MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood Memorial Library is moving forward with plans to build a library for the 21st century while remaining committed to providing excellent service to the community. The Main Library at 51 Baker St. is closed, and is being prepared for construction. A formal goodbye celebration wasn’t possible due to flood damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, but the library is planning future celebrations.
Adult and children’s/teen services are now available at separate locations.
Adult Services is located at 129 Boyden Ave., adjacent to the pool parking lot. The following services are available at this location: reference services; new adult books, DVDs and audiobooks; periodicals and newspapers; public computers for users ages 18 and older; printing, copying, scanning and wireless printing; holds pickups and returns; and notary services by appointment. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Hilton Branch, at 1688 Springfield Ave., is now a dedicated children’s and teen library, offering the following: reference services for children and teens; children’s and teen books, DVDs and audiobooks; dedicated children’s and teen computers; children’s and teen programming; holds pickups and returns; and printing, copying, scanning and wireless printing. Hilton Branch hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Maplewood Library project, “Writing a New Story, A Library for the 21st Century,” includes a total reconstruction of the building, with a ground-level main entrance, enhanced technology, more meeting and program spaces, and an expanded collection. Centrally located elevators and restrooms will ensure accessibility for all patrons. A local history room and maker-space will be added, and the building will feature an outdoor reading terrace and easy access to Memorial Park. The children’s room will feature a new program space and a craft area. The project, slated to break ground in early 2022, is anticipated to take 18 months.
“A Library for the 21st Century” is a public and private partnership that includes funding from the NJ Library Construction Bond Act, the township of Maplewood, and private funding through the Maplewood Memorial Library Foundation’s Writing a New Story Campaign. For more information and updates, visit maplewoodlibrary.org and maplewoodlibraryfoundation.org.
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