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Preserving the Legacy of 2000-2003
A New Look for a New Library |
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Long Hill Township continues to grow, and with that growth comes the need for an
expanded library. Built in 1958, the current building has had two additions, the first in 1971
and the second in 1983 - 19 years ago. With our population now at 8,800 and expected to
grow to 12,000 by the year 2020, the existing building with its 5,156 square feet is hardly
adequate for the needs of the community. Patrons have been patient with the
inadequacies of the library. They continue to
come and use this special township facility. Circulation has gone up 45 percent over the
past ten years, one of the best in New Jersey for communities our size.
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The library response to patrons has been to change with the times: technology has been introduced to
make it an even more useful place; a professional reference librarian is on staff to help with
specialized needs; and the children's librarian serves our growing young population with
regular library services and special programs to excite young minds. Finally, the library is a
place where everyone in the community can gather for both study and recreational reading.
Our lives are exciting when we continue to grow. Our library is the place where that can
happen for people of all ages.
By fall 2002, we will have a new building underway that will reflect some of the best
and brightest ideas in library design and technology. It will be part of a new township municipal
complex, which will also house the new town hall and recreation facilities.
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| Front view of the new Library. Town Hall connects at the left. |
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The new Library will be a one-story building of 15,175 square feet.
In contrast to our current very "cozy" building, we will bring the community an open,
friendly structure with adequate seating, study areas, and service points.
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| Floor Plan of the new Library. West is at the top.
Town Hall connects at the right. |
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Some of the features of our new building will include:
- A pleasant, well-lit periodical area for those who wish to sit in comfort to read the latest
magazines and newspapers. (In this area we will provide arm-chairs and tables for leisurely reading.)
- Several quiet study carrels and two quiet study rooms for more than one individual.
- A new meeting room seating one hundred individuals.
This room will be available to community organizations and profit and nonprofit groups
and will house technology suitable for developing and making multimedia presentations.
- A children's room with a craft area, story-telling nook, a separate bathroom,
and small furniture for small people.
- Well-designed computer tables, collections of music, software, and expanded fiction and non-fiction holdings.
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| Rear view (Looking west from Riverside Park).
The cupola at the right is on the new Town Hall. |
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| View from the Passaic River side of the building. |
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The projected cost of the building is $3,260,000, to be paid for with local funds and a $527,604 state
grant. Furnishings, computers, and materials will be purchased with the proceeds of our $500,000
community fundraising campaign. A Tall Oak Tree Recognition Plaque located in a highly
visible area of the new library will list donors to The Acorn Campaign.
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