Wallington John F. Kennedy Memorial Free Public Library

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.