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August 27, 2008
It's one for the books at Monroe library expansion near early completion
Courier News
By CHRISTINE SPARTA • STAFF WRITER • August 26, 2008
MONROE —Renovations at the Monroe Township Library could be finished ahead of schedule. The $5.5 million facelift was expected to be completed by spring 2009, but now Irene Goldberg, the library's director, said upgrades could be completed as early as January.
"If everything keeps on target here, we're going to squeak in here in January," said Goldberg.
One unusual part of the improvement program is the installation of a drive-thru window. Goldberg said the new drive-up service is a nod to Monroe's demographics.
"Half our community is senior citizens. Some days you don't have the energy to get out of the car," she said.
The service is also helpful for young mothers who might have trouble moving sleeping children into the library to grab a book or drop off an item that is due.
Architect Anthony Iovino, who has worked on a number of library projects in the state, said it was rare to see a drive-thru feature, and that it's the first one he's seen in New Jersey.
The library will be expanded on the north and south sides of the building.
Wayne Hamilton, township administrator, said the library's available space will more than double, from approximately 20,000 square feet to about 44,000 square feet.
The renovations will also add a cafe area, expand the children's section, and create a wood-paneled rotunda that will hold rotating art exhibits.
Goldberg calls the children's area her "claim to fame" because it will have an interactive section especially geared toward pre-school kids up to age 5 who don't always have programs to help their development.
"They need to have some stimulation," said Goldberg, adding that the types of activities, including a LEGO table, will be similar to ones at the Children's Museum of Manhattan.
Right now, new carpeting is still in boxes and sections of the library still need to be finished, including the administrative area for staff.
Library workers now share one phone in their temporary, makeshift quarters in the adult meeting room, but that is expected to change in the next couple of weeks as the renovation progresses.
"We expanded operations when we added a bookmobile (almost) five years ago," said Goldberg. "We needed space for those people," she said.
Library visitors are also looking forward to seeing everything completed.
"I'm very excited about it," said Lill Lerner, a retired Monroe resident who lives in walking distance of the building. "It makes for a better community," she said about the improvements at the library.
Posted by tumulty at August 27, 2008 10:35 AM
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