Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Edison Public Library’s North Branch

EDISON, NJ – Edison recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the public library’s North Edison branch.

In attendance were local elected officials and library trustees. The library’s much-anticipated expansion project includes updates and improvements.

“I grew up just a few houses down from this library, and I've dreamed of seeing its expansion since childhood," Mayor Sam Joshi said.

"It's a dream come true to witness this moment. Libraries are a cornerstone of our community. They’re not just places to borrow books, but spaces for learning, building relationships, and fostering personal growth. It’s where friends and families connect, tutoring happens, and knowledge thrives in a safe, welcoming environment.”

In 2019, the Edison Library Trustees and Council applied for funding through the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act. Edison was awarded $1.5 million through this grant.

In 2020, Joshi, who was then councilman, served as Library Trustees Liaison and presented this project to the Council. This groundbreaking celebrates that the plan is now being implemented.

The project includes a 4,500-foot addition to the building, which will provide the community with a central location for cultural programming, makerspace activities, and an exhibit space for local art and artists that will further enhance the library’s role in the community.

Other upgrades and expansion include:

• Expanded adult reading space

• Renovated and expanded children’s room

• Community art and exhibit gallery

• Larger meeting space

• Expanded community innovation lab/makerspace

• Rain garden on the exterior of the library

“This upgrade to the Edison Public Library’s North Edison Branch will touch countless lives for many generations. It will be a haven for learning, a gathering place for ideas, and an inspiration for creativity,” said Library Board President, Anthony DePasquale.

“Libraries are more than buildings,” noted Library Director Allan M. Kleiman, “But what we see is that this new expanded space can be a focal anchor of the community.”

For updates on the library upgrades and expansion project, please contact Michael Wirth at MWirth@EdisonPublicLibrary.Org or at 732-287-2298.

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