Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield, will be experiencing some much needed updates and renovations at the end of the 2016 year. The proposed plans include replacing carpeting, an increase in community interaction and seating areas, refreshed paint on all first floor walls, additional electric outlets to respond to growing technology demands, all new furniture, and more.
Acknowledging that it is time for the furniture to be updated, County Library Administrator for SCLSNJ Brian Auger said, “Do you realize Nixon was president when we bought the furniture at the North Plainfield Library branch? And that’s the first term Nixon administration.”
“The Library remains committed to meeting the informational needs of all North Plainfield citizens,” said Christal Blue, SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch manager. “The renovation embraces a user-focused design that reflects how the community uses the Library’s space.”
“Borough officials have supported the Library’s need for an update,” continued Blue. “With the support of borough officials and Library Advisory Board, we have been steadily working to improve the look and design of the Library. The Library’s previous director, Lauren Ryan, had the vision to propose a list of Capital Projects designed to bring the Library’s facilities up to 21st century standards. Within the last 2 years, we’ve partnered with the Borough to add new children’s room furniture, make the lower level handicap accessible, and install an electronic sign to better identify our building as the Borough’s Library.”
“In 1969 the borough had the foresight to erect a building which has proven to meet the needs of the community for decades,” said Lauren Ryan, SCLSNJ’s east area manager. “We’re fortunate to have a large open space; there is no need to create additions or to build walls. The upstairs, interior of the building, has not been reconfigured in over 40 years. We look forward to making the upstairs area completely handicap accessible, to create more areas for seating, and to lay out the collection in way to encourage more browsing.
Additionally, staff have worked hard to ensure that the present collection is completely up to date and relevant to the North Plainfield community.”
For more information about the updates to SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, call 907-755-7909.
(above) Christal Blue, SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch manager.
(above) One is the proposed first floor layout for SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch.
