See Plans For The Proposed New Library In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — If a proposed redevelopment plan in West Orange comes to fruition, it would mean a big win for the local library, board trustees say.

The Board of Trustees of the West Orange Public Library (WOPL) recently unveiled the proposed design for a new, “state-of-the-art” facility that would be part of a major redevelopment project at 100 and 200 Executive Drive and 10 Rooney Circle.

As part of the deal, 10 Rooney Circle would be deeded to the township at no cost. A new public library would be constructed, along with an on-site, two-acre dog park. There would be additional space that could possibly serve as a municipal animal shelter.

A library annex would also be constructed at the existing location, with 7,500 square feet of community space and 61 affordable senior housing units.

• See related article: Controversial West Orange Development Plan Reborn, Moves Forward

According to WOPL board trustees, the new facility would feature more than 30,000 square feet of space spread across two separate floors, greatly increasing the library’s capacity and space. It would also make the library more accessible for most West Orange residents, as it would be at a “more centrally located site.”

Other benefits would include: “new furnishings, aesthetic and environmental enhancements, upgrades to technology services and an expansion of resources including new computers, increased programming and courses for personal and professional development, and a significant increase in parking accommodations.”

The existing West Orange Public Library facility, located at 46 Mt. Pleasant Drive, was built in 1959. It provides essential services to the community year-round.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the library has maintained regular operations but continues to struggle to meet the needs of West Orange residents, many of whom rely on the library’s services and computers due to social and economic inequalities,” board trustees said in a joint statement.

The board added:

"Due to its current decentralized location, decaying building with limited square feet, and lack of adequate parking, local residents are increasingly bypassing the West Orange library, instead choosing to visit alternative library options in neighboring towns with more modernized and well-resourced facilities. In fact, a recent survey conducted by WOPL staff found that out of the 47,000 West Orange residents, 37,000 have active library cards, yet 22 percent chose to check out books at neighboring libraries — far exceeding the 5 to 10 percent average among the 77 libraries included in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System, to which WOPL belongs."

Trustees said there’s another reason to root for the redevelopment plan to succeed: state funding.

The new building would be partly funded by a $3.1-million grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, which was passed in 2017 to provide matching funding to public libraries for new construction and improvements.

• See related article: West Orange Library Expected To Get Big Boost From State Funds

The board stated:

“As part of the terms of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act grant, the funds allotted to the WOPL are mandated for the estimated $6 million relocation and rehabilitation project at the site of 10 Rooney Circle, a stipulation that cannot be transferred to an alternative site.”

“Since I joined the WOPL more than six years ago, I’ve continuously explored avenues and options to enhance our library conditions, both from a physical standpoint as well as an operational one,” WOPL Director David Cubie said.

“We’re now presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver a new, state-of-the-art facility with significant cost benefits,” Cubie said. “When you factor in our ability to activate the $3.1-million grant provided by the state, this is a clear win-win situation for Township of West Orange and all of its residents.”

West Orange Public Library Board of Trustees President Marge Mingin said that libraries are critical community institutions.

“Though the limitations at our current facility are hampering our ability to serve the patrons of our community, the new library facility will allow us to be better equipped to meet their evolving needs,” Mingin said.

The township has posted an online presentation about the latest version of the plan, which can be seen here, as well as a list of "frequently asked questions," which can be seen here.

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