Reopening Date For Historic Parsippany Library Still Unknown

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A dedicated group of Mount Tabor residents has fought to keep the Mount Tabor Branch Library open and operational for the benefit of the community; however, one final stumbling block may force the beloved library to close.

Melissa Kuzma, director of the Parsippany Library, recommended closing the branch at the Library Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 24, citing lower usage at the Mount Tabor branch, which means it costs more to keep it open.

The community library, which had been in operation since 1901, was closed down during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Mary Martin, a community member, recently spoke at a township council meeting in support of the council's continued attention and proactive response to the library in recent months.

"The residents of Mount Tabor are thrilled with the project and progress that is being made toward the reopening," Martin said.

Dawn Catanzaro, a resident who organized a support group for the small library branch in the heart of the historic Mount Tabor district, previously told Patch that Mayor James Barberio agreed to include funds in the budget to cover the costs of operating the Mount Tabor Branch.

Martin said that the residents had hoped for a tentative April reopening.

At last week's meeting, Barberio stated that the reopening could be slowed until after the official municipal budget process is complete.

"The library will not reopen until the budget is finally approved and passed, because the funds are not available until that pretty much happens. We will be getting the budget shortly to the council. I want to make everybody aware of that, and I told the library director that even though the funds are there, they still have to be approved," Barberio said.

Another hurdle that the library faces before setting an official reopening is the finals approval of the lease agreement from the Camp Meeting Association (CMA) and the Township of Parsippany.

"I attended the Camp Meeting Association meeting last week, where I learned that the CMA has developed a draft lease agreement and that the CMA attorney, Joe O'Neill, has spoken with the township's lawyer," Martin said.

In response, Michael Lavery, the township's lawyer, stated that he had spoken with O'Neill but that no copy of the lease had been sent to him. Barberio also stated that he has not seen a copy of the lease.

While the reopening date is still unknown, Catanzaro stated that the library and has begun making changes to make it more functional, comfortable and appealing. The building's furniture has also been rearranged to create separate zones for children, teens and computer use.