The basics:

• Hoboken Public Library will close its Main Building for renovation
• Second, third floors expected to reopen Oct. 5
• Work designed by Clarke Caton Hintz
• Will restore historic walls, flooring, millwork; improve mezzanine accessibility

The Hoboken Public Library will continue its transformation, with work set to begin this week on the next phase of the historic building‘s multiphase renovation project.

The building located at 500 Park Ave. will temporarily close Aug. 13 to accommodate the improvements.

Designed by Trenton-based Clarke Caton Hintz, the work blends original elements from the circa 19th century building along with accessible, modern features. A grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust along with the library’s own capital investment planning fund the work.

This project affects only the Main Library building. Officials expect the second and third floors at that facility to reopen to the public Oct. 5.

At more than 130 years old, both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places recognize Hoboken’s Main Library building. Identified as significant due to its education, social history and renaissance-style architecture, the Albert Beyer-designed Hoboken Free Public Library and Manual Training School was dedicated in 1897. Establishing the state’s third library at the time, it features Indiana limestone with upper stories in yellow brick and terracotta.

The interior of the library underwent significant renovations in the wake of damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Project plans

The newest work is part of the the Library’s Capital Master Plan. Established in 2017, the long-term facilities roadmap guides investment in its buildings and services. Phase 1 successfully delivered third floor renovations in 2021.

Officials say they planned the work to align with funding, as well as to minimize disruption to services.

Pu’s larger platform

As the Hoboken Public Library prepares to kick off Phase 2 of its historic renovations, the institution has another reason to celebrate.

Library Director Jennie Pu will serve a second year as chair of the Urban Libraries Council’s Advocacy Task Force.

Following reappointment, Pu continues to guide ULC’s national efforts to secure support and funding to strengthen public libraries. The task force focuses on advancing policies around literacy, workforce development, digital access, health and mental health resources, and protecting intellectual freedom.

“Public libraries are foundational to American communities and provide access to information, support economic mobility, advance lifelong learning, and foster inclusion,” said Pu. “I am honored to continue leading ULC’s advocacy and to build on the bipartisan relationships and momentum established over the past year. Together, we will work to ensure libraries remain strong, adaptable, and essential pillars for generations to come.”

The latest efforts will:

• Restore the Main Library building’s original plaster walls with a historic paint scheme to revitalize the space’s original character
• Reconstruct pressed-metal ceilings, cornices and frieze tiles by salvaging existing materials, repairing them and creating others
• Return flooring, millwork and bookcases to their original appearance
• Modify the mezzanine level to include a new vertical platform lift to provide access between that level and the first floor

“Our community has backed us through every phase, and our staff has carried it forward with incredible dedication,” said Library Director Pu, also an NJBIZ Education Power player. “This project will deliver spaces worthy of a building and a community that has loved its library for over 130 years.”

The library recommends staying tuned to its social media channels for renovation project updates.

During the closure, these location will remain fully accessible:

• Grand Street Branch, 124 Grand St., 2nd Floor of the multiservice center
• The Learning Center, 401 Harrison St., will host adult computer access
• Library Lockers will offer pick ups and holds outside the main building, Grand Street Branch and the Hoboken Historical Museum

Storytimes will move outdoors, weather permitting. The Grand Street Branch and other partner locations across the city will host children’s and teens programs.

 

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