Red Bank Library Receives $150K For Major Accessibility Upgrades

RED BANK, NJ - The Red Bank Public Library recently received a grant from the state aimed at renovating and modernizing the municipal library. As part of the $150,000 grant from Trenton, the library aims to improve accessibility through an overall $300K A.D.A. rehabilitation project, including upgrades to the main entrance, renovating the current lower-level bathrooms to be more A.D.A. accessible and upgrading the existing elevator to better meet increased demand and usage, among other improvements.

"RBPL already offers over 400 programs annually with over 50,000 visitors to the facility a year; not only will all residents have easier access to our collection, programs, and services, but our spectacular riverfront views will also be available to the entire public. Ultimately, the upgrades to our physical location will ensure that the Library continues to be the dynamic force that meets our diverse and vibrant community's ever-changing needs," Library Director Eleni Glykis told Patch.

"We are grateful to the Borough of Red Bank, Melani Filosa, our grant writer, Ed O'Neill, and Jill Reit from S.O.M.E., Architects, The Foundation of the Red Bank Public Library, Library Board, and the library staff for all of their support and assistance throughout the application process. It was indeed a team effort!"

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.

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 area libraries received:

• Avon Public Library (Avon-By-The-Sea): $175,000
• Freehold Public Library (Freehold): $889,000
• Monmouth County Library Headquarters (Manalapan): $1,950,000

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.