Somerville library branch to close at end of July

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Somerset County Library System of New Jersey(SCLSNJ) will be closing its current Somerville branch location at the end of the month.

SCLSNJ announced on Wednesday that the location at 35 West End Ave. in Somerville will stop providing library services on Friday, July 31.

The library system said it is working to identify and secure another location in Somerville for in-person services.

The announcement follows last year’s reconfiguration of the branch’s main floor after air quality issues forced the closure of lower-level children’s and staff spaces.

SCLSNJ said staff continued to provide library services, materials and programs from the consolidated space, but daily operations in the reduced footprint have remained difficult.

According to the announcement, the Borough of Somerville made ongoing good faith maintenance efforts, but the aging building’s infrastructure can no longer effectively support library services.

"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."

New Location

SCLSNJ said leaving 35 West End Avenue does not mean library service is ending in the borough.

The system said it is actively working with the borough to secure a suitable alternate location in Somerville.

"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."

The library system also pointed to the branch’s long history in town.

"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 have not been determined and remain the responsibility of the Borough of Somerville.

Library Services To Continue

While SCLSNJ looks for a new site, services will continue through downtown partnerships and nearby branches.

The system said programs and events will be hosted at partner locations, including through the Somerset County Business Partnership, Somerset County Department of Human Services and local downtown businesses.

Patrons with holds scheduled for pickup in Somerville will be contacted about other arrangements, and digital resources, online databases, e-books and physical collections at other branches will remain available.

The library system said updates on temporary arrangements, long-term plans and the community event will be shared as developments occur at SCLSNJ.org.

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