Asbestos Update At Somerset County Library

BOUND BROOK, NJ — A year after asbestos forced the Bound Brook Library to close, remediation work is beginning to take shape at the building.

The Borough of Bound Brook provided an update to its asbestos abatement project.

"The Borough is pleased to report that asbestos abatement activities were successfully completed during the week of Jan. 19," according to the Borough.

Since the remediation work began in December 2025, the project has expanded to include the main reading room, based on the recommendation of the Borough's environmental consultant.

"This proactive measure was undertaken to reduce future disruption for upcoming renovations," according to the Borough.

The next step entails having the project architect prepare updated specifications for the bidding phase for the alteration portion of the library improvements.

"We are excited for the project to move into the next stage and continue work towards new milestones. A big thank you to the Borough of Bound Brook for their partnership and assistance during this process," said the Somerset County Library Services of New Jersey.

• Previous Reporting: Bound Brook Library Closes For Foreseeable Future Due To Asbestos Issues

Asbestos was initially discovered in October 2023, causing the Bound Brook Memorial Library at 402 E High St. to suspend in-person operations.

During 2024, the Borough of Bound Brook explored various funding opportunities and no funds were available for appropriation at the time.

Bound Brook later stated that it intends to set aside funding in its 2025 budget to address asbestos remediation of the Bound Brook Memorial Library and ADA upgrades required by the Somerset County Library System.

Until the library is remediated, Bound Brook residents are directed to visit one of the other 10 active locations under the Somerset County Library System. Those current open library branches are:

• Bridgewater Branch – 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
• Hillsborough Branch – 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough
• Manville Branch – 100 South 10th Avenue, Manville
• Montgomery Branch – 100 Community Drive, Skillman
• North Plainfield Branch – 6 Rockview Avenue, North Plainfield
• Somerville Branch – 35 West End Avenue, Somerville
• Warren Township Branch – 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren
• Watchung Branch – 20 Stirling Road, Watchung
• Branchburg Reading Station – 412 Olive Street, Neshanic Station
• Washington Valley Reading Station – 1961 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville

For help with general library inquiries residents can contact the Somerset County Library System at 908-458-8415 or by email to ask@sclibnj.org. Additional information about the Somerset County Library System can be found by visiting sclsnj.org.

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