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Ridgewood Library Renewal 2023

Renovation Update: Ridgewood Public Library Foundation donates $500,000 to Ridgewood Library

 

We are so excited about the $500,000 donation from the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation (RPLF) in support of our renovation and modernization projects. We have been exploring ways to better use our 34,000 sq. ft. space since 2013. Our 2022 townwide survey gave us a roadmap as residents asked for more places for people to meet and study, comfortable seating and tables for quiet reading, cosmetic improvements to interiors and furnishings, and a larger area for teens.

The question then became: How can we adapt our space economically with as little disruption to library service as possible? We looked at the financial climate, the impact of  inflation on construction costs, and the results of our survey, and we pivoted from a full-scale construction plan to a phased renovation project that preserves our collection space (don’t worry books are here to stay!) while prioritizing the library’s most pressing needs.

We will begin with the Teen Room in late June, and we can’t wait to share our progress with you. We know these carefully chosen and generously funded projects will have immediate and lasting impact. This $500,000 gift from the Foundation is a terrific head start on plans that meet the needs of today and are flexible enough to adapt to the needs of tomorrow.

Lorri Steinbacher, Library Director

Teen Room

 

This project was the original spark for the renovation plan. The space is not sufficient for current needs. Teens are spread out over every level of the library during busy times with no space of their own.

This plan:

  • Increases capacity of Teen Room by 60%
  • Adds a variety of seating for individual and group study
  • Electrical capacity increased; LED lighting for sustainability and to brighten space

Art Studio

 

Art studio will be outfitted with additional storage to also include makerspace elements and can be used as an extension of the teen space when not in use for programming.

Mezzanine – Study & Meeting Rooms

 

One of our most frequent requests is for private study areas for a variety of purposes—meeting in small groups, quiet place to make a Zoom call, online test taking.

This plan:

  • Adds reservable study rooms fills an immediate need and increases usable space in the library:
    o Creates 6 study rooms for groups up to 4 people
    o Creates one study room for up to 10 people
  • Retains collection space for books

Lobby

 

Lobby will be refreshed with new wallcoverings and flooring. Currently tile flooring is slippery and hard to maintain. Adds booth and table seating to encourage causal gathering.

First Floor – Circulation Area / Reading Lounge

 

Current desk has staff with their backs to entering patrons. The area is dim and uninviting. No clear path to other services.
This plan:

  • Positions the staff so that they can greet patrons as they enter, encouraging better customer service
  • Tall shelving replaced with lower profile shelving for better light and visibility throughout
  • To substitute for a costly focal staircase, this plan uses carpet and ceiling treatments to create a natural path to the staircase