Save & Close
Somerville branch to Close July 31 with Plans to Relocate
SOMERVILLE, NJ — July 22, 2026 — Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) announced today that its last day providing library services at the current Somerville branch location at 35 West End Avenue will be Friday, July 31, 2026.
Following last year’s reconfiguration of the main floor, prompted by air quality issues that forced the closure of lower-level children’s and staff spaces, library staff worked diligently to maintain a welcoming space for patrons, and deliver a high level of library services, materials, and programs. While the consolidated space allowed SCLSNJ to restore essential services, managing daily library services out of the reduced footprint has presented significant challenges to library staff. Despite ongoing good faith maintenance efforts by the Borough of Somerville, the aging building's infrastructure can no longer effectively support the delivery of library services to the community. As a result, SCLSNJ determined that continuing to apply temporary fixes to an unmaintainable space is an inefficient use of public resources.
“The reality is that as buildings get old and systems fail, they get more and more expensive to maintain - if they are not beyond repair. We are at the point where the building’s functionality as a public space or workplace is severely limited,” said SCLSNJ Library Director, Peter Bromberg. “The small space and poor acoustics really limit its functionality as a busy public space or workplace. After consolidating service to the main floor last summer we have made a good faith effort to continue to provide excellent library services out of the current space, but it’s not working.”
SCLSNJ leadership emphasized that vacating 35 West End Avenue does not mark an end to library services in the Borough. The Library is actively working to identify and secure a suitable alternate location in Somerville to establish in-person library services. "As difficult as this decision is, it’s the right thing to do - for our patrons, and for our staff. With the recent heavy rains and humidity, there are renewed concerns about conditions in the building," Bromberg added. "While this location is closing, SCLSNJ's presence in Somerville is here to stay.”
Honoring Library History at 35 West End Avenue
SCLSNJ recognized how deeply meaningful 35 West End Avenue has been to generations of Somerville residents who grew up visiting, learning, and gathering within its walls. “Every day we hear fond memories from people whose families have been visiting the library in Somerville for generations," said Jen Sulligan, Somerville Branch Manager. "We plan on organizing an event with the community to celebrate the memories shared in the building and to honor its long history later this year.”
Future plans for the property itself are yet to be determined and will remain the responsibility of the Borough of Somerville.
Library Services to Continue Through Partnerships and Other Branches
While SCLSNJ actively works to secure a new location in Somerville, in consultation with the Borough, services will continue through local partnerships and nearby branches:
- Programming: Thanks to partnerships with the Somerset County Business Partnership, Somerset County Department of Human Services, and a number of local downtown businesses, the Library will host community programs and events at various partner locations throughout downtown Somerville. Updated locations will be published on the events calendar at SCLSNJ.org.
- Hold Pickups: Library staff will reach out to patrons, who currently have holds scheduled for pickup at the Somerville branch, to assist with alternative pickup arrangements, including nearby SCLSNJ branch locations.
- Continued System-Wide Services: Somerville patrons will continue to have full access to digital resources, online databases, e-books, as well as physical collections across all other branches.
Regular updates regarding temporary location arrangements, long-term plans, and details on the upcoming celebratory gathering will be shared directly with the public as developments occur. For calendar updates and additional information, please visit SCLSNJ.org.