LCBA Feature: Fanwood Memorial Library

The opening of the Fanwood Memorial Library’s new building is the culmination of a decade of planning that began with the demolition of the 70-year-old original library in January 2023, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility in February 2023. The new building opened to the public with a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony in September 2024 that attracted more than 500 residents, local VIPs, and elected officials. The $10-million project was funded by the Borough of Fanwood, a $3.5 million grant from the NJ Library Construction Bond Act, and an appropriation from the state legislature.

The new, two-story building includes large, bright areas, with:

large and small meeting spaces
family restrooms
an adult living room area
an enlarged children’s section
a dedicated space for teens that includes a large TV for gaming
and extensive stacks of books and DVDs on the second floor

Just off the entrance on the first floor is a gallery featuring local artists. The first to be featured was Joe Schott who, at age 103, is believed to be Fanwood’s oldest citizen. There is also a large flexible Community Room that can accommodate 100 people for various library and town events.

The entire building is ADA compliant and features an elevator, easy in and out, modern climate controls, and automatic lighting. And with Fanwood’s recent membership in the STELLA automation consortium, cardholders now have access to the 43-member libraries’ holdings of 3.5 million items and digital collections.

The Fanwood Memorial Library’s hours, programs, benefits for card holders, and more can be found at: www.fanwoodlibrary.org.

Check out the photo gallery below!