Princeton Public Library is seeking to raise some $1.7 million for a redesign of the second floor that is estimated to cost approximately $2.9 million. At last month’s meeting of the Board of Trustees, Executive Director Leslie Burger said that while some of this money is already in hand, along with a pledge of a $750,000 matching challenge grant, the Library would need to raise some $1.7 million in the coming months for the project to get started.

“We need to raise the money before the project can begin and we hope to do it through private donations,” said Ms. Burger. “We have a proven track record in raising private funds to supplement public support.”

The renovation is thought to be necessary because of the changing needs of the library’s more than 2,200 daily users.

“When the Princeton Public Library opened in the new building 11 years ago we were considered a state of the art library but the world has changed dramatically since then and we are not providing the community with everything they need to be successful,” explained Ms. Burger. “Princeton is a community that values learning and education, the library is an important civic partner supporting those values. Today our library is organized differently, offers opportunities for lifelong learning, serves as a digital portal and information guide to vast amount of information and content, and is a physical space where people come to work, study, learn, and be social.”

The proposed transformation will address needs that are not currently being met, said Ms. Burger. These include: designated quiet study space, more collaborative and co-working work space, a new technology commons area, space for technology instruction and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).

In addition, there will be a more robust network to handle the ever increasing digital load and electrical outlets near every seat and at every table to keep laptops, phones, and other devices charged.

The plan calls for doubling the amount of comfortable seating and a new business center with hi-speed copiers, scanners, large scale printers, and other equipment to support those working away from home of office, as well as additional program and meeting space.

The Library’s Board of Trustees have been discussing the project for some time and plans for the renovation have evolved. “We’ve visited or gathered information from other libraries and gathered community input through several focus groups,” said Ms. Burger.

Library staff conducted focus groups with members of the community earlier in the year. In most instances, responses confirmed the staff’s own observations and recommendations.

“The focus groups confirmed that we are headed in the right direction in terms of responding to community needs,” commented Ms. Burger. “We’ve made a few adjustments based on their input and will continue to make refinements in our plans.”

The most pressing need expressed by users for the second floor is the need for quiet study and small collaborative work spaces that could accommodate between two and three people.

If all goes well, the Library may begin work on the project early next year.