Freehold Library Receives $889K For Accessibility, HVAC Updates

FREEHOLD, NJ - The Freehold Public Library recently received a grant from the state aimed at renovating and modernizing the municipal library. As part of the $889,000 grant from Trenton, the library aims to improve accessibility through wheelchair access, ADA-compliant restrooms and designated handicapped parking, among other improvements.

The Borough of Freehold has committed to provide the required 50 percent matching funds, according to a recent council meeting resolution.

An original Carnegie library, the E. Main Street location has remained “substantially unchanged” since its construction in the early 1900s, according to Library Director Kathy Mulholland. The renovation project will focus on updating building systems and making accessibility modifications to the existing structure.

“Priorities of the renovation are to create a space that is accessible, welcoming, comfortable and safe for the entire community; allow for efficient and flexible use of interior spaces; equip the facility for sustainable and beneficial use well into the future; and preserve the historic and charming aesthetic of the building,” Mulholland said in a statement.

Full renovation plans include:

• Wheelchair access to the entire facility
• Two new ADA-compliant restrooms
• A kitchenette for staff/programs to use
• HVAC improvements throughout the building
• New ramp, deck and lobby for wheelchair lift and a new entrance at the upper level
• Designated handicapped parking adjacent to library
• Relocated staff office and repositioned circulation desk
• New teen room public space reclaimed from storage/utility areas
• Safety improvements to front entrance (preserving historic character)
• Remodeling and new shelving in children’s room
• Updated electric service throughout with improved lighting and public access to outlets
• Designated conference/study room
• Additional shelf capacity, especially for children’s, teen and adult fiction collections

This month, Gov. Phil Murphy approved a proposed list of projects to the Legislature for the first round of funding from the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA), allocating $125 million in state bonds to fund important improvements to New Jersey public libraries.

38 crucial projects from 16 different counties, including four projects in Monmouth County, were recommended to receive funding from the legislation. During the first round, nearly $87.5 million is obtainable and ready to be distributed.

The funding is aimed at coordinating crucial improvements to New Jersey public libraries, including ADA compliance upgrades for disabled residents, HVAC improvements and initiatives to improve public access to information, according to a news release. The legislation also aims to modernize community space and offer new technology to library users. The initial grant round will also fund ten new library buildings, with a second round of awards planned for the first quarter of 2021.

“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 New Jersey Sen. James Beach in a statement. “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.”

A dedicated committee of experts from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Treasury reviewed more than 129 applications.

“Our public libraries serve as community bedrocks providing resources and information to thousands of New Jerseyans,” said Gov. 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.”

To view the full list of libraries and branches that received funding, click here.