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RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY – RENOVATION CONCEPT – MAY 31, 2018

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The Ridgewood Library serves as the Village cultural and intellectual center. In 2017, we loaned 575,000
print & media items, hosted 49,000 people at Library programs, and answered 102,500 reference questions.

Why renovate the Library now?
 The last Library renovation was 20 years ago. Since 1998, we’ve welcomed over 6 million visitors.
 $125 million in State Grant funds has been approved build and renovate public libraries in NJ.
1:1 Grant, e.g. $2 million in state grant funds would require match of $2 million local (any mix of
municipal/private funding). Guidelines coming in fall of 2018; libraries need to be ready with a plan.
How would the Library improve, if renovated according to this concept?
 The entire Library needs basic upgrades – new carpet, paint and efficient lighting.
 Our residents use the Library heavily – more space is needed for teens, quiet study & research,
makerspace, magazine lounge, multicultural services and group study/small meeting rooms.
We would reorganize the interior, expanding the teen space and locating it in a brighter area while
reducing the amount of space presently absorbed by CDs, DVDs and outdated books.
 The Auditorium needs additional (and more comfortable) seats as well as an upgrade to the
performance area – stage curtain, etc. We would square off the slanted corner for more seating.
 A new Central Stairway between the 1st and 2nd floors would easily guide visitors to the adult services
department on Level 2, and bring natural light into the dim circulation area
 Staff will be more mobile, available to assist our visitors – not anchored behind large desks.

What would this renovation cost?
Right now, it’s too soon to say. An independent professional will calculate a cost estimate in early summer.
A previous, more complex plan had been estimated at about $6.3M.
When will the Library provide more information and open discussion with the community?
Public presentations/community discussions will be offered after we receive a reliable cost estimate.
How would the renovation be funded?
If the concept is approved for further development, the Library would work toward funding from 3 sources:
 NJ State Library Grant
 Village of Ridgewood: Capital Improvement funding
 Capital Campaign: Raise private gifts from generous individuals, foundations and businesses.

Would the Library have to be closed during the renovation? What would happen to library services?
During any Ridgewood Library closure, alternate services would be offered. Our employees would help out at
neighboring libraries to welcome and serve Ridgewood residents. We would partner with the Village of
Ridgewood and community service organizations to borrow space for storytimes, book discussions and more.
Perhaps we could set up temporary Ridgewood Library services in a vacant building or storefront.
More information will be coming in the next few months.

As always, Library Director Nancy Greene welcomes community suggestions & comments through email or phone. ngreene@ridgewoodlibrary.org or 201-670-5600, x 124.
Thank you for your interest.

Original : Renovation_Concept_May_31_2018