HOBOKEN – After celebrating their 125th anniversary last year, the Hoboken Public Library is gearing up for 125 more.
This past week, with scaffolding going up and other noise that clearly break the “Quiet in the library” rule, many residents may be wondering what’s going on?
“We’re undergoing a number of renovations,” explained Library Director Lina Podles this past week over the phone.
Podles noted the libraries renovations, which began earlier this year and expected to be finished by the end of 2016, total $3.2 million.
“We’re very excited to welcome three program rooms and one, with over 70 seats that will help accommodates our programs. We’re also developing a reading garden and water-proofing the building,” Podles added.
The library, like many buildings in the city’s low lying flood areas, closed down for three weeks following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Of the construction, approximately $2 million came from grants. The New Jersey Historic Trust Grant Award awarded the library $750,000 in 2009 – which the city matched. Another $124,000 came in 2013 from the county Open Space Trust Fund Grant and another in Sandy-relief money for historic properties in 2014 for $433,439. The other $1.2 million is being funded by the library, as well as donors.
In the interim period, as library closures are expected, the City of Hoboken amiably gave the library the go-ahead to open a “Pop-Up Branch” at the Multi-Service Center earlier this year. The next closure is expected from May 26 to June 6. For updates visit www.hobokenlibrary.org. – Steven Rodas