Ridgewood Library Gets $500K Grant For 'Immediate' Renovations

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In an effort to turn patron feedback into action and to celebrate 100 years of the Ridgewood Public Library, the library foundation has granted $500,000 to remodel, modernize and improve facility spaces.

"Staff and the Board of Trustees are so excited about the donation," new library director Lorri Steinbacher said, noting that the grant is the largest gift in the foundation's 20-year history.

Funds will specifically address three priorities: a larger, dedicated teen study room on the first floor; conversion of the mezzanine level into six new private meeting or study rooms, and cosmetic upgrades to the first-floor lobby and to the circulation area near the entrance.

Insights on where to channel the half-million dollar investment, Steinbacher said, came from assessing the financial climate, the impact of inflation on construction costs and a survey wherein residents said what was most important to them.

"(We are) pursuing a phased renovation project that prioritizes the most pressing needs first," Steinbacher said.

Interior design specialist The Whalen Berez Group, which specializes in library interiors, has already been hired for the "immediate renovation," which is planned to begin March 1, the foundation said.

"We are excited to complete this initial phase of library improvements and will continue fundraising for future enhancements," foundation president Cara Murray and vice president Joanie Harrington said.

The goal, foundation directors said, is to keep the library open throughout the renovation, "with the understanding that some areas will be temporarily closed to accommodate the work taking place."

Murray and Harrington said the gift would not have been possible without the support of donors who have contributed over the years through the annual appeal and fundraising events.

"We can't wait to share our progress with the community," Steinbacher said, "and we know that these carefully chosen and generously funded projects will have immediate and lasting impact on our library users. "