‘Worth the wait’

Expanded library is well-received as it opens its doors to patrons after 15 months of renovation.

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   The largely renovated South Brunswick Public Library made its public debut Monday, and reactions indicated the project was worth the 15-month wait.
   The $4.27 million expansion added more than 16,000 square feet and a host of amenities to the building, including an enlarged children’s section, additional computer rooms and a new circulation desk.
   "We anticipate being very busy," Library Director Lorraine Jackson said, adding that opening day went smoothly. "We had a small crowd of people waiting at the door."
   Ms. Jackson said, so far, patrons seem thrilled with the library’s makeover — "particularly those who remembered what it was like before," she added.
   In the children’s section, where approximately 6,000 square feet of space was added, bright sunlight poured onto the gleaming new shelves as eager children explored their new facility.
   "We’ve needed this space for a long time," children’s librarian Wendy Offery said. "It’s nice to be able to stretch out."
   Ms. Offery said she believes the end result of the construction, which began in August 2004 and resulted in the library claiming temporary quarters at the township Public Works building, is "better than anyone could have expected."
   All day Monday, residents were commenting on how well the project turned out, Ms Offery said.
   "The first words are — ‘it was worth the wait,’ " she said.
   Tucked away from the stacks in the children’s area lies what Ms. Jackson calls the "architectural gem" of the expansion — the story room. The space, complete with a high ceiling and plenty of light, will provide the public with the opportunity to experience story times and other live events, Ms. Jackson explained.
   The children’s section also now has its own computer room, equipped with four machines.
   For those a bit older, the library now boasts a teen lounge.
   "It’s where the kids can come and hang out," Ms. Jackson said. "They don’t have to feel so restrictive."
   Next door to the teen lounge is the new homework center complete with computers. The students "really like to study in groups, so this is where the group study can be," said Ms. Jackson.
   Other features of the expanded library include an enlarged audio/visual section where a variety of music, films and nonfiction materials are available.
   "We’ve beefed up our selection," Ms. Jackson said. The additional space will help the library keep pace with media as it evolves, Ms. Jackson said.
   "Our problem is that media changes so quickly."
   The circulation desk, once a "very crowded space," is now a "larger more spacious area," Ms. Jackson said. The increased room "allows us more display area," she added.
   A computer-training lab is now available in the library. The room, filled with about 16 computers, will eventually be used to offer a number of courses. In the future, classes covering anything from basic e-mail and Internet skills to advanced research will be offered at the library. A state Livable Communities grant was used to provide the computers, Ms. Jackson said.
   Adjacent to the information services area, a number of patrons were already enjoying the new Internet café area and the plush seating surrounding sets of wide, sweeping windows — features that Ms. Jackson said "makes the whole building more human."
   In this more mellow area, library patrons can sit and relax, Ms. Jackson said. Wireless communication is available in the café area, where a beverage machine is also located.
   "I’m loving it," Jeff Papier said of the improved library.
   Mr. Papier, a senior librarian in information services, said the facility was in need of an addition for a while.
   "It’s open, spacious," he said, while admiring his surroundings. In addition to the improved resources, "It just looks nicer," Mr. Papier said.