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Bound Brook Branch Renovations Advance Toward Reopening; Special Preview Event Scheduled for October 31
Renovations at the Bound Brook branch of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) continue to move forward as work progresses toward reopening the East High Street location. To share this progress directly with the community, the Borough of Bound Brook and SCLSNJ will host a special public preview event on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11 a.m. This special preview offers community members a unique sneak peek to explore the newly renovated space before the library reopens for service by early 2027.
Following the successful remediation of asbestos, the Borough is currently progressing through Phase 2, which is set for completion by the end of October. This phase brings key improvements to the main floor of the branch and focuses on the building’s accessible spaces, ensuring easy navigation for strollers, wheelchairs, and patrons with mobility needs:
- Adult Reading Room: Relocating computer stations to this space, refreshing reading and work areas, and installing new shelving to house both adult and children’s collections.
- Main Level: Converting the former computer room into a dedicated programming and children’s play area while fully modernizing the restrooms.
- Mezzanine Levels: Transforming both mezzanine spaces into functional staff workspaces and organized storage.
- Building Exterior: Refreshing the building’s facade with both structural and aesthetic enhancements.
As the completion of Phase 2 nears, SCLSNJ is preparing to restore library services at the branch by early 2027. Current efforts focus on purchasing needed library materials, setting up the network, hardware, and software required for public technology access, and thoughtfully organizing the newly updated spaces to best support the community’s needs.
As construction continues in planned phases, the lower-level Children’s Area, as well as the upper-level Conference Room and Archive Room, will remain closed until Phase 3. This future phase will focus solely on restoring these upstairs and basement areas to their previous condition.
"We are thrilled to see steady progress on the project and look forward to welcoming our residents back through the doors," said Mayor Dominic Longo of Bound Brook. "Having access to library services right here in the Bound Brook community is vital, and seeing this building come back to life brings immense pride and excitement to our borough."
Peter Bromberg, SCLSNJ Library Director, shared equal enthusiasm for the reopening process: "We are deeply grateful to the Borough of Bound Brook for their continued commitment to this historic building. Our staff is looking forward to once again serving the Bound Brook community at the East High Street location and offering the high-quality library resources and programs our patrons value."
More details regarding the October 31 preview event, including a schedule and programming, will be shared as they are finalized. To learn more about the library and SCLSNJ, please visit sclsnj.org.