Freehold Public Library Set To Reopen Following Renovations

FREEHOLD, NJ — The Freehold Public Library will officially re-open on Thursday following previous renovations, Freehold Borough officials said.

The library is set to open its doors to the public at 9 a.m. Later that day, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 4 p.m.

Library officials are asking residents to join them in celebrating the re-opening after the library was previously closed for renovations.

In December 2020, the space received a $889,000 grant for renovations and building modernization. As part of the funding, the library aimed to improve accessibility through wheelchair access, ADA-compliant restrooms and designated handicapped parking.

As an original Carnegie Library, Library Director Kathy Mulholland said the Freehold Public Library has remained “substantially unchanged” since its construction in 1904.

According to Patch's previous reporting, the building’s renovation has largely been aimed at updating building systems and making accessibility modifications to the existing structure.

Renovations have been done with the goal of maintaining the building's "Classic Carnegie Library" look and feel, according to the Freehold Borough website.

“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 previous statement.

The full renovation plans included:

• 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 the library
• Relocated staff office and repositioned circulation desk
• New teen room public space reclaimed from storage/utility areas
• Safety improvements to the front entrance (preserving historic character)
• Remodeling and new shelving in the 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

In December 2022, the library held an open house for community members to come and discuss renovation plans.

Guest speakers included Kevin Coyne (a borough historian), Brianne Van Vorst (from the Historic Preservation Commission) and Library Director Kathy Mulholland.

Each speaker focused on a different topic relating to the library’s renovation such as the space’s historical significance, the library’s architecture, or a re-imagining of the library’s new space.

Since undergoing renovations, the library has temporarily relocated to the Freehold Borough Municipal Building. On Thursday, the public will officially return to the new and improved space.

“Ready or not, here we come!” Library officials said in a Facebook post.

The Freehold Public Library is located at 28 ½ East Main Street. To reach the library, you can call 732-462-5135 or email help@freeholdpubliclibrary.org.

Related:

• Freehold Library Receives $889K For Accessibility, HVAC Updates
• Renovation Of Freehold Public Library To Be Topic Of Open House