T.F. library gets $25K state grant back
Funds will pay for architectural study for cost estimate
BY LINDA DeNICOLA
Staff Writer

Members of the Villa family, above, were among the approximately 150 people who attended the Tinton Falls Library's Summer Reading Party that was held Aug. 17 on the sports field at the Tinton Falls Middle School. Below, attendees enjoy the end-of-summer party for the successful summer reading program.

TINTON FALLS - Every little bit helps when trying to fund a much-needed library expansion in a town that has been stretched to its limit by the increased cost of a municipal building project.

So when Rosemary Tunnicliffe, the Tinton Falls Library's director, found out that a $25,000 grant that had been cut by the state was being restored, she was understandably pleased.

Tunnicliffe was at the Borough Council meeting on Aug. 15, when the resolution to apply for the grant was passed, a step necessary to receive the funds.

Stephen Pfeffer, the borough's chief financial officer, asked the council what they would like to do with the funds. He asked if they would still like to use it for an architectural study, which is what was originally intended.

Tunnicliffe advised the council that she needs an architectural plan before she can apply for additional grants.

Councilwoman Therese Cahill asked how much money is put aside for the project.

Bryan Dempsey, borough business administrator, said there is $90,000 for equipment and $40,000 which can be used for construction.

Cahill asked if the $40,000 and the $25,000 grant could be combined. Steven Pfeffer, the borough's chief financial director, responded that he would have to look at the grant.

Councilman Brendan Tobin asked if there was any way to decide what the actual architectural plan would cost. Pfeffer said they wouldn't know until they actually talk to architects.

Councilman Paul Ford was concerned about the cost and whether the community supports a new library.

"I know you're out of space," he said to Tunnicliffe, "but how much more are we looking at? Is this something the community wants?"

He added, "I've been hearing this for a long time, library, library, library."

Tunnicliffe responded that the discussion about the need for a new library has been going on for 12 years. "The council made a commitment in 2001," she said.

Mayor Peter Maclearie said that a needs assessment has to be done, and Tobin asked if some of the $40,000 can be used to fund the assessment.

Pfeffer said that he thought a needs assessment would be part of the architectural study.

Tunnicliffe, who advocates for a new library whenever she can, explained again that the library has outgrown the present building, which is 3,000 square feet.

"We have an average of 130 patrons a day using the library six days a week. In the summer, we have as many as 200 a day."

She added that there were 90 children signed up for the end-of-summer party on Aug. 17. After the event, she said, "We had about 150 people at the party."

Tunnicliffe said almost the same thing to the council last month, when she told them that there were 245 children taking part in the summer programs and there were 70 registered for the special Wednesday events program the following night and the town had to set up a 20-by-20-foot tent to accommodate all of the children who attend these programs.

The library can't accommodate more than 10 or 12 children in the children's room. In addition, there are only 11 spaces in the parking lot. That is less of a problem later in the day or on weekends when visitors to the library can use the middle school parking lot adjacent to the library.

The construction of a new library has always been part of the municipal complex plans, which includes three phases: the public works building, the municipal offices, and phase three, the library.

Right now construction is into phase two, building the new borough hall near the location of the present building at 556 Tinton Ave.

"The borough has acknowledged the need, but has no funding. With a basic architectural plan we would have had some idea as to the projected cost of the building," Tunnicliffe said last spring.

Last year, the library celebrated its 45th year. Tunnicliffe said when she began her job at the library in 1987, the population of Tinton Falls was about 7,000 and now is at 17,000 and growing.

She said that more than 12 children at one time would tax the space in the children's room, that the limited parking spaces must serve staff as well as visitors, the building is not ADA compliant, and many of the shelves are too high for the average person to reach.

The library director said she has seen a 10 percent increase in use each year with about 500 new members joining yearly. She feels that the town is being shortchanged.