MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed A4942, which authorizes nearly $87.5 million to be distributed to proposed projects for the first round of funding from the Library Construction Bond Act. This funding will provide crucial improvements to New Jersey public libraries, including ADA compliance upgrades for disabled residents, HVAC improvements, and projects to improve public access to information and modernize community space, including procuring new technology. This initial grant round will also fund ten new library buildings. The second round of awards is planned for the first quarter of 2021.
“Our public libraries serve as community bedrocks providing resources and information to thousands of New Jerseyans,” said Governor Murphy. “With today’s bill signing, libraries will receive critical funding to address accessibility issues for our disability community and provide necessary safety improvements for adequate ventilation systems, as well as upgrading technology that will help shrink the digital divide in communities across the state.”
The following projects will receive the first round of funding:
- $379,960 to the Atlantic City Free Public Library in Atlantic City, Atlantic County;
- $322,091 to the Atlantic County Hammonton Branch Library in Hammonton, Atlantic County;
- $175,000 to the Avon Public Library in Avon-By-The-Sea Borough, Monmouth County;
- $1,000,000 to the Free Public Library and Cultural Center of Bayonne in Bayonne, Hudson County;
- $37,500 to the Bernardsville Public Library in Bernardsville Borough, Somerset County;
- $3,447,081 to the Cape May County Library at Historic Franklin Street School in Cape May, Cape May County;
- $2,329,500 to the Cranbury Public Library in Cranbury Township, Middlesex County;
- $524,142 to the Cumberland County Library in Bridgeton, Cumberland County;
- $1,200,000 to the Dover Free Public Library in Dover, Morris County;
- $500,000 to the East Orange Public Library in East Orange, Essex County;
- $3,497,500 to the Fanwood Memorial Library in Fanwood Borough, Union County;
- $600,000 to the Franklin Township Public Library in Franklin Township, Gloucester County;
- $1,314,000 to the Franklin Township Public Library, Southern Branch, in Franklin Park, Somerset County;
- $889,000 to the Freehold Public Library in Freehold Borough, Monmouth County;
- $130,404 to the Garfield Public Library in Garfield, Bergen County;
- $980,837 to the Hunterdon County Library in Flemington, Hunterdon County;
- $5,000,000 to the Jersey City Public Library in Jersey City, Hudson County;
- $1,525,475 to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in Wallington, Bergen County;
- $90,000 to the Leonia Public Library in Leonia Borough, Bergen County;
- $1,100,000 to the Lincoln Park Public Library in Lincoln Park Borough, Morris County;
- $8,388,250 to the Maplewood Memorial Library in Maplewood Township, Essex County;
- $3,262,260 to the Millville Public Library in Millville, Cumberland County;
- $1,950,000 to the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan, Monmouth County;
- $248,640 to the Monroe Township Library in Monroe Township, Middlesex County;
- $5,375,000 to the Montgomery Township Branch (Somerset County Library System) in Montgomery Township, Somerset County;
- $507,000 to the Paramus Public Library in Paramus Borough, Bergen County;
- $2,999,530 to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Lake Hiawatha Branch in Lake Hiawatha, Morris County;
- $734,812 to the Paterson Danforth Memorial Library in Paterson, Passaic County;
- $9,364,500 to the Pennsauken Free Public Library in Pennsauken Township, Camden County;
- $150,000 to the Red Bank Public Library in Red Bank Borough, Monmouth County;
- $292,750 to the Ringwood Public Library in Ringwood Borough, Passaic County;
- $263,159 to the River Edge Public Library in River Edge Borough, Bergen County;
- $5,500,000 to the Roselle Public Library in Roselle Borough, Union County;
- $3,586,852 to the South Brunswick Public Library in South Brunswick Township, Middlesex County;
- $3,080,875 to the Sussex County Library System (Dennis Memorial Library Branch) in Newton, Sussex County;
- $139,705 to the Totowa Public Library in Totowa Borough, Passaic County;
- $12,500,000 to the West New York Public Library in West New York, Hudson County; and
- $3,098,217 to the West Orange Public Library in West Orange Township, Essex County.
“We are grateful to the Murphy administration and the state legislature for recognizing the strength of Parsippany’s library proposal,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “This funding will help Parsippany continue the revitalization of North Beverwyck Road and establish a state-of-the-art library that will benefit every resident of Parsippany.”
“We are thrilled to learn that the Governor has signed a bill into legislation allowing for the initial grant round of LCBA funding to be distributed to the selected New Jersey libraries,” said Mary L. Chute, New Jersey State Librarian. “The pool of eligible applicants reflected many strong projects responding to compelling community needs. These 38 awards rate as the ‘best of the best’ by the review committee. We congratulate them and look forward to seeing their projects get underway.”
“Governor Murphy’s signing of the Library Construction Fund Bill is tremendous news for libraries and communities across the state of New Jersey,” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, President of Thomas Edison State University. “This bill allows for enhancing access and strengthening outreach at a time when libraries are needed more than ever.”
“I am grateful to see this grant funding finally being dispersed. Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities and these awards will go a long way towards improving their facilities and the services they offer,” said Senator James Beach. “Not only do our libraries have amazing collections of books, but they also provide educational programs and free access to internet-connected devices which many families around the state rely on. While often overlooked, their importance cannot be overstated.”
“Our public libraries offer so much to our communities and enrich the lives of countless individuals who utilize their many services,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “This grant funding is going to go a long way and I am elated knowing this will make an impact in the lives of those who not only frequent public libraries but depend on them for what they have to offer.”
“Public libraries serve as valuable community centers that everyone should have access to, but many facilities are in need of facelifts and safety and accessibility upgrades,” said Senator Kip Bateman. “I appreciate the Governor’s prompt action signing this bill in the same week it cleared the Legislature. The availability of these grants is good news for public libraries and the residents who utilize them.”
“It wasn’t long ago that libraries were the only place you could find answers to any question you could imagine,” said Assemblyman Louis Greenwald. “With a variety of enrichment classes, children’s programs, and access to high-speed internet, libraries have become community spaces for all to enjoy. Sadly, library funding has remained flat in recent years, leaving many with little resources to make improvements. These grants will go a long way in helping local libraries reach more people in their communities.”
“Libraries have something for everyone. For children, they open doors to the magical world of books and encourage a lifelong love of reading. For adults, they provide access to invaluable education, job training, and personal development resources,” said Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez. “Above all, libraries help keep us connected. In these uncertain times, their role has never been more important.”
“During the pandemic, we’ve seen libraries across New Jersey find innovative ways to expand their reach, from curbside service to home delivery to Zoom presentations,” said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. “It’s forward-thinking like this that makes libraries so vital to our communities. This support will help our public libraries keep growing and innovating.”
