WALLINGTON
 

    Wallington is a small community of approximately 12,000 residents located in the south west section of Bergen County, New Jersey. The town is approximately eight miles south of New York City and borders the Passaic River as well as the Boroughs of East Rutherford, Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, and Garfield. It is less than one Square mile in area and is relatively densely populated.

    The community is ethnically defined by a strong Slavic heritage. Approximately 60% of the residents are of Polish descent. The Polish immigrants were originally attracted to the area by its rural environment and its proximity to the textile factories in neighboring Passaic. More recent immigrants have come to Wallington to join their families or to live among those who share a similar background and culture. Its downtown stores offer such traditional delicacies as homemade kielbasi, pierogi, and chrusciki, a popular pastry. Customers are greeted in Polish. At both the Polish National and the Roman Catholic Church services are regularly conducted in Polish. Many Slavic customs are still practiced. The schools have a large bilingual/English as a Second Language student population. This citizenry has developed a strong patriotic feeling and a commitment towards America and its ideals.

    The community has three public schools. They can be referenced at http://www.wboe.org/. They are Jefferson School (Grades K - 3), Frank W. Gavlak School (Grades K - 6), and Wallington Junior - Senior High School (Grades 7 - 12). There is also a parochial school, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Grades Pre K - 8).

 
Directions:
 

From Garden State Parkway - Take exit 153A (Route 3 East) to Route 21 North. Exit Rt. 21 at Exit 11A (Passaic/River Road). At the base of the exit make a right. At the first light make a right over the Gregory Avenue Bridge. Proceed to Hathaway Street and make a left. The library is located on the second floor of the public building on the left.

From the Turnpike - Take Exit 16W ( Route 3 West) to Route 17 North. Exit Rt. 17 at Paterson Ave. Exit. At the top of the exit make a left and travel west over Rt. 17. Remain on Paterson Ave. into Wallington. Make a right at Union Blvd. and continue to Hathaway St. Make a left and proceed approximately 1/8 of a mile to the public building.

From Route 17 South - Exit at Hoboken Road. Continue west into Wallington (becomes Paterson Ave.) Continue to Union Blvd. and follow the directions above to the library.