Ridgewood Library To Expand Renovation Plans With $1M Donation

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A $1 million donation will allow the Ridgewood Public Library to expand plans to renew areas of the facility.

The legacy gift from The Bolger Foundation, named for philanthropist David Bolger — who supported the library for decades until his death in 2018 —, in partnership with Bolger's trust, will go to support the library's existing renovation plans.

"We are excited to partner with (the Bolger foundation and trust) to enhance not only the library building but our service to the community," the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation's vice president Joanie Harrington said.

The recommitment of the $1 million — first pledged in 2019 — follows the library foundation's recent gift of $500,000 for remodeling and modernizing facility spaces, including a larger, dedicated teen study room; six new private meeting rooms, and an upgraded lobby and circulation area.

"This donation will allow us to renew our much-used auditorium and upgrade our technology training room to showcase our maker space equipment and programs," library director Lorri Steinbacher said.

Remodeling will be done in stages with the first one set to begin on the main floor over the coming weeks.

The decision to rethink space is an "indirect response to community feedback," gathered in part through a survey last year, foundation president Cara Murray said.

"Fundraising will continue towards this project so we can ultimately enhance the visitor experience for all ages," Murray added.

The library foundation will show design plans and three-dimensional visuals at a clambake on June 3 at Ridgewood Country Club.