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October 13, 2009

Campaign under way to repair, renovate Perth Amboy's landmark library

By SUZANNE C. RUSSELL • STAFF WRITER • October 11, 2009

PERTH AMBOY — About $9 million is needed to repair and renovate the city's 106-year-old library - funds the cash-strapped city doesn't have.

But supporters of the Jefferson Street library are hoping grants and donations will be able to fund the project.
The city is partnering with Celebrate Perth Amboy, a nonprofit organization that has been active in Perth Amboy for more than 20 years, to raise funds to restore, renovate and extend the historic Perth Amboy Public Library.
The kick off fundraising event will be a Save Our Carnegie Library reception, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the library, 196 Jefferson St. The library will close at 5 p.m. and reopen at 5:45 p.m. for the reception.
Karen Kubulak, chair of the Celebrate Perth Amboy/ Save Our Carnegie Library organization, said the reception will include musical entertainment by the Perth Amboy High School show choir, a student keyboard player, – and maybe even a tango dance demonstration – as well as refreshments and discussion of the efforts toward the restoration project. Tickets are $50 per person.
“Have I raised $9 million before, no,” said Kubulak. “We're looking to get this moving. “We'll be reaching out to people.”
Kubulak said there are “zero dollars in the bank account” for the project, but she's hoping to start getting money from a community fund raising effort and foundation grants. She said a packet of information about the library is being prepared to solicit donations from individuals with ties to Perth Amboy as well as corporations and government agencies.
“It's not just a pipe dream,” said Kubulak, a former member of both the City Council and Board of Education. “I think you have to be creative and open. We're hopeful.”
The Perth Amboy Public Library was built in 1901 with funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Opened in 1903 the building is structurally sound. The library is not on the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places. Kubulak said that designation could help with fundraising efforts.

The library has not been well maintained. The flashing on the roof leaks creating crumbling plaster walls throughout the building. During heavy rains, buckets are placed throughout the library to catch water.

The building is not barrier free. There are no meeting rooms and a narrow 24-inch staircase is used to get to the bathrooms on the lower level. The entrance to the children's section is through an alley.
During the summer architect Dennis Kowal who conducted a feasibility study told City Council members it would cost $7.85 million to protect and expand the library building. The cost increases to $9 once fully furnished.
Barbara Sottilaro, president of the library's Board of Trustees who has been pushing to have the library restored said she's happy something is happening.
“I think it's a good thing we are finally starting,” Sottilaro said. “I've been pushing for this a long time.
Sottilaro said she's hoping the library gets big monetary donations.
“I think positive and pray,” she said.
Anyone interested in becoming a members of Celebrate Perth Amboy/Save Our Carnegie Library or would like to participate in the fundraiser is asked to e-mail celebratepa.library@gmail.com.

Posted by tumulty at October 13, 2009 10:43 AM

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