Library Building Project—More Questions and Answers

Last week, this column addressed the hottest library-related question in town: What is going on with the new library building? Since then, plans have been presented, discussions have taken place, more questions have been raised, and perhaps, things are starting to move toward a decision. Therefore, we’d like to take this opportunity to bring everyone up to date on the latest progress in this ongoing saga.

At the Town Council meeting on Monday night, Rick Ragan of Ragan Design Group presented a sketch for a proposed Moorestown Municipal Complex, which included four elements: a library, an administration building, a justice center and a recreation building.

The proposed library would house all of its public space on the first floor, including a dividable meeting room, a café, a small computer lab, Internet terminals, a special collections room, quiet study rooms, areas for seating, a children’s story time and activity area, a small teen space, and of course, lots of bookshelves. 

Upstairs, the library would house the director’s office, technical services, IT functions, and an unfinished storage space for children’s craft supplies, overflow and rare books, back issues of periodicals and microfiche. The library would be attached to the administration building to maximize the opportunity to share space and systems.

Ragan’s presentation also included specific plans for the administration building, justice center, including police and court functions, and improvements to the recreation building.

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, Town Council held a special meeting to discuss that proposal and gather more information toward making a final decision. After a review and discussion of the plans, individual members indicated some continued concerns, primarily regarding the size of the buildings and the phasing of the various elements of the project. Council members also expressed an interest in seeing sketches of what the exteriors of the buildings would look like, and Ragan Design Group agreed to have them prepared for the next council meeting on Aug. 22.

Mayor Button set a goal for all Town Council members to do their research in the week ahead and to come to the Aug. 22 meeting prepared to make a decision on Ragan Design Group’s plan for a new Municipal Complex.

Everyone at the Moorestown Library wishes to thank the community for your continued interest in this process and your ongoing commitment to seeing your library be the best it can be. We encourage you to attend the council meeting on Monday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 pm in the William Allen Middle School media center to stake your place in this story as it unfolds.