Tinton Falls officials will apply for $217,500 library grant

The Tinton Falls Borough Council has agreed to submit a grant application seeking $217,500 under the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act.

If the borough’s application is approved, the money from the grant would be used to renovate and repair the Tinton Falls Public Library.

The library, which is located at 664 Tinton Ave., has been closed since August 2017 after mold was discovered in the building.

A dual application from the borough and the library will be authorized by Chief Financial Officer Thomas Fallon, who is serving as the borough’s acting administrator.

The grant, if approved, would be used to fund a portion of the costs that would be incurred to renovate and repair the library, which is a former home.

To be considered for a grant, officials said the borough must match the amount of money it anticipates receiving from the state.

Officials said they allocated $150,000 in the 2020 municipal budget to fund repairs to the library. The Tinton Falls Library Board of Trustees has raised $67,500 for repairs.

The repairs at the library are anticipated to cost $435,000.