Library Construction Updates

This construction project is funded through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and is administered through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Funds are distributed by the New Jersey State Library through their Community Center Digital Connect program.

While We Are Closed:

Need a library card? Fill out the online application, and pick up at the curb. See here for printable instructions.
You can place books on hold and pick them up on the curb! See here for printable instructions.
Your library card also works at many STELLA consortium libraries including Scotch Plains, South Plainfield, Fanwood, and Piscataway. You may also check-out books from North Plainfield Library through the Somerset County Library System.
Museum Passes are available! Place Museum Passes on hold (like books), some only require your library card!
Passport appointments are limited and by pre-scheduled appointment only. See here for more information.
Our online databases are available 24/7 just as our e-books, audiobooks, and magazines through Libby
We will be doing outreach and taking some of our programs on the go. Visit our online calendar to see where to find us!
Need to reach us? Chat, call, or email us!

Library Construction Update 14

January 15, 2026: Excavation of Parking Lot and Planter Repairs Completed and New Staircase installed. Reopening moved to mid-March 2026.

See how our new starcase is coming along. Below are views from the main level looking down (left) and from the lower level (right).

Library Construction Update 13

December 8, 2025: New Floor Progressing on Main Level - Reopening moved to early February 2026 (rev. 12/09/2025.

See how our new main-level floor is coming along. Below are views from the main level (left) and from the lower level (right)..

Library Construction Update 12

November 12, 2025: Announcing Extension of Building Closure to early January 2026 (rev. 11/25/2025)

Our library’s transformation is well underway! The first-floor gap has been made smaller - opening up even more usable space. New community rooms are taking shape, upgraded HVAC and sprinkler systems are being installed, and construction has begun on a brand-new feature that we can’t wait to share! ✨ Step by step, our vision is coming to life!

Library Construction Update 11

October 16, 2025: An HVAC upgrade is underway, along with new lighting on the main floor and the installation of a sprinkler system on the lower level.

HVAC system upgrade and installation view 1

HVAC system upgrade and installation view 2

Library Construction Update 10

October 1, 2025: Announcing Extended Building Closure from Monday, October 13 to Monday, December 1

Library Construction Update 9

September 23, 2025: Announcing Building Closure on Friday, September 26th

Pumping concrete for the four new columns supporting the new main floor. Click on images below to enlarge.

Concrete pumping truck set up in front library parking lot.

Concrete pumping into lower level.

Lower level before concrete pumping for new columns.

Lower level new column area after concrete pumping.

Library Construction Update 8

August 6, 2025: Lower Level Atrium - Fountain Demolition Completed

Lower level fountain has been demolished. The base is now being prepared for structural steel to be installed.

Demolition of lower level fountain.

Library Construction Update 7

July 30, 2025: Construction Timeline & Closure Extended to August 7, 2025. The Children's Room will be open, but the rest of the lower level will remain closed.

Library Construction Update 6

July 22, 2025: Construction Timeline & Closure Extended to August 4, 2025.

Library Construction Update 5

July 16, 2025: Construction Timeline & Closure Extended to July 28, 2025.

Below is our projected Construction Timeline! We are currently at step 4 and nearly done with the demolition of the fountain. We are working on removing debris from the building and getting ready for the next phase. The library closure has been extended for one more week. We will tentatively open on July 28th.

Library Construction Update 4

July 9, 2025: Closure Extended to July 21, 2025.

The library closure has been extended for one more week. We will tentatively open on July 21st.

Library Construction Update 3

July 9, 2025: Lower Level Atrium - Demolition Begins

The walls were constructed to contain both dust and sound as we prepare the lower level for the new Atrium infill project.

Safety walls built around upper level railing.

Demolition begins on lower level fountain.

Library Construction Update 2

July 2, 2025: While We Are Closed / Mientras Estemos Cerrados

mientras estemos cerrados durante construccion

Library Construction Update 1

July 1, 2025: Press Release

Plainfield Public Library to Undergo Construction Starting July 7
The Plainfield Public Library will begin a major construction project on July 7, 2025, with the goal of improving the building’s infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for patrons.

The $2,365,000 award is funded through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and is administered through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Funds are distributed by the New Jersey State Library through their Community Center Digital Connect program.

Library Renovation Renderings
Arcari + Iovino Architects PC

Please click on the directional arrows below or anywhere on the image to view all of the images.

Library Construction Announcement

June 23, 2025: Temporary Closure

Plainfield Public Library is excited to undergo renovations that will improve our space and public services for our community. These renovations are extensive and, as a result, the library building will have to close to the public at certain times so the construction work can be completed effectively and safely. The library will be closed due to construction from Monday, July 7th through Sunday, July 13th. We will, tentatively, reopen on Monday, July 14th at 9am. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Spanish language construction closure announcement