Message from Councilmember Ellen Zimmerman | July 2, 2021
As we celebrated the in-person reopening of the Scotch Plains Public Library at the beginning of June, it is timely to update residents about our plans to build a brand-new, larger facility to accommodate the growing need. The plans are a “game changer” for our downtown redevelopment efforts.
This governing body is very conservative with spending, but the current condition of the library gives us little choice but to support this $13 million project. The current library, at 1927 Bartle Ave., was built in 1968. Most anyone would agree it is way too small and obsolete to serve a community like ours, with highly technological needs.
We envision a comfortable, bright library that can serve as a destination point and dovetail nicely with our plans to redevelop the downtown. We want a welcoming facility that is community focused and able to provide an unprecedented level of programming and resources that our residents can enjoy.
Under our plan, the library would occupy the first two floors of a new three-story building and will be entirely self-contained and independent. The municipality would then use the third floor for its offices.
The new building is designed with dedicated space for the use of computer technology by adults, coupled with Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet. There would also be a large, flexible and divisible multi-purpose room that can be sub-divided to offer related programs such as job fairs, resume writing classes, and SAT prep to address the growing career and educational needs of our community.
There will also be a sizable youth services area – a main focus. As a mother of three, I fondly remember the importance of nurturing a love for reading at the earliest of ages. The library was the gateway for me, and many other parents, in Scotch Plains. This space will also offer focused services for middle school and high school students.
Our plans also include an outdoor plaza that will be part of the library’s main entrance off Bartle Avenue. The plaza expands the space that the library will have available for its activities and outdoor programs.
The difference will be both startling and enormous, compared to our current library, attracting many more residents and visitors to our downtown.
The proposed 27,000-square-foot library will hopefully be supported with funding through the Library Construction Bond Act, which earmarks $125 million in state bonds to support the rehabilitation and construction of new libraries.
We are seeking $3.5 million through the bond act to offset costs. The state is expected to announce grant awards this fall; we are hopeful for some good news.
In the interim, our current library is now open on a regular schedule and ready to serve you! Visit scotlib.org for the latest hours and programs.
