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WNY Public Library Information

West New York Public Library

LIBRARY Information

Circulation

The circulation desk is located on the first floor for adult and young adult. The circulation desk for children’s department is located on the second floor.

Resources

  • Books – 65,000 items
  • Periodicals – 100 magazines and journals
  • Newspapers – 5 in English and 2 in Spanish (daily and weekly)
  • DVDs – entertainment and education
  • Audio Books – fiction
  • Spanish Books – 5,000 items in fiction and non-fiction titles
  • E-Books – over 300 titles

Services

  • Copy machines are available to the public.
  • Computer workstations – 40 PCs are available to the public for the Internet, Microsoft Office, and other uses
  • OPAC – 3 terminals are available for searching local collection
  • Notary Public Available (Additional Cost May Apply)

Circulation Desk contact:

Phone: 201-295-5135

Reference

The reference section is located on the first floor of the library, offering a wide variety of information resources and services.

Resources

  • Books – traditional and electronic format
  • Periodicals
  • Maps – local, national, international, travel, and historical
  • Medical and legal information
  • Business directories
  • School and college collection
  • Consumer advice
  • Reference material in Spanish

Databases

  • JerseyCat (link)– statewide catalog
  • JerseyClicks (link)– New Jersey’s one stop library gateway to quality information

Special services

  • Books or tapes for the blind – through New Jersey State special collection for blind
  • Interlibrary loans – if we do not have the material you need, we will try to borrow it for you from another library

Advanced research

Through the New Jersey State Library’s award-winning CYBER DESK you can find state, federal, and many other specialized areas of information. In addition to asking General reference questions, you can:

  1. Ask a Law Reference question
  2. Ask a Foundations or grants question
  3. Ask a Genealogy question
  4. Contact the NJ State Archives
  5. Ask a NJ Documents question
  6. Ask a Jerseyana question
  7. Ask a U.S. Documents question
  8. Ask a question about Environmental issues

Readers’ advisory

Reference Librarians are able to recommend books to match your interests in many areas.

Reference desk contact:

Phone: 201-295-5137
E-mail: wnyreference@gmail.com</a

Children’s Department

The children’s department is located the 2nd floor of the library. The collection contains materials to meet the scholastic needs of children in the elementary and middle school grades.

Resources

  • Books – 22,000 volumes
  • DVD – entertainment and educational
  • Periodicals – Kids magazines
  • Internet – 12 PCs are available to the children for their needs in homework, school project, and finding information

Programs and Activities

  • Toddler Time – usually held mornings once a week
  • Summer programs – please visit the library for upcoming information
  • Additional programs such as Computer Learning Class, Magic Show… et al.

Most programs and activities require advance sign-up and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Special services

Library staff participates in a wide variety of community education activities and gives general assistance to patrons throughout the year. Our staff regularly participates in the following:

  • Meetings with teachers and media specialists to help support the school curriculum
  • Book Talks
  • Providing the reading list for improve reading skills
  • Coordinating and supporting educational activities sponsored by the schools

Children’s department contact:

Phone: 201-295-5136

West New York Museum

The West New York Museum is located on the 2nd Floor

MUSEUM HOURS

Monday: 9:00am – 3:00pm (12:00pm to 1:00pm Closed for Lunch)

Tuesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm (12:30pm – 1:00pm; 5:00pm – 5:30pm Closed for Lunch)

Wednesday: 9:00am – 3:00pm (12:00pm to 1:00pm Closed for Lunch)

Initially established July 4th, 1982, The West New York Museum features many artifacts and records from West New York’s history. We are in the process of encapsulating hundreds of vintage property and street plan maps.

SERVICES

At this time, simple historical research is available. Photocopies or printed materials not bound by copyright laws are charged at $.15 per page. Copies of: 1780 Battle of the Block House of North Bergen, New Jersey by Patrick Cullen are available during Museum hours for $10; proceeds to benefit the West New York Museum.

West New York Museum Contact:

Town Historian Patrick Cullen
Phone: 201-295-5135 x 7308
E-mail: pcullen@westnewyorknj.org

Information and Policies

Library Card

Residents: If you are a West New York resident, or own real estate in West New York, we welcome you as a member of the library at no charge.

Non-residents: Anyone who works in West New York and does not live in the town may obtain a temporary library card (good for three years) upon showing prof of employment in West New York. A letter from the employer must be provided and an ID with home address must also be shown.

Free library cards are issued upon presentation of proper identification. Proof of residency must be shown upon application.

