

The parking lot is large which is helpful since there is only metered parking nearby. The Staff is helpful and they seem knowledgeable as well. Englewood library has an extensive DVD collection with many TV series DVD's.

Hackensack, Bergen County- Johnson Free Public Library, 274 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 343-4169
This best library located in a commercial area is large with an excellent book collection. They have a huge DVD collection but they rent the DVD's for $1 day, they are not borrowed. There are many Internet stations and one unique station where anyone can go on for 15 minutes with no reservation or card. This seems to attract homeless type people so it's really nice that they have a means to get online. The library has a huge study table area larger than any I have seen in Bergen County. It feels more like a NY library.

The children's area is off to the side with excellent librarians. There is a cage with canaries who have been there for a while. What I like most about this library is their old books. They don't seem to throw out any books. This is particularly noticeable in the children's section where you can find the books with very old publication dates with pictures that you will never see in a current publication. They have a Wizard Of OZ book with beautiful colorful pictures and thick pages. The library definitely has a respect for books which is something that other libraries should emulate.

The one very big drawback of the Hackensack library is the lack of parking. There is only street meter parking which is very annoying. However this is to be expected in a commercial area.

Ridgewood, Bergen County -125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 670-5600.
This best library wins mostly because of a vast parking lot, a field surround by a walking path immediately behind the library, and a cafe. However, be prepared for a lot of steps going up to the library, although I am sure there is a handicap entrance as well. The book collection is interesting, as it seems the librarians take effort in choosing the books so there is a wide range of quality literature as well as popular books. The children's department is very well run and there is a unique program for kids who need to gain reading confidence. The library has "read to a dog" groups, where the children each read aloud to a dog in the library. Understandably, this is a popular program.

Ridgewood best library has an incredible array of programs from "computer training for job searching" to Movie Matinees. This best library is a superb example of a true community library that really encompasses the interests and needs of all segments of the population. The staff are all helpful and knowledgeable with excellent people skills. The coffee at the cafe is good too.

Franklin Lakes, Bergen County- 470 De Korte Drive Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 (201) 891-2224
This best library is located in a beautiful park-like area near a school/park and a forest. The parking lot is very large and the grounds are immaculately groomed. This quiet library has an interesting set up in that there are 3 levels, ground, mezzanine and second floor. The first floor has a beautiful cathedral ceiling (which creates a striking ambiance) with a huge slightly spiraling staircase that leads to the second floor. The second floor has an incredible selection of books and the librarians are extremely knowledge and professional. The first level is mostly comprised of the gigantic children's section. There is a large teen section which is largely geared toward research and homework but there is a great selection of teen books.

The second floor has ample space for deskwork and some Internet computers. However, most people seem to bring their laptops.

Like the Ridgewood library, the Franklin Lakes best library caters exclusively to its community. Their program calendar is always full and there are endless children's programs and activities. This best library clearly takes pride in itself and it's community. They are very responsive to the community's needs and if you request a program they are likely to produce one if there is enough interest.

The libraries I have described are truly the best I have seen in Bergen County. I encourage anyone living in the area to visit these best libraries and enjoy what they have to offer.