Scotch Plains Unveils Plans For New Library

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Plans for the new Scotch Plains Public Library were unveiled last week when Mayor Al Smith along with library director Michelle Willis, and Downtown Redevelopment Coordinator Tom Strowe gave a presentation.

A grant application was submitted to the State for a new 25,000-square-foot public library. The cost of the new library is projected to be $12 million and $6 million is being sought through the grant.

The current 14,000-square-foot library building was built in the mid-1960s and no longer is capable of meeting the community's needs.

The new library will feature a large meeting room on the first floor, which will be more than twice the size of what the current meeting room is. There will also be private study rooms, a computer lab, and family services on the top floor with areas dedicated for preschoolers and toddlers through teens.

"The library will be focused on people, rather than just housing materials. Although we will still have those as well," Willis said.

Strowe noted that the new library will be a huge benefit to the downtown area.

"The focus on people, the focus of bringing people to the library, that's all going to benefit our downtown. And the new library is really part of our overall vision for a new down town," Strowe said. "Studies show that businesses that are in close proximity to library tend to see spending increased because people will spend time at the libraries and then venture out and eat downtown and spend time downtown."

The new library will be built in the existing parking lot off Bartle Avenue. Once construction is complete, the old library will be demolished.

Residents can take a look at the new plan inside the library, which recently opened last week. Due to limited capacity, residents are asked to make an appointment prior to arriving at the library. For more information visit scotlib.org or call 908-322-5007.

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