Cranford Public Library Expansion Project
Exciting News!
We Have a Construction Manager Selected for the Children's Room Renovation!
We're thrilled to announce a major step forward in the exciting expansion of the Children's Room! After careful review of bids, Grove Contracting LLC has been selected as the construction manager for this important project.
The selection process involved thorough evaluation by our consulting architects and other appropriate Township officials, who carefully reviewed all submitted bids. Based on their professional assessment, they recommended awarding the contract to Grove Contracting LLC.
This recommendation was officially approved by the Township Committee at their meeting on December 3rd. This formal approval allows us to move forward with the construction phase of the project.
What does this mean for the Children's Room? It means we're one step closer to:
An updated and engaging space: The renovation will create a more welcoming and stimulating environment for children of all ages.
Improved resources for Tweens: We're looking forward to providing a welcoming space for older children to support learning and exploration.
A brighter future for young readers: This project underscores our commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning in our community's children.
We understand how important the Children's Room is to our community, and we're committed to keeping you updated on the progress of this exciting expansion. Stay tuned for further announcements and updates as we move forward with Grove Contracting LLC! We anticipate sharing more details about the project timeline and anticipated completion date soon.
We're excited for the future of the Children's Room and the positive impact it will have on the young minds in our community.
Our Next Chapter Begins
Check in here for updates during our expansion of the Children's Room.
Our Next Chapter Begins
After more than a decade of planning and community input, the Cranford Public Library is set to begin a long-awaited project to renovate and nearly double the size of our Children's Room. The renovation project is made possible by pivotal support from the state of New Jersey, the Township of Cranford, and funds designated by the Cranford Public Library Board of Trustees.
Among the factors driving our Children’s Room renovation project are:
More than 20 Years of Cherished Use:
The Children’s Room has the highest use/square foot of any space in the library, yet it has not been updated since 2002. It’s well loved and well worn and in need of updating so that it can serve the next generation of Cranford kids and families.
Safer Spaces for Our Youngest Library Users and Their Caregivers:
Our Children’s Room is currently configured to maximize the size of the collection, at the expense of staff and caregiver oversight. This project reconfigures our spaces to put people and safety first. The new children’s room will also be getting its own brand new HVAC on the expanded roof. This will keep the temperature comfortable for staff and visitors so they can enjoy the new space in comfort.
Better Accessibility Benefits Everyone:
Our library spaces should be accessible to everyone. To this end, our renovation project will aim to lower shelving heights for some collections and expand the width between shelves to improve accessibility. Restrooms will be improved and the Service Desk will be reconfigured for better service to children and individuals with disabilities.
Room to Read:
The design team at Creative Library Concepts have helped us design a bright and welcoming space for our youngest visitors up through our tween patrons.The front of the new space will be geared as an area for small children to explore and use their imagination for play and learning. Here is where you will find picture books and activities. The area towards the rear of the new space will have computers and study tables for our older children to do their homework and just read for pleasure. Here you will find chapter books and graphic novels. The program room at the back of the children’s room will also be looking brighter and more welcoming. There will be new vinyl flooring for easy clean up, a fresh coat of bright paint, and the vertical blinds will be removed to allow for more natural light.
Timeline and Updates
We are now out to bid for a construction manager to oversee the new construction in concert with our architects, Arcari + Iovino. Please follow this site for updates on our project, design renderings, timeline, announcement of service interruptions during construction, and opportunities to support this project. These posts will be shared on the Cranford Public Library’s Facebook and Instagram pages as well.
We deeply appreciate the outstanding support, understanding, and enthusiasm of our fellow Cranford residents for this exciting project that will benefit our kids and community.