West Orange Library Reopening Sees More Snags, Funding Issues

WEST ORANGE, NJ — That “light at the end of the tunnel” for the reopening of the West Orange Public Library? It’s a bit further away than expected.

During a recent town council meeting, it was reported that the target date for reopening was Nov. 1. The reopening date was previously cited as “mid-October.” Read More: 'Light At End Of Tunnel' For Reopening Of West Orange Library

On Wednesday, the library’s director, David Cubie, released an update on the reopening plans for 10 Rooney Circle. And Nov. 1 is “most likely not a realistic time frame,” he said.

There’s another twist that needs to be addressed, Cubie added: there’s a sizable funding gap that needs to be plugged due to a 30 percent increase in construction costs – which the township was not able to cover.

Cubie’s full statement follows below.

“Dear West Orange Library Community ... We have some important updates regarding our library’s transition.

“The library annex at 80 Main Street will conclude its operations on October 27, 2023. Until the unveiling of our new home at 10 Rooney Circle, we encourage you to explore our neighboring BCCLS Member Libraries in Livingston, Millburn, Maplewood, Montclair and Roseland. With the REBL sticker on your library card, you have the privilege of accessing any library in Essex County on a walk-in basis.

“During this transitional period, our dedicated West Orange Library staff will be fully engaged in ensuring our new space is ready for you. During this time, we encourage you to make use of our extensive digital offerings, which will continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have questions about how to access these services, please email us at [email protected] or call 973-736-0198 extension 201.

“We are as excited to open the new West Orange Public Library, as you are to visit it. Unfortunately, November 1 is most likely not a realistic time frame due to the amount of work left for library staff, construction related items and inspections that must be passed before we can open. We will continue to work diligently to open as close to that date as possible. Thank you for your continued understanding during this delay. We know that it is frustrating for everyone who loves coming to their hometown library.

“While we have your attention, we would like to make you aware that due to a 30% increase in construction costs since the library project cost estimates were made in 2019, the township was not able to cover all of the costs.

“While exciting times lie ahead for the West Orange Library, we request and require our community to play a significant part in its transformation. We are introducing a host of enriching features, some of which include advanced technologies in the teen section to an enchanting activity wall for our little readers, to a special space preserving our town's historical treasures and more.

“To bring this vision to life, we are reaching out to each of you for support. Every contribution, whether big or small, will help fund these innovations and many more unique additions. With your generous, tax-deductible donations, we can truly make the West Orange Library a vibrant hub of learning and community spirit. Library Donations

“Watch this space for more details on how you can be an integral part of this journey.”

REOPENING A TOWN 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, officials previously said.

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