Introducing The Renewal Project: The Next Chapter in the Renovation of the Franklin Lakes Library

The Franklin Lakes Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce The Renewal Project: A campaign to raise $1 million to renew our library, making it warm, welcoming, and best-in-state.

The first Franklin Lakes Library opened at the railroad station on Pulis Avenue in 1952. It was open only 9 hours a week. As the community's needs changed, the library moved to other locations in the town. Finally, in 1977, it moved to its permanent location on DeKorte Drive. An expansion began in 2002; the grand opening was on May 16, 2004. The Renewal Project will be the library’s first renovation in 20 years.

This renovation is not just a facelift; it’s about using our current footprint more efficiently to create a welcoming community space. We need more room to entertain and educate the children in our community, provide comfortable seating areas for patrons of all ages, improve access to all available services, and become a fitting venue for new, state-of-the-art offerings.

The Renewal Project Includes the Entire Main Floor of the Library

Chapter I—Recently completed, this phase, financed by existing funds of nearly half a million dollars, improved the entryway, large meeting room, and art gallery to a level that enables staff to create venues for higher-quality programs. Local decorators, Terri Fiori and Danielle Palmadessa Lynch, designed this part of the renewal. Moreover, in 2023, a generous donation from a local family added a new patio to the front exterior for outdoor gatherings.

The Next Chapter: With input from various stakeholders (library staff, board of trustees, school administrators, and patron focus groups), people who come to the library can expect these changes:

Children’s Department: Complete renovation with a friendly and engaging design that includes open sight lines and new furniture, creating more seating and better space utilization. The Non-Fiction room will be a modern meeting area that makes new technology easily accessible and a destination for after-school studying and activities; increased seating will allow kids to spread out and groups to settle in.
For all patrons: Modernized interior high-usage and interface areas, including relocation of the customer service desk, will encourage patron and staff interaction. Redesigned and relocated bookshelves will increase sight lines to give a more open feel. A designated new book area will be a highlight! Expect to see a renovated first-floor restroom and an updated stairwell.
Cafe: This relaxing area will also get a facelift. Individuals and groups will welcome this bright and welcoming flex space.

Your Library Needs Your Support!

To help our library become best-in-state and a go-to destination to meet, study, be educated, and entertained, the Franklin Lakes Public Library Foundation requests support from everyone who cares about their library.

Exciting fundraisers are forthcoming, including a raffle for a Land Rover and a Renewal Project kick-off party that will include great prizes and many surprises. Stay tuned. Please also consider giving a gift of any amount as all your generous donations will fund this next chapter in in the life of our library. For those interested, we offer naming rights opportunities for significant contributions. Please visit https://franklinlakeslibrary.org or call 201-891-2224 for more information.

The Franklin Lakes Free Public Library Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Support the Library!

By Franklin Lakes Free Public Library Foundation Inc

Support the Library!