MONROE — The township library is in the final chapter of its renovation project.
The facility reopened for business last week after two weeks of closure, and construction is slated to be complete by the beginning of February, library Director Irene Goldberg said.
“It’s very exciting, this go-round,” she said. “It’s just beautiful. It takes my breath away.”
Additions have been built on both sides of the original library building, located in the municipal complex at Perrineville and Schoolhouse roads. Electrical work on the existing facility and the installation of wiring in the newly constructed areas, as well as carpet installation, necessitated the library’s closing from Dec. 1 through 14.
The carpet installation involved moving every piece of shelving, as well as all of the books, Goldberg said.
Although the reopening Dec. 15 was not much busier than any other day, Goldberg said patrons were excited about the new developments they saw. Many remarked on the spaciousness of the facility, now that stacks have been moved into the new wings, resulting in more open, comfortable seating areas, she said.
The newly built areas will not be open to the public until February.
“This is just the tip of what we’re going to have,” Goldberg said.
The drive-up return window was one of the new features patrons were able to enjoy as of last week. Another drive-up window, which will allow for pickups, will open along with the new areas of the facility in early February.
“They were driving up like crazy,” Goldberg said of the return window. “That went over very well.”
A final closing will take place sometime next month, in order to build a new desk and reposition some shelving. According to Goldberg, the library should only be closed for a couple of days for that work.
The $7.5 million expansion and renovation project began in June 2007. It includes expanded sections for both children and adults.
“It’s breathtaking,” Councilman and longtime library board member Irwin Nalitt said. “The expanse, the way it’s laid out — it’s just beyond description.”
Adult patrons will have the benefit of additional quiet areas for reading and studying, as well as additional books and media. A newspaper and magazine reading area have been added, as well as a gas fireplace and windows overlooking outdoor landscaping.
Child patrons will see an enhanced section with interactive features and a new room for various programs. Children age 5 and under will have a section dedicated exclusively to them, specially made for crawling.
“The children’s area is just magnificent,” Goldberg said. “It’s going to be really great for the little ones.”
Other new features include a café serving beverages and light fare, a fine-art gallery, additional computers, a medical and surgical reference section, copy center and new restrooms.
“There’s really something for everyone,” library board Chairwoman Sylvie Feist said. “It’s going to be phenomenal.”
Goldberg said the Feb. 7 opening will be considered a “soft” opening, which will include Mayor Richard Pucci’s presence for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The grand opening and a large-scale celebration will take place in April, when the library celebrates its 20th anniversary, she said.
While plans for the grand opening celebration are still in the works, the event promises to be something big, library officials said. Events commemorating the library’s 20th anniversary will continue throughout the year in the new facility.
Pucci spoke highly of the facility overall, saying it is the biggest source of education in the town besides the schools.
“I think everyone is going to be very impressed with it,” Pucci said. “It’s not only the size and the beauty of the building, but also the staff and the quality of the services they provide for our residents. It’s outstanding.”
Due to the two-week closing, the library is not charging any fines for late materials throughout the month of December. All materials checked out will be due Jan. 2.

