Library and Garage Delay Opening Date to April 15

Candace Braun

The Princeton Public Library closed the doors of its facility at the Princeton Shopping Center on Sunday, March 28, although the opening dates of the library and garage have been pushed back once again.

The library is now set to open on April 15, said Tim Quinn, public information director for the library.

The garage, which is experiencing problems setting up electrical and phone line equipment due to snow and rain, is also expected to open on or near April 15, said Bob Bruschi, Borough administrator: "We're going to be close."

Originally set to open in December, both construction projects have undergone problems due to weather conditions, including the recent snow and cold weather which halted construction on the projects. The date of the library opening has now been moved three times, with a previous anticipated opening of April 1, then April 8.

"There's been a lot of factors beyond our control," said Mr. Quinn. "[The library] can't move unless there's a driveway, and we won't open without the garage."

The library will start moving books to its new facility on Witherspoon Street on or about April 5, said Mr. Quinn. Library patrons who have checked out library books will not be required to return them until April 15.

The cafe at the Princeton Shopping Center will remain open for the duration of this week, said John Cross, a cafe representative. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Once the library begins to move its books to the new facility, the cafe will temporarily close, beginning next week. The cafe will be closed for "an undetermined amount of time," said Mr. Cross, depending on when the library is settled in at its new facility.

"The library has been very cooperative working with us," said Mr. Cross.

The library's opening celebration ceremony is still set for May 15, said Mr. Quinn: "People are meeting right now to plan it."

The celebration is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the new facility with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. The festivities are expected to end at 5:15 p.m., with a family dance party outside the library.