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The Middletown Township Public Library formally kicked off the improvements on Thursday, Mar. 21, the library said in a Facebook post. Mayor Tony Perry joined library director Kate Hammon, and other leaders to "swing the first hammers" for the renovation of the reference area.
The New Monmouth Road facility will remain open during most of the work, but there may be some reduced hours or some days of closures. The adult reference area will be closed for some of the renovations, but there will be an alternative space provided.
The reference area will have more comfortable seating, more private meeting space, and improved reading rooms, according to the library's website. The computer laboratory will also be converted into an expanded teen room and a "makerspace."
This is the first major renovation for the library since 2004.
"Since then, the needs of the community have evolved and the library has a need to redesign some interior space," the library's website said. "We are unable to build upwards or add on additions, so re-configuring some of the indoor space was the best solution."
The project will also create four new private study rooms. There will also be a larger history room, which houses a collection of Middletown and New Jersey history materials.
The renovations will be done in two phases and are expected to be completed by September.
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