'A focal point': South Brunswick Public Library getting $11 million transformation
A groundbreaking ceremony has been slated for South Brunswick Public Library's much-anticipated expansion and renovation project.
The event will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 on the library lawn, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction.
“This library is going to become a focal point to every person who lives in the area,” said Muhammad Ashraf, president of the library’s board of trustees.
A multifaceted expansion, renovation and repair project to the Christopher J. Killmurray Building, named after the former mayor who died in 2018, is planned in response to realized and projected population growth.
The project addresses accessibility issues, insufficient space for community engagement and education and necessary HVAC repairs.
Highlights include replacing an extensive ramp with a new lobby and elevator, renovating non-compliant restrooms into accessible facilities and constructing a 128-seat theater and new meeting room.
Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-October with completion in spring 2025.
"We anticipate that the building will be open with a few interruptions here and there," Library Director Chris Carbone said.
The total cost of the project is expected to be just over $11 million. The township bonded for $4.6 million for the project.
In addition, $3.6 million was awarded from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Grant, $2 million from Library Services State Aid, $405,000 in federal funding and $600,000 from the library’s foundation.
"We really appreciate the support of the mayor and council and all of our donors," Carbone said. "We've been running a capital campaign through our foundation and all of that is helping to make this possible."
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Carbone said planning for the project, being done by Center State Engineering and Arcari & Iovino, began in 2019.
“The new addition will enrich the library and by the same token, will enrich the community by creating a community meeting and gathering place,” said Bina Metha, the library foundation’s chairperson for the capital campaign.
“The library is the gem of our town,” added Susan Edelman, president of Friends of the Library. “Every gem needs a little polishing. We need the addition to focus on the current needs of our residents. We will benefit from the theatre where people will be able to share their skills and talents.”
Donations may be made to the South Brunswick Library Foundation by visiting sbpl.info/foundation or by mail to SBPL Foundation, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: South Brunswick Public Library getting $11 million transformation
