Johnson Public Library | Hackensack

Here is a detailed profile of the Johnson Public Library in Hackensack, New Jersey:

1. Historical Significance

The Johnson Public Library (JPL) is one of the oldest and most architecturally distinctive libraries in New Jersey. It was established through the philanthropy of Senator William M. Johnson, a Hackensack native and successful businessman who had a vision of civic uplift through public access to knowledge.

In 1900, Johnson donated land, construction funds, and a foundational collection of 5,000 books to the city.

The building opened officially on October 1, 1901.

It was one of the first public libraries in the U.S. to have a dedicated children’s room, which opened just one year later, in 1902.

The original deed for the library stipulated that if the library ever ceased operation, ownership of the land and building would revert to Princeton University, further underscoring its academic roots and legacy.

2. Architectural Character

The library was designed in the Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival styles, incorporating regional brownstone, finely carved architectural details, and prominent features such as:

A copper-clad domed cupola.

Large arched windows that fill reading rooms with natural light.

Dark oak wainscoting and moldings in original sections.

A grand central staircase leading to the children's and teen departments.

An original fireplace with mantel in the reading room, still visible though now ornamental.

The structure has undergone several expansions, but all renovations have respected the original style. A major addition in the mid-20th century increased space without altering the building’s historic façade.

3. Collections and Services

Physical Collections

Over 170,000 volumes, including fiction, nonfiction, large print, DVDs, CDs, and magazines.

Extensive foreign language materials, especially Spanish and Korean.

A curated local history archive, including city directories, newspapers, photos, and master plans for Hackensack.

Digital Services

Access to platforms like Hoopla, Libby, and Kanopy for ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and digital magazines.

Online databases including Ancestry, ReferenceUSA, Consumer Reports, and legal research tools.

Library of Things

Nontraditional items available for lending include Wi-Fi hotspots, Kindles, puzzles, museum passes, and even musical instruments.

Many items can be reserved in advance via the online catalog.

4. Public Programs

The Johnson Public Library is a community anchor for arts, education, and cultural exchange, offering more than 400 free programs annually:

Children & Teens

Storytime, puppet shows, Lego clubs, science experiments, and sensory play.

Seasonal events like Summer Reading Challenges and holiday-themed story hours.

Teen Zone with a cozy lounge, manga and anime collection, video game tournaments, and DIY crafts.

Adults

Book clubs (fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and YA for adults).

ESL classes, citizenship workshops, and resume-building sessions.

Author talks, art lectures, and community wellness programs such as yoga and meditation.

Tech help drop-ins for those needing assistance with mobile devices, computers, or digital literacy.

Art & Culture

The Main Floor Art Gallery features monthly exhibits from local artists, students, and photographers.

Programs such as “First Thursday Gallery Nights” include artist talks and public receptions.

Cultural events include poetry slams, musical recitals, and film screenings with discussion panels.

5. Community Services

Books by Mail

A recently launched program that allows homebound patrons-particularly the elderly and disabled-to receive library materials through postal delivery.

Job and Social Services

Free access to job boards, civil service exam guides, and professional resume help.

A visiting social worker is available monthly to assist with housing, mental health, and benefit applications.

Meeting Rooms & Study Spaces

Reservable rooms for group meetings, tutoring, and quiet study.

A small auditorium used for lectures, film showings, and community discussions.

6. Local History Room

This specialized room includes:

Historic photos of Hackensack from the 19th and 20th centuries.

City master plans, old tax maps, and architectural records.

Oral histories and school yearbooks from local residents.

Newspaper clippings dating back over a century, now being digitized.

The Local History Room is a go-to research destination for journalists, students, genealogists, and urban planners.

7. Civic Legacy and Notable People

The Johnson Library has been a launchpad for civic leaders and trailblazers, including:

E. Frederic Morrow, the first African American executive assistant in the White House (under President Eisenhower), whose father worked as the library’s custodian.

Nellie K. Morrow Parker, E. Frederic’s sister and the first Black schoolteacher in Bergen County, who was a frequent user of the library’s early resources.

This connection to both literacy and social mobility cements the library’s place in local history.

8. Accessibility and Operations

Location: 274 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (in the heart of downtown).

Hours: Open six days a week, with extended evening hours Monday–Thursday.

Parking: Free and metered municipal parking nearby.

Transit Access: Served by NJ Transit buses and within walking distance of the Essex Street train station.

Accessibility Features

ADA-compliant entrances and restrooms.

Screen magnification software and large-type materials for the visually impaired.

Elevator access to all public floors.

9. Bergen County Cooperative Membership

The Johnson Public Library is a proud member of the BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System), which allows:

Cardholders to borrow materials from over 75 libraries across northern New Jersey.

Seamless interlibrary loans and book transfers.

Access to a combined catalog of over 5 million items.

10. Current Initiatives and Future Plans

Digitization of archives, particularly local newspapers and photos.

Green infrastructure upgrades, such as LED lighting and HVAC modernization.

Expansion of outreach to underserved populations, including multilingual programming and neighborhood pop-ups.

Conclusion

The Johnson Public Library is far more than a repository of books. It is a historic institution, a cultural catalyst, and a trusted resource for Hackensack’s diverse and evolving population. Rooted in over a century of service, the library remains committed to free access, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re researching family history, learning English, attending a poetry reading, or simply borrowing a bestseller, JPL is a welcoming and essential community space.