Temporary library to open in the public utilities building in municipal complex.
By: Melissa Hayes
The South Brunswick Public Library will have to shut its doors and temporarily relocate for a few weeks in June as its expansion project moves into the older portions of the building.
The library will open in a limited form in the new public utilities building on Route 522 in the township municipal complex.
The library is undergoing a $42.7 million expansion and renovation that kicked off in August. The project will add 16,472 square feet to the building and will include a larger kids’ room, a new computer lab with 18 computers, a new circulation desk, added storage and a check-in and check-out area.
Gingerelli Bros. of Toms River, who is doing the work, has constructed temporary walls inside the building to separate the older sections that have been accessible to patrons from construction on the addition. However, the contractor is concerned that conditions will not be safe for patrons once work begins on the older sections of the building.
"The contractor is very concerned about the safety of anybody being in that building and that’s why we’re closing it," said Ellen Gambatese, vice president of the library’s board of trustees.
Ms. Gambatese said ceiling work would leave wires hanging and that other construction could cause problems.
"The board of trustees does not feel comfortable having that building open at all," she said.
Ms. Gambatese said the township has offered the library space in the new utility building, which will not immediately be occupied by other township officials.
"It looks like that’s what we’re going to use as part of the solution," she said.
Although Ms. Gambatese did not have specific dates for the closure, it looks to happen sometime in June and last about six to 10 weeks.
"We’re hoping that the work can be done in less than the six to 10 weeks, certainly less than the 10 weeks, that the contractor is estimating," she said.
Some personnel would still have access to the building to reach materials.
Ms. Gambatese said the board hopes to keep CDs, videos, newly released books and some periodicals available to the public.
Computers would be on hand for the staff, but there would be limited use for the public.
"We would try to serve everything on a limited basis," she said.

