Monmouth Library HQ In Manalapan Receives $1.95M State Grant

MANALAPAN, NJ - The Monmouth County Library recently received a grant from the state aimed at renovating and modernizing the Monmouth County Library branch. As part of the $1,950,000 grant from Trenton, the library aims to complete power, lighting, and technology infrastructure, modernize and repair the meeting rooms and add a special Teen Reading Room to the Symmes Road location. The facility is also set on ensuring that building restrooms are ADA compliant.

“The project was brought forward by efforts of the Library Commission, Frank Wells, Chairman and Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who recognized the need to improve and update library facilities to meet the needs of our patrons following the recommendations of a library consulting firm and outreach survey results provided by library users,” Monmouth County Library System Director Judith Tolchin told Patch.

“The library received much assistance from staff members that worked tirelessly on the grant and support from the County of Monmouth including County Administration, County Engineering and County Buildings and Grounds. Settembrino Architects was contracted and developed a proposal based on specifications developed by Monmouth County Engineering and the library.”

As required by the terms of the grant, the $1,950,000 award will require matching funds from the library system.

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.

New Jersey voters approved the LCBA in November 2017.

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.

Here is what other Monmouth County libraries received:

• Avon Public Library (Avon-By-The-Sea): $175,000
• Freehold Public Library (Freehold): $889,000
• Red Bank Public Library (Red Bank): $150,000

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.