Library celebrates renovation and summer reading program
“Almost 20 years ago to the day, we stood in this very same place to open a brand-new library.”
Gloucester County Public Library, Main Street Center, celebrated its extensive renovation Saturday with a ribbon cutting, along with its annual Summer Reading Kick-Off event.
Director of Library Services Diane Rebertus described the completed project to the assembled crowd, waiting eagerly to view the new changes.
“After many discussions,” said Rebertus, “a contract was signed last October and work began at the beginning of this year and it was finished last week.”
Renovations included the expansion of the Children’s Area and the Virginia Room, the relocation of the circulation desk from the center of the library to the front (near the previous location of the Friends of the Library Bookstore) and the addition of more study rooms. The library also received new carpeting and electrical and HVAC updates.
“It’s definitely not a reopening,” said Gloucester Board of Supervisors’ chairman Chris Hutson. “Because staff and the contractors worked very hard so that it was only closed about four days the whole time. And that’s remarkable considering the amount of work that was done.
“Libraries are vital to the community,” continued Hutson. “Because not everybody has the ability for internet or books.”
“As we embarked on the design for this, we kept in mind that we wanted to make it a more efficient space for our patrons,” said Deputy County Administrator Steve Wright. “We wanted to make it more inviting and we also wanted to make it safe for our staff.”
“Thank you all for helping the library become this vibrant community hub,” said Dr. Adrianne Joseph, chair and founder of Main Street Preservation Trust. “And for keeping our Main Street such a delightful, thriving, picture-postcard place to live.”
“While the newly-renovated space is grand,” said a teary-eyed Rebertus, “I would be remiss if I didn’t say what really makes for a great Gloucester County Library experience, [which] is the staff.”
The project was funded by the Board of Supervisors, which allocated approximately $450,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding for library renovations in 2022. The Main Street Preservation Trust also provided $200,000 for the project.
After the ribbon cutting, the community was able to tour the library and enjoy the Summer Reading Kick-Off event, which drew approximately 600 people to the library for food, games and fun.
