When the Cinnaminson library first opened its doors in 1966 with huge windows and arched ceilings, the new modern building was aesthetically pleasing to patrons – a huge open space to find books, read newspapers and use encyclopedias to research term papers.
The initial branch of the Burlington County Library System (BCLS), the library’s first floor was a nice, quiet place serving readers from Cinnaminson, Delran and Palmyra. During basement renovations in the 1990s, more space was created for a children’s area and meeting rooms.
The second major renovation began on April 6 this year, and workers are building tech and teen areas and two new unisex bathrooms, one of which is handicap accessible, on the first floor, said librarian Nancy Fort.
“I can’t wait for the renovations to be finished,” she enthused. “Everyone is going to really like it. The new space is really exciting and gives us a chance to offer new stuff. There is no date for the grand-opening celebration, but it should be sometime in July.”
Workers removed the book stacks at the area to the right of the front door and are building two rooms – the tech center large enough to hold computer literacy classes and a comfortable teen area with books they like.
“The tech center will have computers and will be more like a classroom where we can teach intro to the internet, how to use excel spreadsheets and how to spot scams,” explained Fort, who became the Cinnaminson librarian nine years ago. She has been with the BCLS for 18 years, also serving at the Riverton and Bordentown branch libraries.
“I really love helping people. The other day, a woman had a job offer and all the paperwork was in an email,” said Fort, who showed her how to download the files and print out the forms. “We teach patrons how to navigate the digital world, help them sign up for Social Security and apply for unemployment.”
Both the library staff and patrons have been patient through the renovation process.
“The staff members have been amazing,” Fort noted. “The disruptions did not stop them from doing their jobs well. They are very excited for the grand opening.”
Fort also praised the library patrons who kept visiting despite the construction work, saying, “Our customers have been great.”
The $300,000 project was funded through a state grant secured by state Sen. Troy Singleton and support from the Friends of the Cinnaminson Library.
Community members have already expressed enthusiasm for the changes, particularly the addition of a space just for teens that will make the library more inviting for young visitors who will be able “to read and have fun in a safe and upgraded space,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo.
“Even in this increasingly digital world, the physical spaces in our libraries still matter, and we’re excited to have these opportunities to re-imagine how we use our spaces to make them more accessible and also more responsive to what residents and local communities want and need,” BCLS director Ranjna Das observed.
The Cinnaminson library has been successful since first opening in 1966. Now, it will add tools like the Cricut laser cutter to the tech center.
When renovations are completed this summer, the library can offer even more hi-tech knowledge to its patrons.
Eagerly waiting for the renovations to be finished this July are Cinnaminson library assistant Kristan Hoffman (left to right), Youth Services coordinator Emily Reali and branch librarian Nancy Fort.
