Major changes are coming to the main branch of the North Bergen Free Public Library. In partnership with the North Bergen Health Department, the library has secured a multi-million dollar grant to enhance its Bergenline Avenue branch. The renovations will create more space for workforce development, health resources, and educational opportunities.
According to a press release, the planned renovations will bring significant improvements to both floors of the library. There will be several key upgrades, including new study rooms and conference rooms, an upgraded multipurpose room on the lower level, a larger room for youth programming and an expansion into the former theater space next door which will add valuable square footage for library services and additional health services that will be provided in the new space.
Library Executive Director Sai Rao stated, “We are thrilled to be moving forward with this much-needed project to enhance our library and better serve our community. These renovations will transform our space into a more modern, welcoming, and versatile hub for learning, collaboration, and engagement.”
The renovations will be funded by a $3 million grant from the New Jersey State Library.
According to North Bergen Town Administrator Janet Castro, “This partnership allows us to build health services right into the library infrastructure. Enhancing the facilities will provide a venue for us to offer even more wellness education programming, events, and activities, including onsite vaccines and health fairs.”
The library will close beginning on Friday, December 20th. Located at 8411 Bergenline Avenue, the library’s renovations are expected to take approximately eight months to complete. In order to minimize disruption, the library plans to establish a nearby pop-up location, ensuring continued access to essential services, including book lending, computer access, and community programs.
Needless to say, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco is thrilled that the library renovations will be happening. “These renovations to the uptown library will support our community in the same way that we saw the spectacular upgrades downtown. We are grateful for the ability to make these improvements through generous grants from the state.”
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project by visiting the library’s website at www.NBPL.org and following its social media channels, where updates and additional information will be shared on a regular basis.