State Librarian’s Update – July 2026

July 10th, 2026

In April and May 2026, the New Jersey State Library conducted a Public Library Building Construction Needs Survey. The survey responses reflect the needs of 218 of the state’s 440 public libraries. We are grateful for the high rate of participation, which helps paint a clear picture of need.

Based on survey responses, which reflect a moment in time, the estimated total cost of needed repairs and renovations is $330.8 million. Of this total, about 30% of respondents cited approximate costs in the $50,000 – $250,000 range. Another 28% put the cost at between $250,000 and $1 million, and 13% listed estimated costs at $1million – $2.5 million. The remaining 30% included unknown costs or $10 million or greater. The need in New Jersey is to fix existing buildings, rather than build new buildings.

Respondents were invited to rank needs based on a list of seven types of projects. The primary need, which may surprise no one, is for repairs or improvements to a library’s physical plant – HVAC, roof, elevators, windows, etc. Second was the need to remodel or repurpose space in the library. Addressing accessibility was the third most cited primary need. Note, however, that addressing accessibility is inherent in remodeling or repurposing space and physical plant repairs.

To put the responses in context, the average time between a building being built and receiving repairs or renovations is 60 years. In 60 years, buildings age and library services change. Deferred maintenance takes a toll on both the budget and the building, with repair costs increasing and building problems magnify over time. With the acceptance of libraries as community hubs and “3rd places” rather than as book repositories, buildings built even as recently as the 1990s are not configured with sufficient meeting rooms, wiring, and flexible spaces.

While there is much more data available from the survey, these highlights provide immediate insight into the needs of public library buildings today. If you are interested in learning more about the survey results, a more comprehensive report will be available in the near future, or feel free to reach out with specific questions.

Jen Nelson
State Librarian

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