Borough library to undergo $12 million reconstruction

In 1965, when the Princeton Public Library first opened, a need to reduce construction costs resulted in a building with more than a quarter less interior space than architectural plans and community needs had originally dictated. In the 36 years since, the population of the Princeton area has increased significantly, further outgrowing its already inadequately sized library building.

It was with a desire to finally end decades of space and technology constraints that Borough and library officials recently announced plans to demolish the current building on Witherspoon Street and rebuild a new, larger and more modern branch at the same location.

During what is estimated to be about two years and approximately $12 million of construction, the library will temporarily relocate to the old Bargain Books location in the Princeton Shopping Center on Harrison Street.

The plans for increased size and a technology update are much needed, said Leslie Burger, the library director. More than 90 percent of the community has library cards and more than 1,000 people visit the library each day.

In addition to increasing the building's square footage — from 26,000 square feet to 55,000 square feet — the new structure will also boast a host of other improvements.

"We will also add over 100 hard-wired computers that we will provide with complete access to the Internet," Burger said. "Every seat will have a data connection. There will also be a cafe and community living room, where people can gather and engage in quiet conversation."

Additionally, there will be a quiet room, media wall and information kiosks set up throughout the library. Self-checkout stations will also be available for patrons who wish to avoid lines at the circulation desk. Group study rooms, small conference rooms, a computer-training lab and a "teen lounge" are also planned for use by members of the community.

With the improvements, however, come several challenges for the library and its director. The library, which employs the equivalent of 37 full-time employees, will need more staffing as it makes the transition from a one story to a three-story unit.

"We will be looking to hire some new employees, but not a lot — probably about five," Burger said. "Mainly, we are looking at ways to redeploy staff into different areas. We are also looking to the changes as an opportunity for staff development in different areas."

Possibly a more challenging question will be how to aid the schoolchildren who have become dependent on the library, which is located near the homes of many lower-income families, as a place to work after school. Many such children walk directly from school to the library every day — something that will not be as convenient during the period of relocation.

"We are certainly concerned about that, especially for the kids who use the library every day," Burger said. "We are currently working with regional schools to try to arrange transportation for them. Even though, in actual distance, our temporary location is probably not much further than they walk right now, it is likely to be more difficult for them to get there."

The library's 'Springboard' program, led by two teachers from Princeton regional schools and volunteers, usually draws 20-30 children every afternoon to "work seriously on homework," Burger said.

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The improvements in the public library also hold benefits for University students. In the past, Princeton students had to pay for membership cards at the library. Thanks to a donation by the University to the construction fund, however, students can now obtain cards at no cost.

"Currently, the number of Princeton students with memberships is in flux, but about six months ago, we had about 500 students with cards," Burger said. "Obviously, many of the faculty and staff who live in town are also members. With the change in policy, students will now be able to get a card for free and will have access to public library resources."