Priscilla Gardner Main Library Reimagined – Phase 4 Renovations

Gardner Main Library Reimagined 

The Priscilla Gardner Main Library opened its doors in 1901. For the past decade the Main Library has had ongoing renovations. In 2025 the Main Library will be reimagined as we begin Phase IV of our renovations. Libraries serve as hubs for the community and as our community evolves, so do its needs. This is why we have major renovations planned for 2025 to make the Main Library a welcoming modern space for all our patrons.   

These renovations are possible due to funding from the New Jersey State Library, as part of the NJ Library Construction Bond Act, and the City of Jersey City. We sincerely appreciate the generous funding we have received. However, we still require additional support. We kindly ask you to consider making a further donation to help us fully fund the renovation. 

To support Jersey City Free Public Library in enhancing our branches and services, please consider donating to the JCFPL Foundation. We can all come together as champions of JCFPL. Donate Now.

Welcoming Spaces: More Room for Patrons 

You have been asking – we have been listening. The library is a vital “third space” where people can find public space outside commerce. The library will offer a variety of quiet and social workspaces, with several bookable spaces of varying sizes to fit the needs of our users.  

• Expanded Children’s Room with zones for active exploration and quieter reading 
• Brand-new dedicated Teen Space 
• New bookable rooms to suit a wide variety of needs 
• Inviting spaces for public programs and relaxing passive use 
• Historic restoration, preservation, and showcasing of stunning architectural details 
• Improved accessibility points, including access for strollers and all mobility devices 
• A new elevator to ease the flow of people through the building 
• More space for stroller parking 

Lifelong Learning: The Right Books in the Right Places 

We are lovers of books and the experience of browsing stacks. That will remain a core aspect of the library experience for those who share that love. We also understand that our readers engage with a variety of formats, as the popularity of our expanding e-book collections shows. Our library shelves will be designed to be easy to navigate and engaging to help you find both what you’re looking for and what you didn’t know you wanted. For those who are looking for a “deep dive” into a subject or looking for a particular item, our online catalog will continue to be a portal to connect every reader to their book. Beyond the extensive collection that will be available in Gardner Main, we will continue to provide materials from other branches of JCFPL, and through Interlibrary Loan.

• A collection actively and frequently updated to match our community’s needs 
• Dozens of displays throughout the building to improve your browsing and help you discover “deep cuts” and new favorites 
• A convenient hub on the first floor where you can easily return books and pick up holds 
• Quicker turnaround on titles delivered from other branch locations and partner libraries 

Community Well-Being: Expanded Library Services 

The library’s mission is to share information and be a cultural hub. Our new spaces will allow us to continue to expand our educational, arts and leisure programs, bringing accurate information and timely events and activities in a welcoming, free, and safe space. 

• More public programs serving all ages and walks of life 
• More options for instruction and informal self-directed learning in newly appointed classroom and studio spaces 
• Nutrition and wellness programs in a new demonstration kitchen 
• Distinct zones for quiet work, group collaboration, and active play 

Get Involved, Stay Informed 

To sign up for our dedicated email list for renovation updates, Visit: Subscribe to Emails/Manage Email Subscription, enter your details and click “Select Email Preferences” on the page. Then, choose “Priscilla Gardner Main Library Updates.”

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