NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — A $4.165 million renovation of the Sussex County Library System’s Dennis Branch is officially underway following a groundbreaking ceremony held Sept. 14.
County and library officials gathered at the branch at 101 Main St. in Newton to mark the beginning of construction on the project, which is expected to take approximately 12 months.
The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners previously approved a construction contract with Westcraft Builders Inc. for the long-planned renovation. The project is funded through a grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library, along with matching funds from Sussex County.
“We are excited to see this project begin and to bring long-awaited updates to the Dennis Branch,” said Library Director Will Porter. “This has truly been a collaborative effort, from the Newton Library Association to County and State officials, and we thank everyone who has contributed to making this project possible. We especially want to thank the Newton library community for its support. We look forward to welcoming the community back to an updated Dennis Branch next year.”
The project will provide an updated and expanded library space with improved accessibility and services for the Newton community.
The Dennis Branch closed to the public in July to prepare the building for construction. During the closure, library cardholders continue to have access to digital resources and borrowing privileges at other Sussex County Library System branches.
The Dot Mobile Library is also providing service at 15 Trinity St. in Newton from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays, 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays.
Cardholders may also use the Open Borrowing program at the Sparta Public Library and participating libraries in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Warren counties.
When plans for the closure were announced, Porter thanked those involved in moving the renovation forward.
“We’re excited to begin this next chapter for the Dennis Branch,” said Library Director Will Porter. “We’re grateful to the Sussex County Commissioners, the New Jersey State Library, the Newton Library Association, and all those whose dedication and support have helped make this project possible. We also want to thank our patrons for their patience as we complete these improvements, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to a refreshed library that will better serve the community for years to come.”
Updates on the renovation and alternate library services are available through the Sussex County Library System’s website.
