For the first time in 45 years, Teaneck Public Library is renovating its building. The renovation, planned to start in September, will include a special area for teens, a lounge, a bathroom on the main floor, a modernized look and more. “Since its last renovation in 1979, our library has faithfully served our community for over 40 years as is. However, as times change, so do our needs. The materials and services we provide have evolved, yet our layout has remained static. It’s time for a refresh,” wrote library director Shinae Hyun in a letter on the library’s website.
“We understand that adjusting to these changes may pose challenges for our heavily reliant community. The potential closure of the Library for 9-12 months is no small matter. Rest assured, we’re diligently working to devise the best possible temporary operations plan. Our goal is to ensure continuity of core services during this renovation,” added Hyun. In an information session, library board president Gerald Reiner gave a price tag of $1.6 million for the job.
However, in advance of its closing, many events are scheduled for this summer, including 100 in July alone. For example, the library will have “Baby & Toddler Time” on Tuesday, July 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Reading Garden, weather permitting. Then, on Thursday, July 18, from 4-5 p.m., the auditorium will host a “Bluey Bash” for young kids with games and headband making.
Teaneck residents will still be able to get reading material while the library renovates. The library will carry out operations in neighboring New Milford’s public library, which will be the default location for Teaneck residents to pick up books. Additionally, those unable to travel who are already signed up with Teaneck Library’s home delivery system can keep utilizing the service.
But there are many more options outside of the town’s library. According to Teaneck Library’s renovation FAQ page, “Within five miles of Teaneck Public Library, there are libraries in Bogota, Leonia, Ridgefield Park, Englewood, Hackensack, Bergenfield, New Milford, Tenafly, Dumont, Fort Lee, Little Ferry, River Edge and Paramus.” As opposed to Teaneck, some local libraries, like Bergenfield and Little Ferry, charge a fee for the late return of books, so patrons picking up books from libraries should be aware of when the books are due.
Apart from the main library system, there are also bookstands scattered throughout the community from an organization known as Little Free Library, which has over 175,000 such library stands throughout the world. At the stand, visitors take a book of their choice and leave their own book in return, resulting in a community effort to circulate different books. For locations, including a handful in Teaneck-Bergenfield, visit littlefreelibrary.org/map. For those who don’t want to leave home, physical libraries are not the only option. Consider Amazon Kindle, the device that allows readers to download books electronically and read on the screen. Amazon’s website offers a number of varieties of Kindle at different price points. They even offer a Kindle Unlimited subscription that allows access to millions of books and thousands of audiobooks, and a 30-day free trial is available.
To ask Teaneck Public Library about the renovation, email [email protected]. Hyun concluded in her letter, “Thank you for your patience, support and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting chapter in the life of our library. Together, we’ll create a space that continues to enrich our community for generations to come.”
Daniel Brauner is a summer intern at The Jewish Link. He is an incoming student at Yeshiva University and lives in Teaneck. Contact him at [email protected].
