2026 Library Renovation
The Tewksbury Township Library in historic Oldwick, NJ is restoring its 217-year-old building, with construction beginning in October 2026. Thanks to community generosity and a $430,213 matching grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust, Phases 1 and 2 are fully funded. We are still raising funds for Phase 3, which will improve the form and function of the library’s interior. Preserving our historic library building isn’t just about maintaining bricks and mortar; it’s about safeguarding our cultural heritage and ensuring future generations have access to knowledge and community resources.
Help save our library by donating by credit card below or by sending a check to Tewksbury Library, PO Box 49, Oldwick, NJ 08858.
``The Tewksbury Library is an important part of our community and it needs our help. I am thrilled to serve as Honorary Chair of the library’s Capital Campaign that is kicking off to raise $1 million to fund major structural and interior enhancements to the beloved 217-year-old library building that sits in the heart of Oldwick. Please join me in donating and supporting the campaign.``
Christine Todd Whitman
2024 Condition Assessment & Historic Preservation Plan
The Tewksbury Library Board of Trustees engaged Connolly & Hickey Historic Architects to assess the conditions of our library building. Numerous deficiencies in the library building were identified.
As a result of major structural deficiencies, our library is sagging under the weight of the furnishings, books, and building itself.
Repairs and enhancements will be addressed in three phases
Phase 1
Make critical repairs to historic building’s structure including:
- $292,000 Community Fundraising Goal (half of $584,000 ), state grant covers the other half.
- Donations and Pledges to date of $190,000.
- Structural deficiencies (beam/joists, stone piles), window-induced bowing/sagging.
Phase 2
Reinforce and repair structural deficiencies including:
- Underground drainage & moisture infiltration
- Deteriorated flat-seam roofs and wood side porch
- Damaged gutters, fascia and foundation joints
- Asbestos pipe insulation
Phase 3
Improve form and function of our library’s interior including:
- Computers & technology
- Electrical receptacles & data ports
- Interior wall finishes, window muntins, shelving, furnishings and lighting
With your help, repairs to the structural integrity of our building will begin in October 2026:
- Sister the existing floor joists with new engineered lumber
- Install a new engineered lumber center beam
- Install new intermediate concrete piers with proper concrete footings
- Install new beam with intermediate steel posts w/footings under joist spanning basement
- Install at least three new posts in the West wall and new plate or lintel over the bank of four windows
- Install new wood flooring (removed to make structural repairs)
