Edison Officials Drop Library Relocation Plan After Community Pushback

EDISON, NJ - The Clara Barton branch of the Edison Public Library will not be moving. After pushback from residents, Mayor Sam Joshi announced that his administration “will not pursue relocating” the library branch.

The decision came after Joshi held a public meeting with residents on Jan. 12.

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to participate in an open, fair, and honest dialogue with the community – the overall feedback and thoughtful insights shared during the meeting proved to be invaluable. After careful consideration I am announcing that my administration will not pursue relocating the Clara Barton Branch Library,” Joshi said in a letter to the community.

“To enhance visibility and increase resident usage of the library, we will be initiating publicity efforts to elevate awareness of the library’s offerings, identifying opportunities for family-oriented activities and events, installing improved signage, and exploring opportunities for technological upgrades.”

Back in September, Joshi announced that the Clara Barton Library branch will be converted into a special needs recreation and programming center. The plan is to service the Clara Barton area with a bookmobile and then move the branch to a rental space on Amboy Avenue. More: New Special Needs Programming Center Coming To Edison

But residents pushed back against the plan, saying officials made the decision without consulting the community.

Joshi called the Jan. 12 public meeting after residents expressed their concerns at the council meeting and a library board meeting. Residents also held a protest in front of the library earlier this month. More: Residents Protest Plan To Relocate Library Branch In Edison

Community members said they weren’t against the special needs program, but asked officials to look for an alternate location.

In his letter, Joshi said he understood how important libraries are to a neighborhood and how essential it was for community members to have “fair and equal access to library facilities.”

“My administration has devoted more funds towards our libraries than any prior administration, and we will continue to provide strong support to these facilities in the critical role they serve,” Joshi said.

“We will also continue to pursue the development of a Special Needs Programming and Recreation Center at a different location to serve as a safe and accessible space for providing supplemental programs to families in our community with children who have special needs.”

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com