Bigger Book Building: Maplewood Seeks Bids To Construct New Library

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Library is now soliciting bids for a project to construct a new, larger Baker Street library building, an initiative partly funded by an $8.3 million state grant awarded in 2020.

The Maplewood Library Project, “A Library for the 21st Century," will include a complete reconstruction of the building at 51 Baker St., turning it into a two-story structure that's more flood resistant. It will also have features like community meeting spaces, a Business Center, and a History Center.

The new building will also be more accessible than before, with public spaces on the first floor and centrally located elevators and restrooms.

In a virtual town hall in March, the library and Sage & Coombe Architects unveiled the final design plans. The updated plans for the construction are here.

According to a public notice from the library and township, sealed bids will be received at the office of Maplewood Township Clerk Elizabeth Fritzen at 574 Valley St. by 10 a.m. on June 14. bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The new building will include these improvements:

• Library space will increase, with more seating, larger collections, and more public meeting space.
• A new 233-seat Community Room will offer exterior access for use after library hours.
• A separate Children’s Program Room, adjacent to a Children’s Zone, will feature flexible space, seating, and a craft area.
• There will be a History Center, computer lab/maker lab, and a Business Center.

See continuing updates on the plans here.

Read a story on the library plans from 2021 here.

Check out the library website here.

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