Middletown Library Renovations Have Begun, Library Will Remain Open

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The renovations have begun at the Middletown Public Library!

The Middletown Library is expanding and redesigning its reference area — the main part of the library. That's a rendering of how it will look when completed, which should be by this September.

The library is putting in comfortable seating spaces, additional private meeting and study spaces and enhanced history and reading rooms. Renovation work is expected to be completed by September 2024. After that, the library will update its Teen Room and put in a brand-new Makerspace.

The library is doing all of this in response to suggestions from the public as to what they would like to see there.

The library plans to remain open for the duration of the construction, with possible periodic closures. Stay updated with the latest on the renovations at www.mtpl.org/mtpl-renovation

The kick-off ceremony was held last Thursday, March 21 and attended by Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Library Director Kate Hammond, Library Board President Robert Phelan, Library Business Manager Wendy LaTona, along with architect Jeff Curry and general contractor Uke Dauti.

“We’re very excited to get the renovations underway and see the new rooms come to life,” said Hammond. “The spaces that we are creating will be an incredible resource for the community, as we’ve seen the needs of the public evolve over the past few years.”

The architect hired for the work is DMR Architects.

“While libraries have always served as hubs of curiosity and enlightenment, changes in technology, resources and styles have called for many renovations since they were built in the mid-20th century,” said Jeffrey Curry, senior project manager at DMR Architects. “The Middletown Library renovations will soon reshape the library into a destination that will better serve both the social and intellectual needs of the town.”