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
LCBA Feature: Bayonne Public Library
Published on April 22, 2025 On May 1, 2024, the Bayonne Public Library proudly reopened its doors to the public after receiving $1 million from… Continue reading “LCBA Feature: Bayonne Public Library”
LCBA Feature: Fanwood Memorial Library
Published on March 25, 2025 The opening of the Fanwood Memorial Library’s new building is the culmination of a decade of planning that began with… Continue reading “LCBA Feature: Fanwood Memorial Library”
LCBA Feature: Newark Public Library
Published on March 17, 2025 Enhancing Accessibility and Training Opportunities NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) Director, Adam Szczepaniak, and TBBC staff… Continue reading “LCBA Feature: Newark Public Library”
LCBA Feature: Cape May City
Published on February 24, 2025 The new Cape May City branch of the Cape May County Library System at the Historic Franklin Street School At… Continue reading “LCBA Feature: Cape May City”
Background
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.
Amendments to the regulations were proposed in July 2023 to address issues that have arisen in implementation of grant awards in the context of the pandemic and its continuing effects, as well as a drafting error. The impact of the pandemic on local governments and construction costs and availability of workers has been significant. The amendments are designed to remove unnecessary burdens on grantees in planning and executing legislatively approved projects. The amendments were adopted by the State Librarian on September 5, 2023 and became effective October 2, 2023.
The maximum dollar per square foot cost for Round 1 grantees was set at $580.00 per square foot for new construction and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a building registered as a New Jersey or Federal historic site.
The cost was set at $406.00 per square foot for Round 1 rehabilitation and repair projects.
The maximum dollar per square foot cost for Round 2 grantees is set at $593.10 per square foot for new construction and for the rehabilitation or renovation of a building registered as a New Jersey or Federal historic site.
The cost was set at $415.16 per square foot for Round 2 rehabilitation and repair projects.
The cost per square foot will be updated annually.
Please note that there are no additional funds available for current LCBA projects at this time.
- The original Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) law, P.L. 2017, c. 149, can be found here (PDF).
- The updated regulations governing the LCBA program can be found here (PDF).
- The adopted amendments to the regulations governing the LCBA program can be found here (PDF).
The State Library issued two rounds of grant solicitations, the first in Winter 2020 and the Second in Spring 2021. In December 2022, the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) reallocated funds to support two Round Two projects that were previously approved but unfunded.
Round One – Winter 2020
Round 1 of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act passed both the Assembly and the Senate on November 16, 2020. It was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on November 20, 2020.
- To see the Round One appropriation act, click here.
- To see the list of Round One grantees, click here.
Round Two – Spring 2021
Round Two of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act passed both the Assembly and the Senate on January 10, 2022. It was signed by Governor Murphy on January 12, 2022.
- To see the Round Two appropriation act, click here.
- To see the list of Round Two grantees, click here.
Round Two – Reallocation of Grant Funds
On October 19, 2022, the State Library, through the President of Thomas Edison State University, submitted a request to the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) seeking approval of the reallocation of $1,764,447, appropriated to Newark Public Library during the second round of Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) funding, to two projects which were submitted for consideration during the Round 2 application period, but were not awarded grants due to limited funding. Both libraries were eligible to receive grants under the Bond Act and were included on the alternate list of recommended projects to receive grants in the event that funding became available. On December 30, 2022, JBOC unanimously approved the reallocation request.
- To see the letter request submitted to JBOC, click here.
- To see the list of projects receiving reallocated funds, click here.
Managing Your Grant
Here you can find the resources to help manage your current LCBA grant.
LCBA Contacts
The LCBA program is being managed by the State Library. Here’s how you can reach us with any questions or concerns:
- Jennifer Nelson, State Librarian, (609) 278-2640 x101, jnelson@njstatelib.org
- Sheri Shafer, Chief Operating Officer, (609) 278-2640 x137, sshafer@njstatelib.org
Grantee Forms
- Authorized Signatories Form (PDF)
- Moving Rent and Off-Site Storage Extension Request Form (PDF)
- Project Timeline Extension Request Form (PDF)
- Substantial Changes to Project Request Form – Initial (PDF)
- Sample Completion Certificate (DOC)