Restoration News - Tewksbury Library

To our patrons

We are excited to share that the Tewksbury Township Public Library restoration project is underway with the goals of preserving the building’s history and architecture, making necessary repairs and updates, and enhancing the library’s functionality.

This building has stood at the heart of Oldwick for more than two centuries. Preserving it is not simply a matter of bricks and mortar — it safeguards a piece of our shared history and keeps this a place where the community can gather, learn, and borrow freely for generations yet to come.

The months ahead will ask something of all of us. The library will close, and our services will move down the street. We are grateful for your patience, and we will keep you informed at every stage.

— The Library Board of Trustees

What the restoration includes

The restoration and renovation of this historic building will include:

IAddressing the serious deficiencies in the building’s support structure.

IISupplementing the inadequate vertical framing members and lintel over the west wall bank of windows.

IIIRestoring the historic foyer and first floor library room with new wood flooring, paint, and light fixtures appropriate to the architecture.

IVImproving electrical, mechanical, and computer systems.

VRegrading the property to minimize water damage to the building foundation.

25 August 2026

Design documents finalized, bids expected in September

To date, Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects have qualified several potential construction firms and are finalizing the design and contract documents that will be included in the request to bid the project. We expect to receive bids and select a contractor in September 2026.

The Library Board has signed and returned the NJ Historic Trust grant agreement and are awaiting final approval of the paperwork which is necessary before construction can start. We are expecting construction to begin in early October 2026. We will provide periodic updates on this progress.

Library services during restoration

Once construction commences, the library will be closed to the public for 4 to 6 months. While restoration is ongoing and the library building is closed, limited in-person service will be available just down the street at the Christian Education Building in Oldwick, located at 18 Miller Avenue. Services that will continue to be available during the closure at our temporary location include:

Christian Education Building 18 Miller Avenue, Oldwick, NJ 08858 A nine-minute walk from the library — about four-tenths of a mile.

The walking route from the library to 18 Miller Avenue — about nine minutes, four-tenths of a mile. Open directions in Google Maps

Books & media

A limited number of “New” Books and DVDs for the Adult, Teen & Children’s collections will be available at the pop-up location. Although most of the Tewksbury Library collection will be in storage and unavailable during the renovation, books will still be available through inter-library loan.

Holds & pick-ups

You will still be able to browse the Hunterdon County library catalog, access books from the entire MAIN library system, and place any item on hold. Requested items can be picked up at our temporary location.

Printing & Wi-Fi

Printing: black & white and color printing will be available. A copier-scanner is also available. Wi-Fi: public Wi-Fi will be available for guests bringing their own devices.

Storytime

Although our pop-up location will be unavailable for our regular community groups, Storytime will continue outside at our new location until late October.

FAQs

When will the library close?

Early October 2026, once permitting is complete and the construction contract is in place. The exact date will be posted here.

How long will it be closed?

Four to six months. Restoration is projected to finish between February and April 2027, with the building reopening between March and May 2027.

Where do I go while it is closed?

The Christian Education Building at 18 Miller Avenue in Oldwick, a nine-minute walk from the library.

Can I still borrow books?

Yes. A limited selection of new titles will be on hand, and anything in the Hunterdon County catalog or the wider MAIN system can be requested and collected at the temporary location.

Will Storytime continue?

Yes, outdoors at the temporary location until late October.

How will I hear about changes?

This page is the record of the project and is updated as each stage completes. Updates also appear in the monthly newsletter.

Still have a question?

The Library Board will continue to share updates as the project moves forward. We appreciate our patron’s patience and understanding as this essential work to ensure the safety and long-term usability of our library is ongoing.

Email the Library Board

[email protected]

Call the library

908-439-3761

This restoration is funded in part by a matching grant of $430,213 from the New Jersey Historic Trust, awarded thanks to community donations. Phase 3 — interior furnishings, shelving, finishes, lighting, and technology — is still being funded.

Restoring a Landmark