Montclair Public Library Facilities Survey
We’re reimagining the Montclair Public Library—and we want your input! This survey helps us understand how the library can better serve you—as a place to read, learn, create, gather, and connect. We’re applying for major funding through the CAFE Program (Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion), which could help transform both the Main Library and Bellevue Branch into more dynamic, inclusive, and flexible community spaces. Your responses will help shape our plans and demonstrate that Montclair is ready for the kind of investment this project represents.
Do you Live in Montclair?
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Yes
No
Which ward do you live in? If you aren't sure, use the interactive map below to find out.
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Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
I don't live in Montclair
Which library location do you typically use?
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Main Branch
Bellevue Branch
Both
Neither
If above answer was Neither, please tell us why:
When do you typically visit the library? (Check all that apply)
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Weekday Morning / Early Afternoon
Weekday Mid / Late Afternoon
Weekday Evenings
Weekends
Varies
I do not visit the library
What do you usually do when you visit the library? (Check all that apply)
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Browse for books or other materials
Pick up materials I requested (holds)
Research for work, school, or personal projects
Study, work, or attend remote meetings using Wi-Fi
Read, relax, or spend time in a quiet area
Use library computers
Use printing, scanning, or other equipment
Use one of the meeting rooms
Meet up with friends, colleagues, or community groups
Attend a film screening, concert, or live performance
Explore exhibitions or art displays
Participate in an adult program (lectures, book clubs, classes etc.)
Attend Adult School classes
Bring children to play, read, or check out books
Bring children to programs or storytime
Drop off kids for programs or homework
Work with the Reading Specialist
Get help from the Social Worker
Other
If Other, Please specify
đź“š Collections & Reading Interests
What kinds of books or materials do you like to browse for at the library? (Check all that apply)
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Fiction
Nonfiction
Graphic novels
Children's materials
Teen materials
Magazines & Newspapers
DVDs
Museum passes
Library of Things
Local Historical records
If other, Please specify
Are there types of books, media, or topics you wish the library had more of?
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🏛️ Bellevue Avenue Branch – Future Ideas
Please rank in order your preferences for the following ideas being considered for the Bellevue Avenue Branch:
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Rows
1
2
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An elegant, quiet main reading room that would be the local answer to the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library :)
A new dedicated Tween/Teen space at the Bellevue Branch
Rejuvenated Plaza for outdoor events & performances at the Bellevue Branch
Expanded Children's space at the Bellevue Branch
Elevator Access & ADA improvements at the Bellevue Branch
A new Multipurpose Community Room for larger events & meetings at the Bellevue Branch
Private study rooms for single or group use at the Bellevue Branch
Anything else you'd like to share re: future ideas for the Bellevue Branch?
🧑‍🍳 Main Library – Future Ideas: Gathering & Cultural Spaces
Which of the following public and cultural spaces feel most important to you? Rank in order of preference with #1 being most likely to use.
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Rows
1
2
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5
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A working Café and Teaching Kitchen for cooking classes and demos
An Outdoor Reading Terrace for general use, events, and community use
A redesigned Front Plaza for public performances, markets, and fairs
An upgraded Auditorium for performances and public programs
An Exhibition Gallery for art shows and cultural displays
A "book arts" center where people of all ages can learn bookbinding and other joys of the physical book
Which of the following public and cultural spaces feel most important to you? Rank in order of preference with #1 being most likely to use.
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Rows
1
2
3
4
5
6
A working Café and Teaching Kitchen for cooking classes and demos
An Outdoor Reading Terrace for general use, events, and community use
A redesigned Front Plaza for public performances, markets, and fairs
An upgraded Auditorium for performances and public programs
An Exhibition Gallery for art shows and cultural displays
A "book arts" center where people of all ages can learn bookbinding and other joys of the physical book
Which of these educational and creative resources would you or someone in your household use? Rank in order of preference with #1 being most likely to use.
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Rows
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
A Quiet Reading Room with desk space, outlets, and comfortable seating
An Adult FabLab for hands-on tech and trades (3D printing, woodworking, etc.)
Private Study Rooms for individuals and small groups
A Digital Commons for tech classes and general computer use
Classrooms and Study Rooms for lifelong learning, ESL, and workforce development
A Business Center with equipment for resumes, signage, printing
A Montclair Architectural History & Preservation Center
A Digital Preservation Lab for personal archives and history research
Which of these do you think are most valuable for children and teens? Rank in order of preference with #1 being most likely to use.
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Rows
1
2
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4
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A dedicated Teen Wing with study zones, creative hangout space, and gaming
Media Studios for podcasting, music, video creation, and rehearsals
A Children's STEAM Lab with robotics, building materials, and coding
Additional tactile, imagination-based play areas for children
A Sensory Room for neurodiverse patrons and emotional regulation
Anything else you'd like to share re: future ideas for the Main Library?
đź”® Final Thoughts: Tell Us What You Envision!
We’ve shared a number of ideas being explored—from performance spaces to maker labs, new classrooms to teen zones. Now we want to hear directly from you. Your feedback will help us refine and reimagine these spaces for Montclair.
How important is it to you that the library serve as a community gathering space for events, performances, classes, and exhibits?
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Very Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
What kinds of activities or amenities would you like to see at the library? (example: art exhibits, cooking classes, performances/screenings, more outlets, comfortable seating, outdoor spaces, etc.)
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Are there any programs, services, or spaces you've seen at other libraries or cultural centers that you wish we had here in Montclair? (We'd love to hear what's inspired you elsewhere!)
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What would make you want to spend more time at the library, not just for books, but as a place to be? (Think about comfort, inspiration, usefulness, or just the vibe.)
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Have we missed anything? Are there needs or ideas you wish we had included? (Feel free to dream big, we want to hear it.)
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📬 Stay Connected (Optional)
If you're open to us following up with you about your feedback, feel free to leave your contact info below:
Name
First Name
Last Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
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