South Brunswick Library Embarks On Community Fundraising Effort

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Here's your chance to make a name for yourself in South Brunswick history. The South Brunswick Public Library Foundation is seeking help to ensure the library grows to meet the needs of the community. The foundation is already met more than half of the $500,000 financial goal to cover the cost of repairs.

The foundation is now extending its fundraising efforts to the community and offering members a variety of naming opportunities and sponsorship levels in return for donations.

The library is hoping to make changes and improvements include interior renovations, HVAC repairs, and ADA upgrades. Additionally, a 10,400 square-foot wing and enlarged parking area will be built using the municipally-owned lots next door.

The wing will include a large meeting room and a 128-seat auditorium with a stage. The authorized cost of the plan is $7,198,704. Funding will come from several sources, including a state grant of $3,586,852, a Township Bond of $3,011,852, an SBPL Trustee contribution of $250,000 with the balance is to be fundraised by the Foundation.

Township residents will only pay 42 cents on the dollar for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Foundation President Mahendra Patel noted that the mission to raise funds is especially challenging on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health safety measures sidelined the Foundation’s two big fall fundraisers in 2020 and 2021 - the Author Dinner in September and a wine, dinner and chocolate affaire in December. In 2020, the Library’s Board of Trustees embarked on a multifaceted construction plan.

The mission was to make changes that will ensure that the Library’s Christopher J. Killmurray Building keeps pace with the growing community so it can continue to serve as the Township’s center for information, technology, culture, and the arts.

For more details on how to help with fundraising, visit www.sbplfoundation.org or contact Library Director Chris Carbone at (732)329-4000, ext. 7287 or ccarbone@sbpl.info.

A variety of naming opportunities for every budget are available. Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed by late 2023.