Bound Brook Library Closes For Foreseeable Future Due To Asbestos Issues

BOUND BROOK, NJ — The Bound Brook Library is closing and its future fate remains unknown as asbestos issues plague the building.

"After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to end our outreach operations in Bound Brook, effective Jan. 31," according to the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey.

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.

"Since then, we have explored every possible option to secure an alternative location for library services, but unfortunately, our efforts have not led to a viable option," said the library system. "Without a suitable space for library services, and with no prospects of one becoming available in the next few years, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue our outreach services."

"This decision was not made lightly, and we share in the disappointment of the community. We remain hopeful for a future when we can once again serve Somerset County’s oldest town in a newly-renovated Bound Brook Library," continued the library system.

Following the closure announcement, Bound Brook released a statement on Tuesday announcing 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.

However, until the necessary funding is secured and the mandatory updates are made, the library must remain temporarily closed and Somerset County Library services suspended.

"We are working through identifying the necessary funds to address the environmental issues and ADA upgrades at the Bound Brook Memorial Library,” said Jasmine McCoy, Business Administrator for the Borough of Bound Brook. "At the same time, we remain open to and are continuing efforts to partner with an appropriate temporary location in Bound Brook that could provide holistic library services while the asbestos issue at our branch is abated. We are committed to doing everything we can to resume local library services in Bound Brook and are thankful to the Somerset County Library System for all the assistance they have been providing to our community."

Throughout the closure, the Somerset County Library System was able to provide mobile services in the Borough of Bound Brook’s Commuter Lot located near the train station. Additionally, during the fall of 2024 through January 2025 printing and internet services that Bound Brook Memorial Library used to offer have been provided out of Bound Brook’s Municipal Court. However, these services will end as of Jan. 31 until further notice.

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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