SBPL Construction Project Groundbreaking Held in South Brunswick, NJ

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SOUTH BROUNSWICK, NJ- On September 9th, the South Brunswick Public Library commemorated the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion and renovation project of the South Brunswick Public Library, Christopher J. Killmurray Building, themed “Building the Next Chapter: Constructing Community Spaces.” The event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley and Council members, as well as State Senator Andrew Zwicker. Approximately 100 members of the public were in attendance to mark this momentous occasion, which was graciously hosted by the South Brunswick Public Library Board of Trustees.

South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley and the Council have demonstrated their commitment to this project by allocating $4.6 million from the township’s resources. Mayor Carley expressed, “The library is an important part of our town, and we have forged a municipal, state, and federal partnership to see it improved and expanded.” Shorelands Construction, Inc. of Monmouth Beach, NJ, has been awarded the contract for the project by Mayor and Council.

The total project cost, encompassing construction, design, engineering, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, is anticipated to surpass $11 million. Remarkably, about 60% of the project’s funding will be sourced from grants and fundraising efforts.

In a pivotal development, State Senator Andrew Zwicker sponsored Budget Resolution 2048 in the state’s 2024 budget, securing $1.5 million in aid for the library project from property tax relief funds. This funding directly benefits the taxpayers of South Brunswick and is the result of continued discussions with Library Director Chris Carbone, Capital Campaign Chair Bina Mehta, and Mayor Carley. Moreover, this state aid is in addition to the $500,000 secured by Senator Zwicker and Assemblyman Freiman through the Property Tax Relief Fund in the FY23 New Jersey State Budget. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Senator Zwicker symbolically presented a check for $1.5 million to Mayor Carley, SBPL Foundation President M.Z. Patel, SBPL Foundation Vice President and Capital Campaign Chair Bina Mehta, and Library Director Chris Carbone. Senator Zwicker affirmed, “The planned upgrade and expansion of the facility will help transform the library, not just into a place to study or to find a favorite book, but as an anchor of the South Brunswick community.”

U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson-Coleman played a pivotal role in securing federal funding with a grant of $405,000. Additionally, the Library Board of Trustees and Library Foundation have successfully raised approximately $600,000 to support the project. Furthermore, the project benefits from funds awarded in November 2020, amounting to $3,586,852, through the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

The design of this project is centered around the creation of community spaces, enabling residents to gather, learn, and engage. The plan encompasses interior renovations, including HVAC repairs and ADA upgrades, and features a 10,000 square foot addition and an expanded parking area. The new space will boast a large meeting room, a welcoming lobby, and a 128-seat auditorium complete with a stage. Renovated spaces will include an expanded Teen area, small collaboration rooms, a Quiet room, a new Conference Room, and an Innovation Lab.

Construction is slated to commence in mid-October 2023, with the anticipated completion date in spring 2025. During the construction phase, the library may experience occasional closings or brief interruptions in service. For additional information and updates, please visit their website at www.sbpl.info. This transformative project promises to not only enhance the library but also solidify its position as a cornerstone of the South Brunswick community.