West Orange Library Now Due To Open In October (Take An Early Peek)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange residents who have been waiting with baited breath for the opening of the town’s new public library will have to bide their time a little while longer, officials announced Tuesday.

Originally slated to open last spring, the library’s new location at 10 Rooney Circle is now expected to take place in mid-October, according to a statement from the township.

Here’s what caused the delay, officials said:

“Originally expected to have been opened this past spring several factors have caused delays. Supply chain issues had directly affected several needed utility and infrastructure upgrades. Also, components for the heating and ventilation systems were back ordered and only recently shipped. The unavailability of specific items created a domino effect and caused unintended consequences in other areas.”

Things are finally beginning to come together, officials added.

“Nearly every stage of the construction project is now complete, including the installation of shelving, millwork, and furniture,” the town’s public information officer stated.

The delivery of books, reference materials, and other related items will begin on Sept. 11. Library books and materials returning to the shelves is expected to be complete by the last week of the month.

After the library closed its old location at 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue in February, a temporary location was set up at 80 Main Street for a continuation of some key library services.

When it’s complete, the new library will have several public meeting rooms, state-of-the-art computer labs, eco-friendly initiatives, technological upgrades, increased storage capacities, more restroom facilities, a larger floor area, a public elevator and more opportunities for community engagement, officials said.

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Mayor Susan McCartney acknowledged the delay in opening was longer than anticipated.

“We understand the sentiments of residents regarding the delayed opening of our new library,” McCartney said. “Everyone has been working diligently from the beginning of the project to reach our final goal. The inconvenience is only temporary, but thankfully the improvements of a new state-of-the-art facility will be permanent in serving the needs of the community.”

The mayor also expressed her appreciation for the cooperation of the West Orange Public Library Board of Trustees, who she said have been “invaluable” in providing input and guidance throughout the process.

According to town officials, the need for a new library has been building for decades:

“On January 24, 1951, the West Orange Public Library was established after signing the incorporation papers. Its first location was at 46 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. As the library grew and required more space, an addition was added in 1979. However, with time, it became apparent that the current building needed improvement to meet future needs. To accommodate the growing needs of a modern library it was determined that the existing building was inadequate to meet those needs. After exploring all options, it was decided that it was in the overall best interest of West Orange residents to relocate to a larger facility to best meet the challenges of the future.”

Library trustees previously pointed out there was another reason to root for the redevelopment plan to succeed: the new building would be partly funded by a $3.1-million grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act. Read More: West Orange Library Expected To Get Big Boost From State Funds

The new library was a key bargaining chip in a major redevelopment project at 100 and 200 Executive Drive and 10 Rooney Circle that took shape during the pandemic. See Related: Trustees Share Plans For New Library In West Orange

It was also a focal point of a recent case decided in New Jersey Supreme Court, which ruled that the previous designation of the library as an “area in need of redevelopment” was invalid. See Related: NJ Supreme Court Rules On West Orange Library Dispute

McCartney later said the Supreme Court’s decision wouldn’t impact plans to break ground on the new library. Read More: NJ Court Ruling Won't Deter West Orange's Plans, Mayor Says

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