Plainfield Public Library

The Plainfield community came to the library’s support in a big way during the final days of 2006. Just over $26,000 was received in donations and new pledges during the three-week period, meeting the $25,000 challenge grant from a local family.

Library Board President Anne E. Robinson and Library Director Joe Da Rold were quick to express their appreciation to the donors, many of whom were making their first donation to the library’s capital campaign.

The library’s goal is to raise $1 million to complete renovations and upgrades of the 1968 facility. Through the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library, the capital campaign has already raised nearly $400,000 from private sources, and efforts are underway to secure the balance of $600,000. Rather than proceed project by project, as has been done in the past, these new dollars are being accumulated to use as a match for the next Library Construction Bond Grant from the NJ State Legislature, Current legislative plans call for urban libraries such as Plainfield to be eligible for a one-to-one State match of local monies.

Areas still in need of renovation include:

The Young People’s Room

Safety and lighting upgrades have been made to the Young People’s Room in recent years, but more substantial renovations are needed for this 40-year old area that sees heavy daily use. Since the footprint of the Young People’s Room cannot be expanded, the technological improvements for children will be contingent on the completion of the Technology Center , the lower level of which will serve the Young People’s Room. Renovations are also needed for new restrooms, new ceiling and lighting, new carpeting, a new story area, and more logical space planning for the collection and supervision.

The Technology Center

Accommodating new developments in technology and communications is difficult within a concrete and glass structure.
Construction of a 3,200 square foot, two-story Technology Center is planned for the Library’s interior, to keep up with the growing public need for computer services and to facilitate the delivery of future technologies. A new elevator in this area will provide easier access to services on the lower level of the Library.

The Main Reading Room

After 40 years of constant use, the Library’s interior needs replacement and modernizing. This spacious area will be redesigned to allow for a more logical arrangement of book stacks; new furnishings will provide comfort for all our patrons, whether browsing, reading, tutoring or studying. Current lighting levels are inadequate; incandescent fixtures have already been upgraded to emit more light and save energy; fluorescent ceiling fixtures must be replaced to improved lighting throughout the main floor.

The New Entrance and Circulation Area The entrance to the Library will be reoriented to provide better foot-traffic flow in and out of the Library, provide easier access to parking, and improve handicapped access to our building. An upgrade of the book security system and an upgrade of the closed-circuit security system are both critical needs.

Pledges may be paid over a 3 to 5 year period. Donations should be made to the PPL Cap Campaign, c/o Plainfield Public Library at 800 Park Avenue , Plainfield NJ 07060