Our Next Chapter Begins
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.
