Another Burlington County library is getting a makeover to make it more accessible and responsive to residents’ needs.

The Burlington County Library System and Cinnaminson Township are partnering on a $300,000 renovation to the Cinnaminson Branch Library. The planned improvements include modernizing the first floor restrooms to make them more accessible, along with redesigning other existing spaces to create a new collaborative technology center and a dedicated teen space.

The renovations are being funded largely through a state grant and are the first major improvements at the Cinnaminson library branch in more than two decades. The Cinnaminson library first opened in 1966 and was the library system’s first branch library.

Burington County Commissioners and Burlington County Library System officials joined with Cinnaminson officials and State Senator Troy Singleton for a short construction tour on Friday afternoon at the library on Riverton Road.

“The Burington County Library System was created more than a century ago to be a resource for all residents and our County libraries continue to evolve to incorporate modern technology and the changing needs of residents,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tom Pullion, the liaison to the Burlington County Library System. “The improvements to the Cinnaminson Library will modernize the spaces and make it more accessible and accommodating for users of all ages and interests.”

“Modern libraries aren’t museums of books; they are critical infrastructure that residents depend on for a variety of programs and resources, ranging from internet access and technology assistance to employment training, tax prep help and more,” added Burlington County Library Commission Chair Jonathan Chebra. “We’re excited to see this project advance, and we look forward to returning in the fall to welcome residents into a new modern, redesigned library that will be an even greater resource for them.”

The improvements were designed by McKernan Architects, and the work is being performed by Marin General Construction. Both companies were contracted by Cinnaminson Township, which is overseeing construction of the improvements.

Securing state funding for library improvements

Funding for the improvements was secured by Senator Singleton in the FY 2023 State Budget in the form of a $1 million appropriation for Burlington County Library System capital improvements at the Main Branch Library in Westampton and at the branch libraries in Cinnaminson, Evesham and Pemberton Township.

The Pemberton renovations were completed earlier this year and work on the Evesham redesign is expected to begin later this summer.

“Libraries are significant and important institutions in Burlington County and across the State of New Jersey. They provide endless learning opportunities for residents of all ages and serve as the foundation of many communities,” said Senator Singleton. “The improvements planned at the Cinnaminson Library are exactly the type of smart investments the State of New Jersey must support. I was proud to secure this funding, which is modernizing this library and others around the County.”

About $250,000 of the $1 million in state funding was earmarked for the Cinnaminson improvements. The Friends of the Cinnaminson Library group also contributed $50,000 for furnishing and equipment for the renovated spaces.

Work at the Cinnaminson branch is expected to continue through the spring and is projected to be completed by summer.

“Even in this increasingly digital world, the physical spaces in our libraries still matter, and we’re excited to have these opportunities to reimagine how we use library spaces to make them more accessible and also more responsive to what residents and local communities want and need,” said Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das.

“Our libraries are proven difference-makers and the investments we make to improve them directly benefit our residents and communities,” added Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo, who attended the construction tour with Commissioner Tyler Burrell. “These enhancements allow Burlington County libraries to remain safe, welcoming spaces with resources for all. We want to thank Senator Singleton for advocating for the funding that makes this investment possible.”

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