The General Reference Department includes materials that cover the widest possible range of subject interests and viewpoints, including both historical and current areas of concern. Reference sources are available in books, newspapers, periodicals, microfiche/films, and online.

Most new materials are placed on open shelves in the Reading Room and are available for browsing. However, the library’s online public access catalog is the key means of access to the collection as a whole. It is highly recommended that queries regarding books, as well as all reference concerns, be directed to the professional staff at the Information Desk. A ready reference collection is shelved at the desk, containing approximately 350 titles that are most utilized by patrons throughout the day.

The Reference Department also has an extensive collection of current and older periodicals.

Please note that while some of our periodicals date back over 100 years, we have had to put all volumes prior to 1980 in storage while renovations are done on our stack building.

The Reference Department maintains, as with all units of the library system, an open access policy. All age levels are welcome to our department services and resources; however, it is recommended that elementary school children use the first-floor Children’s Department during their regular hours.

After Hours Toll Free Reference Service for Residents of the State of New Jersey

Telephone: 1-800-443-0315

Our Reference Departments will answer your questions as promptly as possible. Please call us at (201) 547-4501 during regular hours or fill in the short form and click submit.