Stafford's New Library Will Receive Funding From State Grant

STAFFORD, NJ — Stafford Township's new library will be partially funded by a $4.8 million grant from the state.

The new library was selected to receive a $4.8 million grant in the second round of funding for the Library Construction Bond Act which allocates $37 million to 36 library projects from 13 counties across New Jersey.

The grant is part of the second and final round of funding from the state’s $125 million Library Construction Bond Act which was approved by voters in 2017.

“We all look forward to the day when we break ground on this new building,” said Henry Mancini, Library Commissioner. “This project has been a priority on our facilities plan for a number of years. This grant approval is the result of a cooperative effort – government agencies and individuals coming together to make this happen.”

The total cost is expected to be around $9.6 million. The county government and Stafford Township will make up the difference.

The new branch will be constructed on property owned by Ocean County on Route 9 at the Ocean County Southern Service Center location.

In anticipation of building a new library branch there the county has already extended a water main to the site and drainage. Parking at the site will be reconfigured to meet the needs of all the services sharing the complex.

The new Stafford Library branch will be a 19,700 square foot standalone building which will be 65 percent larger than the current building on North Main Street.

“This is great news for all residents of Stafford Township,” said Mayor Gregory E. Myhre. “The library is a tremendous resource that is available to everyone. The new and expanded library will be a first-class facility for our first-class community. We are proud to be integrated within the great Ocean County library system and excited to be a part of this project.”

The new branch will also include larger areas for children’s programs, an intergenerational space for senior citizens to socialize and enjoy library services, a new teen area, study rooms, maker space for STEAM educational activities, and a sensory space to provide a welcoming environment for people with autism, Alzheimer’s or other sensory processing needs.

Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Library system, said that he hopes the construction would get underway later this year, but no firm date has been made. The architect for the project is Yezzi Associates of Toms River.

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