Hunterdon County main library to see upgrades under grant application approved by freeholders
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The Hunterdon County Freeholders this week approved an application for a state grant for library construction that seeks $980,000 in state grant funds for improvements designed to meet the evolving needs of modern library users at the main county library, in the Route 12 complex, in Raritan Township.
The $1.9 million construction project, funded by the state grant, a $640,000 county match, and $340,000 from a dedicated library trust account, proposes a complete facility LED lighting project, creating a digitally-interactive Makerspace/Training Lab, and a redesigned adult services area, among other expansions and improvements.
“There is a great deal with this project to like; from enhancing the library space for modern users, to saving money with environmentally friendly lighting, to creating a construction project that can put people to work. And two thirds of the cost is being covered by the state grant and library trust account,” Freeholder Zach Rich, the Board’s liaison for the Library Commission, said.
“We are excited to apply for this grant opportunity in hopes we can better meet the needs of our residents. Our design plan was guided by the community with feedback from numerous community conversation focus groups and our extensive public survey,” Library Director James Keehbler said.
“If we are successful in this grant application, our facility will be better able to serve small businesses and non-profits, job seekers, all students, community organizations and even the residents that simply want a quiet place to read or work,“ Keehbler said.
The County Library Commission endorsed and recommended the project, which also includes creating a new Community Meeting Room, two collaborative Small Group Study rooms, and a Hi-speed Internetenabled Quiet Study space.
