Skip to content

Library Construction

Home For Libraries Library Construction

New Jersey’s public libraries face challenges due to aging buildings and overdue repairs. Our Library Construction page highlights significant funding sources, as well as showcases library renovations that transformed library communities thanks to these investments.

Public Library Construction Needs May 2026

In April and May 2026, the New Jersey State Library conducted a survey of Public Library Building Construction needs in New Jersey. Of New Jerseys 440 public library buildings, we received responses reflecting 218 buildings. The results demonstrate that New Jersey library buildings are aging out and showing the effects of decades of deferred  maintenance.

Based on the survey, a conservative estimate of the funds required to bring buildings into good repair is $330.8 million. The primary construction need is for repairs or replacement to a library’s physical plant – HVAC, roofing, elevators, electrical, etc.

Please note that AI was used to assist in data analysis and chart creation.

Two people looking at blueprints for library construction.

Capital Projects Fund

The purpose of this grant is to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and communities by enabling the construction or improvement of buildings that directly support work, education, and health monitoring. Our mission is to empower communities by providing access to high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, essential for accessing critical services.

Eighteen grants were awarded for a total of $34,435,718.

Library Construction Bond Act

On July 21, 2017, Governor Chris Christie signed the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act,  P.L. 2017,  c. 149, which authorized the issuance of $125 million in general obligation bonds to finance capital projects at public libraries. The rules (regulations) (N.J.A.C. 15-24 et seq.) to implement the Act became effective November 4, 2010. The purpose of the program is to fund the construction, reconstruction, extension, improvement, and furnishing of New Jersey’s public libraries.

Is YOUR library here?

We are excited to see that projects are starting to be completed – or near completion. Please take a look through our slideshow and see the impact the LCBA has had on NJ libraries! And if you’d like to share pictures from your library’s project, send an email to marketing@njstatelib.org

Featured LCBA Projects