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October 5, 2009

Library prepares for facelift

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Library prepares for facelift
Sunday, October 4, 2009
BY TERESA EDMOND
Suburban Trends
STAFF WRITER
0 Comments The Wanaque Public Library is gearing up to redecorate part of the library’s interior for early next year at no cost to taxpayers, according to the library director.
Instead of from taxes, money to fund this project will come from the Library Board of Trustees’ savings accumulated in the last two decades. The library had established a Capital Improvements Fund for the purpose of future renovation. Savings were made from the library’s investments per state statute that applies to public libraries, according to Library Director Richard Mariconda.
"In this time of recession and recovery, this one project is going forward as a benefit of the fiscal conservatism practiced by Wanaque Public Library over recent decades," said Mariconda in a statement. "All members of Wanaque Borough will benefit from this overall upgrading of the library facilities."
Contracting for the project will be advertised for public bid later this year. The Library Board of Trustees is behind the decisions regarding Phase One renovation.
According to Mariconda, Phase One of the redesign plans would focus on the main office, the reading room and the library foyer. Among the features would be a new, centrally located circulation desk with new lighting, computer workstations and a media station for access to videos, audiobooks and music CDs. The foyer would also have a wall-sized mural of the Wanaque Reservoir as part of the revamp.
Although Phase Two designs of the project are not definite yet, it would include the children's reading room, the Library Board meeting room and the technical services work room, Mariconda said. Funds for Phase Two will also come from the Board of Trustees without taxpayers’ help, Mariconda said.
Two outside companies are already immersed with the Phase One project. Soyka-Smith Design Studios, an Upper Montclair-based furniture and interior design consultant, is handling the library’s furniture provision under state contract. Though such provision is expected to fall within budget, papers have not been signed yet, according to Mariconda. Soyka-Smith also helped the library select its new carpeting and upholstery. Architectural firm Arcari and Iovino of Little Ferry is preparing the formal bid documents.
Further details of the renovation project’s exact timeline are expected to be unveiled toward the end of this year, according to Mariconda.
E-mail: edmond@northjersey.com

Posted by tumulty at October 5, 2009 11:15 AM

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