Tinton Falls Library Looking to Expand

The Tinton Falls Library is going to try again for a grant that will help it expand and make it more accessible to the handicapped.

Architect Rita Anilonis said the library is looking to apply for a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to make the improvements and make the building comply to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Anilonis got the Tinton Falls Council's blessing this week to go apply for the grant again this year.

"Last year's application was denied by the county, but we're going back for it this year," Anilonis said. "We're always positive looking at it, and a technicality was one of the reasons we were not approved."

Borough Engineer explained that the county had already approved a grant for accessibility improvements for the Crawford House, so the library's application was denied.

Marks said those improvements are now complete and that the library is free to apply for the CBDG grant this year.

Plans for the reworked library include:

• Widened entrance eliminating step at threshold;
• Lowered check out counters at the front desk to accommodate patrons using wheelchairs;
• Ramp replacing a step leading to the back section of the facility;
• Elimination of two existing restrooms (small and narrow) and the construction of two larger, ADA-compliant bathrooms at the back of the building;
• Construction of an approximately 500-square-foot addition to the back of the building that would replace an existing trailer and serve as a meeting room for library programs;
• Added ramp access to side and rear entrances of the building;
• Additional handicap parking space to accommodate wheelchair accessible vans.