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Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Milestone for SCLSNJ's Watchung Branch
The future of the Watchung library took a significant step forward on Friday, April 4, 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building. The event, held in front of the old Watchung Library building, drew approximately 75 enthusiastic community members, library staff, and local officials.
Brian Auger, Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) Library Director, echoed the community's anticipation at the event, stating, "From a library services perspective, this is the 2nd greatest day for Watchung. The greatest day will be when the new library opens its doors for the first time to the Watchung community."
Manny Miracle, the dedicated Branch Manager of the Watchung branch, expressed her deep enthusiasm for the project. "I feel incredibly fortunate to serve as the library branch manager in the town of Watchung at this moment in time," said Miracle. "Watchung is a remarkably vibrant community that invests in the wellness of its residents and beautiful grounds, and I think the library renovation is one more step in creating a community that prioritizes connection, discovery, and exploration. From the moment I stepped into my role here at Watchung, the library patrons, the Friends, The Library Advisory Committee, and the Borough have all been welcoming, inclusive, and engaging."
The groundbreaking marks a new phase in the library's evolution. The Watchung staff and patrons temporarily relocated from their beloved former building in May 2024 to a temporary location at 20 Stirling Rd. (formerly the Valley Furniture Store), which opened with full services in the beginning of June.
Looking ahead, Miracle shared her excitement for the future. "I wake up every day excited to go to work. I delight in hearing our existing patrons talk about their dreams for their library. It's an absolute joy to welcome new patrons into the library, especially our littlest cardholders, and tell their parents about all of the plans for the children's room."
She further highlighted the proactive approach of her team. "The team at Watchung, of which I am incredibly proud, has taken the opportunity this move and renovation has provided to rethink, refresh, and expand program offerings and outreach. Our goal is to provide the best possible experience to the community we serve both today in our beautiful temporary space and in all of the coming tomorrows."
The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Watchung library, promising an enhanced space for discovery, exploration, sharing and community connections for years to come.