The 3rd Congressional District Representative visited the Burlington County Library in Westampton on Friday to present a ceremonial check representing the community project funding he helped secure. During his visit he met with County officials and toured the library space that will be updated.
“The Burlington County Library is a stronghold of knowledge and an engine of opportunity that is open and accessible to all,” said Congressman Conaway. “This investment will help improve an underutilized area to create a new modern space for learning, collaboration, creation, and community. I am proud to deliver federal funding to advance a project that will help the library continue to meet both current and future needs.”
“Modern libraries are essential community spaces for gathering, creating and learning,” added Burlington County Library Commission Chair Jonathan Chebra. “Our goal is creating modern spaces that meet this mission; meeting rooms and technology that adapts to the needs of residents. The funding secured by Congressman Conaway and our other partners will be instrumental in helping us meet that objective.”
Renovation plans are still in early development but are focused on redesigning underutilized portions of the general Adult Services area of the library to create a new multipurpose “Learning Commons” space. The revamped space will be designed to support teaching, training, meetings, exhibits, remote work, independent study and social/civil gatherings. It will offer the following resources:
- Technology center: offering access to digital tools and technology including a lab with audio/video technology
- Collaborative works area: for small group meetings or collaboration
- Study rooms: individual pods for focused work of study
- Conference room: for formal meetings
- Quiet study and work lounge: a shared space for focused work
- Local History & Exhibit Room: designated space to showcase Burlington County history and the library’s collection of books and digital history exhibits; the space can also be utilized for public programming.
“We envision the Learning Commons will be a dynamic space supported by library resources, tools, technology and expertise,” said Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das. “We believe it will help narrow the digital divide, promote a culture of learning, and connect people to one another around shared interests.”
The Burlington County Department of Public Works’ Construction Services Division will be assigned to complete the project rather than hiring a private contractor. Tentative plans call for work to begin in 2027.
In addition to the $850,000 secured by Rep. Conaway, the library system expects to tap a share of $1 million state grant secured by Senator Troy Singleton in the FY 2023 State Budget for BCLS facilities improvements. The state grant also helped fund major renovations at the Pemberton Library, opens a new window that were completed this year, along with ongoing work at the Cinnaminson Library, opens a new window and future renovations at the Evesham branch.
“Residents use libraries for learning, quiet study, work, social connections and countless other purposes,” said Senator Singleton. “I’m proud to support the ongoing efforts to update and modernize Burlington County libraries so they can continue to meet the needs of our residents.”
“Libraries are proven difference-makers and investments to improve them directly benefit Burlington County residents,” added Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo. “The renovations to Pemberton, Cinnaminson, Evesham and the Burlington County Library in Westampton are in line with national trends as libraries look to offer new learning opportunities to supplement traditional methods delivered through books and online offerings.”