The Demarest Free Public Library is supported by a dedicated appropriation from the Borough of Demarest, as required by New Jersey state law. This funding ensures we can provide books, technology, services, programs, and a welcoming space for everyone in our community. We know budgets can be complex—and that property valuations, which affect the library appropriation, can change from year to year. Our goal is to be transparent about how our funding works and to show the tremendous value the library delivers to our community in return.

Overview

In 2025, the Borough of Demarest’s appropriation for the public library is $719,837 — about 1.63% of the total tax levy — as required by New Jersey state law. This amount is calculated each year using a state-mandated formula tied to the equalized value of property in town. While the percentage rose slightly from 1.56% in 2024 due to higher property values, the library still represents a very small share of the overall budget — less than $400 per year for the average household. In return, residents enjoy thousands of free books, technology access, programs for all ages, expert help, and borrowing privileges at 77 Bergen County libraries through BCCLS — a tremendous return on a modest investment.

Common FAQ

• How is the library’s appropriation determined?

  By New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 40:54-8), every municipality with a library must provide at least ⅓ of a mill — $0.333 for every $1,000 of equalized property value.

• What is the 2025 appropriation and how was it impacted by property value increases?

  The 2025 appropriation for the Borough of Demarest Free Public Library is $719,837, calculated according to the state formula. While this amount is part of the Borough’s overall municipal budget, a 2011 law (P.L. 2011, c.38) requires it to be shown as a separate line so taxpayers can see exactly how much of their taxes support the public library.

• How much of my property taxes go to the library?

  In 2024, the library appropriation was $663,864 — 1.56% of the total tax levy — which translated to about $388.47 for the average residential property. In 2025, the appropriation is $719,837 — 1.63% of the total tax levy. The library still represents a very small share of the overall municipal budget—still less than $400 per year for the average household.

• What does the library appropriation pay for?
  • Books, eBooks, audiobooks, and media, including magazine subscriptions, free digital and print subscriptions to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Barron’s; and a subscription to Hoopla and Kanopy, a streaming video service for all Demarest Public Library patrons. Free museum passes for MOMA, Guggenheim, Intrepid, and Storm King Art Center.
  • Free programs for the entire community for all ages. The library hosted 435 free literacy, arts, culture, educational, and informational events  for children, teens, and adults in 2024. These events range from Book Clubs, Yoga, and Storytimes in English, Korean, and Hebrew to Art Exhibits, Knitting and Cooking Clubs, and Movie Screenings. . Our calendar of events can be found here.
  • Free notary services, technology help, and ESL Conversation Groups for patrons.
  • Technology and high-speed internet access, including desktop/mobile printing and general computer usage.
  • Building operations and maintenance.
  • Staff and benefits (we employ 5 full-time staff, 6 part-timers up to 20 hours per week, and student pages).
  • BCCLS membership, which grants Demarest residents access and borrowing privileges to 78 public libraries in Bergen County, holding a total of 4,517,080 items!

• How does the library serve the Demarest community?

  The library is a community gathering space — one of the only public buildings where Demarest residents can gather and meet. It is open Monday to Sunday and offers evening hours three times a week.

  On an average, between 100-150 people visit the library each day to borrow books, use our computers, printers, Wi-Fi, read newspapers and magazines, utilize free notary services, attend children’s, YA, and adult programs, and use our meeting and study spaces which are available free of charge to community members and organizations. The PTO, Scouts groups, and other affinity groups such as knitters and reading groups all utilize our meeting spaces.

  For the cost of a few cups of coffee per month, residents gain access to thousands of free resources: books, technology, research help, meeting space, and programs for all ages. Through BCCLS, one Demarest Library card opens the doors to libraries across Bergen County — multiplying the value of every dollar invested. In 2024, 42,000+ people used the library and Demarest residents saved a total of $628,777 by borrowing books thanks to our collection and our membership in the BCCLS consortium — that’s an average of $599 saved per resident patron!

  We are also the only fine-free library in our area. Unlike our neighboring libraries in Haworth, Cresskill, and Closter, who still charge overdue fines, our library has eliminated this barrier to access. Research shows fines keep patrons away, even if they only have one overdue book.

The Demarest Free Public Library’s Impact

Programs

We hosted a total of 435 free events in 2024 for children, teens, and adults attended by over 8,000 people.

Visitors

42,000+ people visited our library in 2024!

Circulation

Over 50,889 print and digital items were borrowed in 2024!

In 2024, Demarest residents saved a total of $628,777 by borrowing books from the library, thanks to our expansive collection and our membership in the BCCLS consortium — that’s an average of $599 saved per patron.

Technology Access

In 2024, an average of 150 patrons per month made daily use of our 2 public computers and free Wi-Fi services.

Community Hub

Our library is open Monday to Sunday and offers evening hours three times a week. 100-150 people visit the library each day.

Gathering & Meeting Spaces

Meeting rooms and study spaces are available to community members and are in use for over 10 hours every day.

Regional Access

Patrons can borrow and return materials at 78 Bergen County public libraries though our consortium, BCCLS.