BRICK BRANCH OF THE OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY TO EXPAND
TOMS RIVER - The Brick Township Branch of the Ocean County Library will undergo a major expansion and renovation
in order to meet the needs of a growing population.
"This is all about meeting the needs of our residents," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly. "Under the leadership of
Freeholder Joe Vicari who serves as liaison to this library system and Elaine McConnell, the director of the Ocean County
Library, our residents will be pleased with the upcoming changes."
Having opened its doors in 1990, the facility size will be increased by 21,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet making
way for a host of new features like a larger meeting room, an expanded children's area, an enhanced technology hub, and
an area designed specifically for teenagers.
"The Brick Township branch circulates about 900,000 items annually," said Freeholder Vicari. "From books, to tapes to
magazines, the number of people using this facility is second only to our main branch in Toms River.
"After 17 years, the branch is bursting at the seams and it's time to expand and renovate to meet the needs of one of the
fastest growing communities in Ocean County," Vicari said. "We are very proud of our library system and these
improvements will provide tremendous benefits to all the residents using it."
In order to move the project forward, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders expects to enter into an agreement
with the Ocean County Library and Brick Township to share the costs of the proposed $9.5 million project. The board is
expected to approve the agreement at its Dec. 5 meeting.
"For many years, we have worked in partnership with the hosting community in order to share the cost of either building
a brand new facility or for the expansion of an existing one," Vicari said. "I am very pleased that Brick Township will
join us and the library in continuing this tradition by being a partner in this expansion project."
In addition, the freeholders are expected to award a contract to Dennis Kowal Architects, Somerville, for the project
feasibility study, the design work, obtaining permits and all the preliminary work prior to a shovel being placed in the
ground. The contract amount is not to exceed $965,000.
According to Library Director McConnell, 11 architectural proposals had been received and it was narrowed down to three
finalists who were interviewed by a panel made up of library and county representatives.
McConnell noted the architect's work is expected to take about 12 months to complete and construction could begin in the
spring of 2009.
"The project includes improving access to the site from Chambers Bridge Road," she said.
She added the project will be designed inline with the township's redevelopment plans.
"This project will give us the opportunity to make the site more inviting and welcoming," she said. "We will change the
façade of the building and also improve its look with landscaping.
"This newly expanded facility will be one that will meet the needs of the township and provide a host of benefits to all
segments of the population," she said.
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