The North Bergen Free Public Library, in partnership with the township’s health department, has secured a $3 million grant to enhance the main library, creating more spaces for workforce development, health resources, and educational opportunities.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are thrilled to be moving forward with this much-needed project to enhance our library and better serve our community,” North Bergen Free Public Library Executive Director Sai Rao said in a statement.
“These renovations will transform our space into a more modern, welcoming, and versatile hub for learning, collaboration, and engagement.”
The planned renovations, funded by the New Jersey State Library, will bring significant improvements to both floors of the library.
Key upgrades include 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.
“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,” noted North Bergen Health Officer Janet Castro.
Starting on Friday, December 20th, the main library building located at 8411 Bergenline Avenue will close for renovations that are expected to take approximately eight months.
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.
“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,” exclaimed Mayor Nick Sacco.
