As it enters the final stages of a major expansion project, Monroe Township’s library will close for two weeks in early December.
PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Above: A gas fireplace and other features are designed to enhance the experience for users of the Monroe Township Public Library, which is nearing the end of a $7.5 million expansion and renovation project. Below: One of the rooms in the new children’s area. Bottom: A new rotunda at the library is among the new features visible at the facility. The library additions are up on both sides of the old facility, which is located in the municipal complex at Perrineville and Schoolhouse roads, and construction is expected to be complete in about a month. The $7.5 million project began in June 2007.
“Construction is moving swiftly and expected to be completed by the end of January 2009,” Assistant Library Director Leah Wagner said.
The library will have expanded children’s and adult sections, as well as a drive-up window, café and fine art gallery. Adults will have more quiet study areas, additional books and media, a newspaper and magazine reading area, and a gas fireplace and windows overlooking landscaping to enhance the reading experience. Other new items include more computers, a medical and surgical reference section, copy center and new restrooms.
The children’s area will be enhanced by a section dedicated to kids up to 5 years old, various interactive activities and a room for children’s programs.
Wagner said library users are very excited about the addition of a drive-through window, in particular. She also made special note of the art gallery, which she said will be clad in light wood for displaying
quarterly exhibits. The library will be closed Dec. 1- 14 as workers begin the final stages of renovations. Wagner said work will be done to renovate existing interior space while the library is closed. During that time, library users with cards in Monroe can use other libraries in Middlesex County, including those in nearby towns such as Jamesburg, Spotswood, Cranbury and Old Bridge. All library materials currently checked out will be due Jan. 2, and there will be no fines charged during December. Patrons should not try to return items from Dec. 1-14 while the library is closed, and the book drop at the Monroe Recreation Center will also be closed. All programming scheduled for that twoweek period is canceled, and the Monroe bookmobile will be off the road during December.
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