Library Renovation Plan Adds Two Private Study and Nursing Rooms Ahead of Bidding

Director Tina Marie Doody and trustee Geoffrey Darby -- who was absent from this meeting itself -- met with project architect Dan Kopec on June 5 to review specifications for the library's state-funded renovation project. The plan was amended to add two one-person study rooms on the third floor that will double as private spaces for patrons or staff who are breastfeeding or pumping. The library is aiming to go out to bid by the end of June, award a contract and sign it by mid-August, and begin construction in September.

The board voted unanimously (Resolution 2023-10) to move $45,811.24 in 2022 budget surplus into the library's Trustee Operating: Building account ahead of the renovation, and separately approved (Resolution 2023-11) authorizing the Director to pay bills during July and August without a board meeting, subject to ratification in September. Trustees Geoffrey Darby and Matthew Murphy were both absent for the full meeting; all votes among the seven members present were unanimous.

The board gave final approval to the library's new filming policy, which trustee Tina Payne recommended be posted visibly for patrons. The library's pickup lockers logged 461 checkouts across 78 users in May, and the library's Summer Reading Kickoff event on June 5 drew about 250 attendees. Board President Carol Harpster received the New Jersey Library Association's Trustee Award at the association's conference held May 31 through June 2. The library's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force reported divergent staff feedback from its recent assessment and recommended folding EDI work into the library's upcoming strategic plan going forward.

What to watch

• The renovation project is targeting a bid opening by the end of June, contract signing in mid-August, and construction starting in September.