Renovated Cape May City Library Officially Reopens

CAPE MAY — “It is encouraging that in these difficult economic times, our county is so fiscally responsible in its operations that we are able to make improvements to such important facilities as our library branches,” stated Freeholder Ralph Bakley Sr., on May 18 at the dedication of the renovated Cape May City Library.
“In these hard times, libraries have become more essential to people as they seek access to free education, research, job training opportunities as well as entertainment. And. I am glad that our county is effectively providing these services,” he continued.
“Library use has increased during the last decade. In 2009, nearly 525,000 items were checked out — almost 10 percent more than 2008. Over 376,000 people visited the Main Library and branches in Lower and Upper Townships — an increase again over 2008 and Hundreds of Thousands more access library services via our website.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues for their strong support of our library system as we continue to make improvements throughout other branches. I also like to especially thank our county facilities department for doing such an outstanding job in making these improvements while substantially saving tax dollars.
“Finally, I like to thank the City of Cape May for their support and cooperation in allowing the county library system to serve you,” Bakley concluded.
Cape May Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr. said both residents and visitors utilize the services the Ocean Street facility affords. Those foreign students who work at many jobs in the city regularly use the library as their Internet port to stay in touch with their distant homelands around the globe.
Architect Robert Garrison of Garrison Architects, was present, and discussed the facility with many officials and residents.
The library, at 110 Ocean St., is housed in the former Verizon telephone building built in the early 1900s. It is dedicated to the memory of long-time City Librarian Emma Elwell.
It was rapidly deteriorating and in need of renovation which began in October 2009.
Improvements totaling approximately $530,000 were made to the library. Bakley said, “The feasibility study had called for a new building to be constructed at a cost of over $2 million. Also, estimates for repairs totaled over $1.3 million. The Commission was able to renovate the facility using mostly County labor and an outside contractor for the roof saving taxpayers over $750,000.”
Improvements at the Cape May City Library include a new roof, exterior painting, new sidewalks, new electric, plumbing, carpet, ceilings and walls. Also, trim was installed, a ramp was constructed to allow wheelchair accessibility, improvements were made to kitchen and bathroom facilities and new shelving and furniture were installed.
Library Director Deborah Poillon said, “The library is brighter and more appealing and the renovations increased the amount of room available for books and other library materials and added more seating for reading and laptop use.”
Poillon added, “A separate room for library programs allows the library to offer programs on birding, art, exercise, crafts and a variety of other classes. An outside seating area, set among new landscaping, is also available for patrons read or use their laptops.”
The Cape May City Library is one of three library branches to be renovated by the Library Commission. Additionally, two new library branches are slated to be built, one in Sea Isle City and the other in Stone Harbor. Groundbreaking for the Sea Isle City Library will take place on June 1.