Len LoPinto can tally them off like a shopping list: A new roof. New heating, ventilation and air conditioning. New carpeting. New lighting. New ceilings. New bathrooms.
Each item is a needed repair at the Paramus Public Library.
If he had it his way, LoPinto, director of the Paramus Public Library, would build a new library. But he'd need more than just his way.
He'd need $17.8 million, according to the library's own plans. The library has sought a new building since 2007, when a plan to ask the Borough for the funds to construct the building was soundly defeated in a referendum.
The Library again laid out its need for a new building this year, this time to newly assigned Council liaison Ralph Amato, but given the Borough's budget situation, any good news seems unlikely. Amato said as much.
"We just don't have the means to do that," he said. "And to be honest with you I don't know when we're going to have the means."
The Paramus Public Library was rebuilt in 1989, an addition that added 10,000 square feet to the original 6,500 square foot building. Since then the library has added new programs and collections, including DVDs, foreign language and audio books.
"All these new collections, programs, computers have been added to a building that truly wasn't designed for much of the new technology," LoPinto said.
LoPinto and the library board have explored other options, including making renovations and additions, but according to a report by RSC Architects in 2008, an addition would, "alleviate basic spatial constraints, but not provide enough new area to optimize library functions and provide suitable space for the educational needs of library patrons or community programs." In addition, LoPinto said, a new building would be more energy-efficient and allow for more parking.
The board has looked at grants. It has looked at fundraising. LoPinto has reached out to the Bergen County Cooperative Library System with a proposal to include their offices a new Paramus Public Library, in exchange for a contribution to the construction costs.
In any case, the Borough would have to bear a large share of the cost. And it's clear that it can't do that now.
"We're going to have to wait and see what happens," LoPinto said.
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