Montclair Library Gets $1.9 Million 'Energy Efficiency' Upgrade

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A $1.9 million “energy efficiency” upgrade at the Montclair Public Library has crossed the finish line.

On Thursday, the library hosted a special event to announce the major renovations, which include the installation of high-efficiency boilers, a new chiller, digital controls and smart thermostats.

Nearly 40 percent of the total project cost — $749,096 — was covered through PSE&G program incentives via its Business Energy Efficiency Solutions program. The remaining balance is being repaid over five years through the utility’s interest-free on-bill repayment option.

The upgrades come at a critical time. During a heat wave last summer, outdated HVAC systems pushed indoor temperatures into the 90s, forcing the library to close parts of the building and move children’s programs outdoors.

• See Related: HVAC System Goes Kaput At Montclair Library; Main Branch Closed

With new equipment now in place, the library is far better equipped to stay open and welcoming during extreme weather, PSE&G said.

“The Montclair Public Library serves many purposes in our community, especially since we lack a senior or community center,” Mayor Renee Baskerville said.

“The recent improvements make the space comfortable year-round, and I’m deeply appreciative of our longstanding, impactful relationship with PSE&G,” the mayor added.

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill said the upgrades are the “perfect combination” of good public policy and cooperation.

“Many summers, this library was the place my parents brought my siblings and me, not only to pick out a new book, but as a place of safety and community,” Gill said. “They knew if I said I was going to the library, it was a safe space.”

Other support for the upgrades came from:

Montclair Public Library Director Radwa Ali – “When our HVAC crisis hit just weeks into my job here at the library, a lasting solution felt almost impossible, but PSE&G made everything seamless. I’m grateful for our resilient staff and the tireless work that’s made our beloved library a comfortable place once again.”

New Jersey Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill – “This project was about funding as well as it was about connecting the dots through partnerships, collaboration, and resources. Libraries are the hearts and conscience of our communities, and I thank PSE&G and NJBPU for answering our call when we needed them most.”

Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities – “This is really what good government is all about – projects like the Montclair Library that help secure over $125,000 in annual projected energy cost savings while providing a more comfortable space for the community.”

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