$200K Project Will Enhance Bernards Township Library

Bernards Township, NJ -- The Bernards Township Library is getting a facelift.

The $203,550 project will reorganize the space inside the library to provide more room for a technology center, a larger area for teens, a truly quiet room and a room for people to work and gather.

“We wanted to maximize our space available to meet the community needs and create a welcoming environment,” said Ruth Lufkin, Bernards Township Library Director.

Eight companies bid for the project and Fine Wall Corporation was awarded the contract by the township committee at its meeting earlier this month.

Construction is set to begin shortly and will take about 120 days or four months. It is expected to be completed by summer.

The library will stay open during construction and Lufkin expects minimal closure days.

The project has been in the works since 2012 when the first strategic initiative was planned. An architect then designed a project in 2013.

The first phase involved moving some staff functions from the upper level to space on the lower level.

The second phase really looks into creating the new spaces.

The new technology center will offer small computer classes, space for downloadble resources where residents can work on devices owned by the patron or library.

“We are mindful that some of the feedback during the strategic plan process is moving forward as the library evolves, it has become more of a louder place,” Lufkin said. “We still need space for a quiet traditional library.”

The library is looking to create a truly quiet area and another area where people can gather in small groups and work together.

In order to create all of these new spaces, the library is reworking the design of the staircase, to remove the landing and create more room.

This project in total is relatively small compared to the project undertaken in the late 90s when an addition was added to the building.

“I think both I and other members on staff and board are excited to finally be able to get to see the fruits of our considerable effort,” Lufkin said. “I am a little anxious and nervous, when making changes. Since you wonder how it will all turn out. But we are optimistic this process will work. We are certainly excited to see opportunity to do things differently and meet the needs of community.”

(Photo, Bernards Township Library Facebook)