Find Library Renovation Updates Here
11.27.2023
After the library faced significant flooding, the urgency to waterproof and upgrade crucial systems became apparent. However, the idea to renovate the Carnegie wing emerged shortly after director Tonya Garcia had ceiling tiles removed and discovered hidden remnants of the original library, built over 100 years ago.
Director Garcia set out to secure funding to refurbish the library, intending to restore its majestic Carnegie origins. Soon after, the library successfully applied for the NJ Library Construction Bond Act.
If you've driven past, you might have noticed the renovation is well underway. We're thrilled to show you a glimpse of what’s to come here, including:
✅ Arched glass entryway window, a nod to the classic Carnegie design
✅ Indoor columns (some original), accentuating the original ceiling design
✅ Newly elevated ceiling revealing the original Carnegie windows
✅ A traditional color palette, complemented by our cherished Long Branch Green hues
✅ A transition from fluorescent lighting to pendulum lighting in key areas, echoing the timeless sophistication of the original Carnegie design.
In addition to this renovation, major system upgrades such as efficient lighting, waterproofing, a new HVAC system, and a generator are being installed. New rooms including a new local history room, teen room, and sensory room are also in the works! Stay updated on our progress through our social media channels and website: www.longbranchlib.org/renovation.
We extend our gratitude to DIGroupArchitecture for their beautiful renderings. This endeavor was made possible by the New Jersey State Library, the City of Long Branch, the Long Branch Public Library Board of Trustees and the voters who overwhelmingly supported the act, ensuring that our historic building endures for generations to come!
6.14.2023
We’re all moved in!
Make sure to visit our Temporary Library on 131 Bath Ave to access most of our services, including:
✅ Public Computers
✅ Scanning, printing ($0.10 per page), and faxing ($1 per page)
✅ Technology and Career assistance by appointment
✅ Toddler story times
✅ Social work appointments
✅ Notary by appointment
While most of our physical collection had to be stored, we offer a small browsing collection (including new titles for adults, teens, and children) at the temporary location.
Did you know that as a proud member of LMxAC (a consortium of 38 libraries), you can access millions of titles. Simply place a hold via our online catalog or ask our staff to place a hold and the item will be delivered to you within a few days.
Make sure also to visit our beautiful Elberon Branch at 169 Lincoln Avenue.
Please call 732-222-3900 or email longbranchpubliclibrary@gmail.com with any questions.
4.24.2023
The Long Branch Free Public Library is temporarily relocating and the next step of our New Chapter is underway!
Library staff are packing up and moving to a temporary location. The Main Library will be closed beginning May 1st. Our staff will then transition into our new space on 131 Bath Ave, the new Health and Technology Center.
Once we are unpacked and set up, we will open our doors in this new temporary location.
In the meantime, you can visit our Elberon Branch which will have extended hours beginning on May 8th:
Monday- 10am to 5pm
Tuesday- 10am to 5pm
Wednesday- 10am to 8pm
Thursday- 10am to 5pm
Friday- 10am to 5pm
Saturday- 10am to 5pm
For updates, please stay tuned on social media and on this webpage.
5.10.2023
Thank you to all of our library patrons for being so patient during this transition.
Service to our patrons and community is our priority. Therefore, we are taking great care during each step of the moving process so that our temporary space on 131 Bath Ave is efficiently set up to meet your needs while the main building is closed for renovations.
If you would like to return library materials, you may return them to the book drops in between City Hall and the Main Library on Broadway up until the opening of our temporary space. Elberon Branch Library hours have officially been extended. Stay tuned to social media and our webpage www.longbranchlib.org/renovation for future updates.
Our temporary library on 131 Bath Ave is now open to the public!
✅ Hours are: Mon-Thu 10am - 8pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 5pm
✅ Please note if you must return items after hours, for now, you can do so in the drop boxes at the Main Library
(328 Broadway) or the Elberon Branch (168 Lincoln).
✅ Questions? Give us a call at 732-222-3900!
5.22.2023
1.23.2023
Dear Community Members,
It’s been a few years since the Long Branch community voted by a significant majority to approve the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act. This historic action allowed libraries (including our own) to seek matching grants to renovate aging buildings or construct new ones. Fortunately, our library was selected as a recipient thus allowing us a major renovation that will include a beautiful new local history room, vibrant teen space, energy-efficient HVAC system, water-proofing system, emergency generator, and much more.
Because of the scope of work to be done, the Main Library will close on May 1st. I am aware that closing the Main Library is a real—albeit temporary—disruption. I know that you depend on us. Therefore, we have planned to ameliorate the loss of familiar routines for the duration of the renovation - by planning with you in mind!
I am excited to announce that we have arranged to relocate many services to a temporary location at the New Health and Technology Center located on 3rd Avenue, expand our Elberon Branch hours, and launch an extensive Community Outreach initiative.
In 1919, the Long Branch Free Public Library is believed to be the last Carnegie library built with funds awarded by Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Foundation. Now, over 100 years later, with funds awarded by a present-day grant from the New Jersey State Library, matched by the City of Long Branch, we will work to preserve a piece of Long Branch architecture.
I would like to once again thank Mayor John Pallone, our entire City Council, the Long Branch Free Public Library Board of Trustees, and our remarkably talented and dedicated staff for believing in this vision. Lastly, but most importantly, I would like to thank the community of Long Branch who voted in the majority for this referendum.
As I enter my 20th year at the library, it has long been my dream to see the library renovated to reflect its nationally recognized services while being restored to the majesty of its Carnegie origins. To see this project break ground is truly the beginning of a dream of mine fulfilled. I will continue to update you every step of the way, so please make sure to stay tuned online for updates on construction as we progress through 2023.
Thank you,
Tonya Garcia, MLIS, CPM
Library Director
12.10.2021
Dear library patrons,
The Long Branch Free Public Library is proud to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the NJ Library Construction Bond Act for $3.1 million. We thank both the New Jersey State Library and The City of Long Branch for making the $6.2 million project possible! We also congratulate our fellow NJ libraries who have received their large project grants from the state this year.
With these funds, your library will be able to install new HVAC and water-proofing systems, make much-needed repairs to our first and second floors, and construct new teen, local history, and business spaces. An open floor plan will be implemented to create more reading and study areas for our patrons.
We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to transform into a modernized Carnegie library; a place where tradition and innovation meet. Stay tuned for updates on construction as we progress through 2022.
Sincerely,
Your staff at the Long Branch Free Public Library