Middletown Library Fully Reopens Renovated Rooms March 31

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The main reference area, history room and teen room of the Middletown Public Library have been closed to the public for more than a year, since April of last year.

But now, the Middletown Library will have a grand reopening of all the rooms at 11 a.m. March 31.

The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the library will also be giving tours of the newly renovated spaces, with tours and demonstrations throughout the day.

Renovations at the Middletown Township Public Library began in March/April 2024, when those sections first closed. It as a $1.7 million renovation, which was funded primarily through private donations. The renovations were designed by DMR Architects and completed by Reliable NYC, LLC.

“The Middletown Township Public Library has long been known as the jewel of our community, and we see over 12,000 people come through our doors every month," said library director Kathryn Hammond. "It has been 20 years since the library was last updated, and the needs of the community have evolved quickly in that time. We are excited to showcase all the new and wonderful spaces that were created with our community in mind."

The updated Reference Area: The new reference area will have four new private study rooms, a group study room, a new makerspace, a new history room, a new teen room, as well as an expanded quiet reading area with a fireplace and eleven public computers.

Expanded History Room: This is the place to visit at the library when you want to learn more about Middletown Township and its rich history, including going back to the front-row seat Middletown had to the American Revolutionary War. Besides material about Middletown, there are publications on Monmouth County and New Jersey, and related topics such as the Lenape American Indians, the American Revolution, agriculture, railroads and the Jersey Shore. The public can also access databases that will assist with genealogical research, including ancestry and digitized newspapers. Plans are underway to create programming that promotes curiosity about local history.

Updated Teen Room: This renovated teen space is perfect for an after-school study session, or a group hangout on the weekend. Teen patrons will be able to find whatever they need in one place, said the library. Browse a favorite fiction genre, pick up a manga series, or learn a skill in the non-fiction section. Teens can also look forward to plenty of new programs and ways to stay connected with the library.

Makerspace: An area where community members can learn new technology, develop maker skills and create a variety of projects using tools such as laser cutters, vinyl cutters, heat presses and more. Look for orientation and training classes starting this April.

Visit mtpl.org to for further updates. Middletown Township Public Library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road in Middletown.