The Montclair Library: A Place Like No Other

This is another installment of the Montclair Public Library's essay series, "My First Chapter." The essays are written by literary figures or local residents, and accompany the library's annual fundraiser.  

This week's installment features Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson. 

The Montclair Public Library and I have a wonderful, lifelong relationship and that relationship has brought me untold hours of joy, enlightenment and inspiration.

In my youth, it was my homework center and the place that I could while away the hours during the summer in a comfortable chair with a great book. The librarians “adopted" me and ensured that a healthy supply of the history books that I loved were on hand.

During the summers, the library was a home away from home for me while my mother worked.  I could be found at one of four places: Glenfield Park, Nishuane Pool, Montclair Public Library or home. I loved playing sports in the park and swimming but I equally loved the “cozy confines” of the library.

The paper, perforated library card was the key to a limitless world of learning and fun. The card catalog was a treasure trove of books that I couldn’t afford to buy.

As an adult, I’ve discovered that while the library makes me feel special, I am far from unique. The library is a nurturing, enriching institution for everyone it touches. I am in awe of its ability to enhance the intellectual capacity and cultural awareness of so many. The Montclair Public Library is an equal opportunity enhancer like no other.

The library’s role as a meeting place and community center is vital. My children and their friends today make great use of the library for research projects and group studies. The Young Adult Room is an ideal gathering spot.

Furthermore, my wife and I have used the library to host meetings of community service groups. There is something about the ambiance of the building that always seems to make meetings more focused, effective and well-attended. 

The library also serves as exhibit space for various artists, students, authors, and community groups that reflect the exciting, inspirational and often sobering aspects of life in the greater Montclair area.

The value of the library’s programming is comparable to its enviable collection.  Not a day goes by when wonderful, enlightening offerings are made to myriad user groups. 

In the summer of 2003, my mother-in-law fought a long, hard battle against cancer. My wife and her sisters provided around-the- clock care, and the kids and I were “grounded” in Montclair as well.

The summer programs, such as the reading club, arts and crafts, trips, chess and music were a godsend. They enabled the kids to be distracted while the family endured a very trying time.

I will forever remember and be grateful to the library and its staff for helping us to get through it.

Montclair is so fortunate to maintain a cutting-edge library while technologies and competing venues have emerged at a breakneck pace and government funding has been dramatically reduced. Its success is a tribute to taxpayers, benefactors, users, trustees, and -- most notably -- staff.

The Montclair Public Library is inextricable with Montclair’s finest attributes. I hope and pray that it will continue to be protected and cherished by the greater Montclair community.