Highland Park Public Library will receive more than $472,000 in state funding, part of a statewide initiative announced yesterday that injects $37 million into 36 library projects in 13 counties. The funding requires a matching grant from the Borough.
In an announcement in Long Branch, Governor Phil Murphy announced the second round of funding for the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA), which was approved by voters in 2017 and authorizes $125 million in state bonds for technology updates, building improvements, and other library projects across the state. The first round of funding, which allocated $87.5 million, was announced in January 2020. The list of projects for the second round of funding has been submitted to the Legislature and will be signed by Governor Murphy once it reaches his desk.
Our library is a vital part of our community and I am thrilled to share the good news about funding to improve and enhance our Highland Park Library building,” said Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler in a published statement.
“It is with incredible joy, gratitude, and excitement that we have been awarded grant funding for much-needed upgrades and improvements to our well-loved library building. This award, graciously matched by the Borough of Highland Park, supports a project totaling $944,929 for improvements to the interior of the library building,” said Kate Jaggers, library director of the Highland Park Public Library. She added that these improvements include new furniture, flooring, public restrooms, front entrance, and more.
“Back in 2017 when New Jerseyans passed the Library Construction Bond, no one knew a pandemic was on the horizon, and during the pandemic, we’ve seen just how valuable our public libraries are to communities all over the state,” said Jennifer Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian. “The new and refurbished buildings that are being supported through the Bond Act will benefit New Jerseyans for years to come with safe, healthy spaces and up-to-date technology that are available to all. When we improve our libraries, we improve our communities and the lives of residents.”
The full allocation of this second round can be found here.