Hoboken Public Library Main Branch Reopening Monday

Hoboken NJ

06 August, 2021

4:26 PM

Description

HOBOKEN, NJ —The Hoboken Public library has announced its Main Branch will open to the public again on Monday after a four-week closure due to ongoing renovations. The library also said that Monday will be the first day on the job for new Director Jennie Pu. Though building work continues on the third floor of the Main Branch,500 Park Avenue, library officials said in a press release that several areas on the first and second floors remain open to public, including: The Children's Reading Room, Digital Media Room, Fiction Collection, Circulation Desk and Non Fiction Balcony (all first floor), and the Public Computer Area and Main Reading Room (second floor). However, the Local History Collection will be available only by request, and the basement, which is home to the Large Program Room and Garden/Small Program Room, only will be available on a limited basis. During the recent shutdown, the library opened a new CyberCafe across Fifth Street, and it will remain open for the "foreseeable future," library officials said. Additionally, the library's Grab & Go service will now be moved back inside the first floor of the Main Branch. However, the 24/7 Self-Service Lockers will continue operate outside the Main Branch and the branch at 124 Grand St. Rosary Van Ingen, who has served as the library's interim director the last two months, said customers have been flocking to the library during the four-week shutdown. "(Customers) are still requesting and picking up books and other materials at levels near or pre-closing," Van Ingen said. "Between curbside pickup and the 24/7 Self-Service Lockers, we're really marking sure customers can get the items they want." Van Ingen has served as interim director for the last two months since Lina Podles retired as director in early June. However, Pu will take over as full-time director on Monday. "The timing happened to work out," Pu said. "The construction shutdown and reopening had been long planned, and I am excited to start on the same day as the reopening." According to a release, the library renovation recently included a comprehensive demolition of the third floor, which will house the Children's and Teen/Tween departments. The floor eventually will get an energy-efficient HVAC system. Construction updates and photos are available on the library's Renovation webpage. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday. Masks and social distancing are required. Details about library programs, services and collections – including the Local History Collection – are available online, and library materials are available via the library's online catalog.