Two forms of identification must be presented, such as:

  • A valid New Jersey Driver’s license or identification card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • A current tax receipt or a receipt from landlord.
  • A mortgage or lease agreement showing an address in West New York.
  • A current utility bill with name of applicant.
  • A current bank statement with name of applicant.

Lost library cards will be replaced upon receipt of a $2.00 fee and one of the above forms of identification.

Children 18 and under may be issued a library card under the authority of their parent, guardian, or teacher who must present valid identification and co-sign the child’s application. The parent/guardian is ultimately responsible for the return of all the library materials charged to the child’s card, and for all the fines and replacement costs incurred by the child.

Loan Periods

  • Non-Fiction, Regular Fiction, Audio Books, Music CDs, and Non-Movie DVDs and Videos: 28 days
  • Movie DVDs and Videos: 7 days
  • Reference Materials cannot be taken out
  • Patrons may call or come to the library for renewals, or renew online
  • Bestsellers and materials in high demand cannot be renewed. All other materials may be renewed a total of 7 times

Restrictions: Up to 10 books may be borrowed at one time. Only 4 items are allowed on the same subject. Up to 2 CDs, DVDs, per patron are allowed.

Overdues and Other Charges

Please return library materials on time so others may borrow them. A book-drop is available for use when the library is closed.

Fines and Fees are assessed as follows:

  • Overdue materials – $0.10 per day
  • Lost materials – Fees assessed at library discretion
  • Replacement parts (cases, inserts, etc.) – Fees assessed at library discretion
  • Replace lost library card – $2.00
  • Printing – $0.15 per page
  • Copies – $0.15 per page
  • Notary Public Available (Additional Cost May Apply)

Reserves

You may reserve books by visiting or calling the library and speaking to a staff member at the circulation desk. The material will be held for one week. If materials are not picked up promptly, they will be shelved or charged out to another patron. You may also reserve books online. Go to wny.polarislibrary.com

Book Donations

The library generally accepts books published within a two-year period due to space limitations and a preference for books with the most current information only. The library does not accept old books donation.

Interlibrary Loans

The West New York Public Library participates in a statewide interlibrary loan system which enables West New York residents to have access to various resources by using JerseyCat (link) and JerseyClick (link) in all the libraries affiliated within the system. Any West New York resident with a valid library card and in good standing can request for books and certain AV materials through interlibrary loan. Please contact reference desk.

CONTACT

Deputy Director of Public Affairs

  • Tanya Durnin

West New York Public Library

Library Hours

  • 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday through Thursday)
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Friday and Saturday)
  • * Closed Saturdays during the months of July and August.

Links

Meeting Archives

Celebrate and Empower the Incredible Mothers in Our Community

Posted May 7, 2026

Mayor Albio Sires and the Board of Commissioners invite you to celebrate and empower the incredible mothers in our community at a special two-day event at the West New York Cultural Center.

Join us on May 15 & 16 at 4:30 PM for inspiring workshops designed to support, uplift, and motivate.

Friday’s “Me First” session focuses on self-care and finding balance, while Saturday’s “From Fear to Business” workshop offers guidance on turning your ideas into a thriving future.

Come learn practical tools, connect with your community, invest in yourself, and take the next step toward empowerment. We look forward to seeing you there!

West New York Annual Spring Festival! 

Posted March 26, 2026

Mayor Albio Sires and the Board of Commissioners can’t wait to celebrate with you at our annual Spring Festival! Rain or shine, the excitement is unstoppable—get ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories! See you there!

Friday, March 27th from 4PM-8PM

Miller Park – 5709-5711 Jackson Street

Join us for a fun day filled with Face Painting, Bouncy House, DJ, Pictures with the Easter Bunny, light refreshements and Resources and information on Autism Awareness!

Register for all rec programs @ wnyrec.recdesk.com/community/home

For all recreation information, call (201)295-5120 or you may visit our office at 428 60th St room 7, Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.

West New York Women’s Day Celebration!

Posted March 9, 2026

Mayor Albio Sires and the Board of Commissioners  invite you to our International Women’s Day Celebration!

·      Thursday, March 12th

·      West New York Cultural Center – 5712 Bergenline Avenue

·      6PM

Metered Parking Will Be Reinstated on Saturday , February 28th

Posted February 27, 2026

Mayor Albio Sires and the Board of Commissioners would like to thank our residents for their patience and cooperation following this week’s major blizzard.

Please be advised that metered parking will be reinstated on Saturday , February 28th and will be once again enforced.

At this time, alternate side parking remains suspended until further notice to allow crews to continue cleanup efforts where needed.

 We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we continue working to keep our streets safe and accessible. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support..

#WeAreWNY #SomosWNY #WNY #WNYNJ #WinterStorm2026

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