Library holds book sale to make way for move.
By: Audrey Levine
The room was silent as people walked in and out, losing themselves in the rows of books.
As they made their way through the meeting room during the library’s annual book sale on May 12, many stopped to pick up a novel, read the title and maybe add it to the pile already in their arms.
"I read a tremendous amount and I love having books at my constant disposal," said Jean Casagrande, of Monmouth Junction, as she thumbed through a box of books in front of her.
The library holds a book sale three times a year, offering novels that have either been donated by the public or are being weeded out from the library’s collection.
Sponsored by the Friends of South Brunswick Public Library, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to provide for more programs at the library, the funds from the sale will go toward holding such public activities.
"The Friends sponsors programs that are wanted by the public, but cannot be supported by the budget that the library has," said Manju Khanchandani, secretary of Friends and a bookmobile library assistant.
The sale, which ran from May 11 to Sunday, was originally slated to be held in June, but had to be rescheduled because the library is expected to be closed that month for a construction and renovation project. In addition, a February sale was canceled altogether because of the construction, said Christopher Carbone, assistant director of the library.
The library’s $4.2 million plan will provide for a 16,472-square-foot expansion and renovation project, which includes a larger children’s room, the addition of a computer lab with 18 computers and a new circulation desk for staff, storage and check-in and check-out space.
Offsetting the cost is a $1 million grant from the State Construction Grant Program to support the expansion.
In addition, the Friends and its sister organization, the South Brunswick Public Library Foundation, will be holding additional fundraisers to help alleviate the cost of the addition. Township funds will cover remaining costs.
A 6,000-square-foot addition for the children’s room will be constructed on the front and will include an area for new picture books and rooms for story time, programming and crafts. One such new space is the massive octagon-shaped room that is beginning to take shape at the front of the building.
At the rear of the building, a 5,000-square-foot addition will include an expanded reading room and two rooms for young adults, one for homework and one for lounging.
There also will be a third phase of construction that includes the addition of staff offices in the rear of the building.
Library Director Lorraine Jackson said books during last week’s and previous sales had to go to make way for the building renovations.
Mr. Carbone said the project is expected to meet the needs of a growing population.
"Like all of South Brunswick, our population and usage has grown tremendously," said Mr. Carbone. "The facility wasn’t able to hold the collection and programming we wanted it to."
Despite the changes, however, the book sale has still proven its popularity as people entered the small meeting room, making their way through the fiction and mystery sections or taking their kids into the back for the children’s novels.
"It’s great to get a bargain and good books to replenish my shelves at home," said Charles Reimer, of South Brunswick.
"Normally it is just on the weekend, but since we are trying to complete the expansion, we are expanding it to have a clearance," said Mr. Carbone.
According to Mr. Carbone, the book sales are the biggest fundraisers held by the Friends, with books ranging in price from 50 cents to a little over $1. In October, the parking lot was packed and the library offered a shuttle bus from the Municipal Building to the library, Mr. Carbone said.
"It has helped to bring the community together," said Ms. Jackson, as she pored over a floor plan of the new addition. "People can come and see members of the community. It is a good place to meet."
Despite the benefits of a new library, there are certain inconveniences now for patrons.
"Parking is so terrible and it affects my coming," said Ms. Casagrande. "I haven’t come as often."
Right now, parking is limited to the back of the library and spaces at the nearby Municipal Building.
"I think that it’s temporary pain for a great gain," said librarian Jeff Papier.
"People are very excited," said Mr. Carbone. "The construction has caused a lot of changes and inconveniences, but the public has been very patient."
Ms. Casagrande said that despite any inconveniences patrons and employees may face during the construction, they can feel confident that the end result will be worthwhile.
"Every time there’s improvements, it brings more people," Ms. Casagrande said.

