Long Branch Library To Undergo Big Renovations

LONG BRANCH, NJ — The Long Branch Public Library has been awarded a $3.1 million dollar matching grant from the NJ Library Construction Bond Act.

Gov. Murphy informed Long Branch Mayor John Pallone of the competitive award on Friday.

The money will be used to renovate and restore the 23,500-square-foot Carnegie Library so that in the future it will include a business and career center, a local history room, additional reading spaces and new teen area.

Two levels of the building will be renovated, with an open floor plan, new furniture and ADA compliance, said the city of Long Branch.

Improvements will also be made to fully reclaim the lower level, which suffered water damage during past bad storms. These improvements include a new HVAC system, waterproofing and a new emergency generator.

“We worked to plan a state-of-the-art building that reflects our nationally recognized library services,” said Long Branch Library Director Tonya Garcia. "The newly renovated Carnegie library will include much-needed major repairs, as well as create a spacious open floor plan, that will allow us to create lost floor space and to expand in ways never imagined. This project is a dream of mine fulfilled."

“Thank you to Governor Murphy and to our state legislators, especially state Senator Vin Gopal, for helping us get this grant," said Mayor Pallone.

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