the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in March of 2021 Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of the second round of grant solicitations for the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA), allocating $37.5 million in grants. This allocation is subject to change pending grant agreements from the first round of grant solicitations. The LCBA, which authorized $125 million in state bonds, was passed by New Jersey voters in November 2017 to improve public library facilities across the state in order to ensure the well-being and success of New Jersey residents.
The Ridgewood public library filed for the grant , in what some would call a very controversial plan to renovate the library :
Dear Members of the Village Council, Friends, Foundation, Donors, and Library Staff:
We have been notified that the Ridgewood Public Library did not receive the grant that we applied for
through the NJ Library Construction Bond Act program. Although we are deeply disappointed, we
remain committed to our plans to renovate the library. The library has not been renovated since 1998
and requires major capital improvements, including a new roof and HVAC system and substantial
interior updates to continue to deliver the services that the Ridgewood community has come to
expect and rely on.
When the NJ Library Construction Bond Act was announced, everyone involved thought that it was
an opportunity that could not be ignored. We recognized all along that our chances of receiving a
grant were uncertain, so we have been developing a “Plan B” that is based on the design submitted
for the grant, but is more modest, both in scope and cost. We also have an opportunity to update and
improve on our original design to account for technological advances and the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
We look forward to sharing our new plans with you, and we hope we can count on the enthusiastic
support of the entire community, including the Village Council, the Friends of the Library, the
Ridgewood Library Foundation, the Library Staff and the residents of Ridgewood. We are certain that
if we work together our “Reimagined” library will serve generations of Ridgewood residents for years
to come.
Sincerely,
Nancy Greene, Director and the Board of Trustees
Ridgewood Public Library
Money went to racially disadvantaged hoods instead? Limo libs of Ridgewood must be disappointed.
The sky is falling! Get over it Nancy. RIdgewood never stood a chance and you knew that going into the game.
We wonder who did the paperwork to try to receive the grant.
The library already has the support of the entire town. Look at your tax bill “Library Tax”
Devoted revenue source year after year after year after year.
Not renovated since ’98? Horrors.
They need a parking garage at that location.
Thank god. What a ridiculous waste of time and effort. Council should not put one cent toward what the library board wants toward “improvements” (move main staircase, install skylight, et al). Repair the roof as needed and make the ventilation system safe in the Covid-19 era. Keep the place clean, retain its use as a source of books and information, and forget about turning it into a community center. It’s pretty likely to flood out within the next decade.
A library that doesn’t allow children unless they are wearing muzzles. Close and sell it.