West Orange Library Update: ‘Light At End Of Tunnel’ For Reopening

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Are you one of the West Orange residents who has been eagerly (or anxiously) waiting for the opening of the new public library? There’s a “light at the end of the tunnel,” according to the Friends of the West Orange Public Library.

Originally slated to open last spring, the library’s new location at 10 Rooney Circle is now expected to take place this autumn, officials previously said.

The reopening date was previously cited as “mid-October.” However – with more than 122,000 books left to sort through, in addition to other tasks – the new target for an opening date has been pushed back to Nov. 1, as reported during Tuesday’s town council meeting (watch the video below, cued to the discussion about the library).

Local officials, including Mayor Susan McCartney, have blamed several factors for the delays, including supply chain issues that have “created a domino effect.”

The new library was a key bargaining chip in a major redevelopment project at 100 and 200 Executive Drive and 10 Rooney Circle that took shape during the pandemic. See Related: Trustees Share Plans For New Library In West Orange

It was also a focal point of a recent case decided in New Jersey Supreme Court, which ruled that the previous designation of the library as an “area in need of redevelopment” was invalid. See Related: NJ Supreme Court Rules On West Orange Library Dispute

McCartney later said the Supreme Court’s decision wouldn’t impact plans to break ground on the new library. Read More: NJ Court Ruling Won't Deter West Orange's Plans, Mayor Says

After the library closed its old location at 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue in February, a temporary location was set up at 80 Main Street for a continuation of some key library services.

When it’s complete, the new library will have several public meeting rooms, state-of-the-art computer labs, eco-friendly initiatives, technological upgrades, increased storage capacities, more restroom facilities, a larger floor area, a public elevator and more opportunities for community engagement, officials said.

The library annex at 80 Main Street, suite 230, will remain open through the month of October.

LIBRARY UPDATE: OCT. 11

The Friends of the West Orange Public Library released an update about the reopening on Wednesday. It reads:

“The Friends Board of Trustees recently met with the West Orange Public Library director, Dave Cubie, and its board president, Marge Mingin, for an update on the new library. There is a light at the end of this renovation tunnel and we are excited!

“The library is planning to reopen this fall and the new building is fantastic, with lots of amenities and improvements that the community has been asking for through the years. The library fulfills the expansive vision of what a modern, technologically up-to-date public library should be with all the equipment and space needed for public use. It will have updated library technology and equipment, a more efficient and effective library layout, more conference and meeting space, and substantially more parking space with a wonderful outdoor patio area. This significantly enhanced library will provide the resources our residents and businesses will need now and in the future, and will make us proud to be a part of West Orange.

“What the library planned for regarding costs when starting this project and applying for the New Jersey Construction Bond Act Grant was based on realistic estimates from 2019. Four years later, there have been major changes and cost increases, in addition to material and service delays that are out of anyone’s control. This is a reality that happens with most construction projects in the public sector.

“The library will need your financial support. You can provide that by donating directly to the library. You can also achieve that by renewing or becoming a Friends member and participating in our activities when the new library opens. By investing in a Friends membership, you will be investing in the library as the Friends will principally devote its membership fees and receipts to direct funding of library equipment, events, materials, and services needed for the new Library. The Friends is a tax-exempt organization; therefore, your membership fees and contributions are tax deductible.

“As a Friend of the West Orange Public Library, you are part of a dedicated group that supports our library. Libraries thrive when they have active and engaged community members who not just use the library and take advantage of library activities and events but also advocate for the library and help with fundraising. Fundraising is a crucial part of ensuring that the West Orange Public Library has all the resources, books, and equipment it needs to properly serve our community now and in years to come.

“Over the past few years, we have sponsored programs and purchased equipment and essential supplies. We will continue to do that. The public library is a welcoming space for all to learn, play, relax, work, connect, and thrive. In West Orange, our public library is where bright ideas begin and continuing education and enrichment occurs; and we look forward to this new chapter with your continuing or new support and membership. Thank you.”

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