These Renovations Coming Inside The Middletown Public Library

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here's a rendering of how the new reference area will look at the Middletown Public Library once it is completed in 2024.

The planned renovation is set to begin in January/February 2024. It will be done in two phases and should take four to six months to complete. The Middletown Library said it will remain open while renovations are underway, however there may be some days when it has to close, but it will provide ample notice.

Why does the library need to be renovated?

The last time the Middletown Public Library went through a major renovation was in 2004. Since then, the needs of the community have evolved and the library has a need to redesign some interior space.

For example, the library said the computer lab is no longer used. So a larger teen space and a separate makerspace will be added in its place.

More seating around the reference area, as well as four new private study rooms will be installed. A larger History Room is also in the plans, which will provide much needed space to house their collection of Middletown Township and New Jersey history materials, as Middletown is a very historical area and had a front-row seat to the American Revolutionary War.

In the past year, the Middletown library has taken suggestions from the public as to how to improve the reference area, including adding more comfortable seating space, additional private meeting rooms and study space, and enhanced history and reading rooms.

An updated Teen Room and a brand-new makerspace are also included in the plans.

The public is also welcome to submit questions and see more photos of how it will look at www.mtpl.org/mtpl-renovation Posters are also up in person at the library

Raffle tickets are currently being sold and will directly benefit the renovation; they are on sale at the library’s circulation desk. This is a 50/50 cash raffle and the winner will receive 50 percent of the amount received for all tickets or rights to participate.