Big Updates At Libraries In East, South Orange: Renovation, BCCLS

THE ORANGES, NJ — There have been some big announcements at two local public libraries in the Oranges this week.

On Wednesday, the East Orange Public Library announced it is about to begin construction on a $1.7 million library renovation project, the first of its kind since the library opened more than 75 years ago.

The main library is located at 21 South Arlington Avenue in East Orange.

According to a news release:

“The project, designed by gk+a Architects, P.C., was funded through a $500,000 state grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act with matching funds from the City of East Orange. The renovation includes new flooring and ceilings, remodeling the first and second floors, and increasing the size of the East Orange Room, a community meeting room and event space. It also includes a major facelift to the main lobby, as well as ‘replacing infrastructure that dates back to the 1950s.’”

Library Director JP Porcaro said that plans to keep the library open “were a must” during construction, which is expected to take up to one year to complete.

The project will be completed in two six-month phases, and the library is projected to close for only one single week in December while materials and collections are put back in place, Porcaro said.

Online content will be available as usual, and expanded summer hours will be added to provide the community with extra access to library throughout the project. Additional updates and advisories will be issued during the renovations, and all projections about the duration of the construction and temporary services are subject to change, due to weather and unforeseeable circumstances.

“We know how valuable a resource our library is to the community and we want to make sure there are no gaps for those seeking learning and enrichment, especially during the summer months,” Porcaro said.

Mayor Ted Green and Council Chair Christopher Awe recently stopped by the library to check on the project’s progress.

“The East Orange Public Library is a staple in our city, and after decades of public use, there is an urgent need to upgrade this facility and bring it up to par with our surrounding cities,” Green noted.

SOUTH ORANGE

Meanwhile, the South Orange Public Library also saw a recent milestone, administrators reported.

At the annual Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) council meeting in June, the membership – which consists of 77 regional libraries – voted to admit South Orange library into the consortium.

According to library administrators:

“By joining the BCCLS, South Orange residents will gain unprecedented access to more than 5,000,000 physical books and 60,000 digital items, in addition to walk-in privileges at member libraries. This consortium allows for reciprocal borrowing among its members so that books, DVDs, and other media are shared among the 77 libraries across four counties, 10 of which are located in Essex County.”

South Orange library patrons will be able to place requests and have materials transferred to SOPL for pick up within 48 hours. One option, provided by the BCCLS mobile app, makes it possible to search the catalog, place holds and check account status from mobile devices.

The initiative was made possible through fundraising efforts of the Friends of SOPL, which covered the initial costs of BCCLS membership.

“This was a significant step in joining the BCCLS consortium, and the South Orange Public Library is looking forward to begin offering these expanded services to our community starting in January 2024,” Director Jill Faherty said.

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