In 1912, Mrs. Eleanor Bugg opened her home to select members of the community so that they could borrow books from her collection.  Mrs. Bugg’s generosity would become the cornerstone of Mahwah’s first lending library in Mahwah.  Under her guidance, then the guidance of the Mahwah Women’s Club, and later the Mahwah Library Association, the Library flourished.  By 1944, the Library had outgrown both Mrs. Bugg’s home as well as a storefront on Miller Road and moved into a dedicated building on Franklin Turnpike (currently the Mahwah Museum) where it remained until 1998.

When the new Mahwah Public Library opened in 1998, it represented a giant stride forward for the Library and community.  The new building offered nearly ten times the space, including dedicated meeting rooms, a spacious children’s department, space for expanded collections and access to leading-edge technology.

Now, as the Library celebrates its centennial, it also takes another giant stride forward with the launch of this website and enhanced online services.  Just as Library visitors expected new collections and new services when this building was opened 14 years ago, customers today expect 24/7 access to resources.  The Library’s new web presence was designed to make it easy to find and access the depth of online resources that are available to Mahwah residents wherever and whenever they want them.  Everything from current eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and music, to online test preparation and investment information are just a click away.  Think of the new site as a virtual branch, open for business whenever you want.