Tewksbury Township Public Library · Oldwick, New Jersey
Restoration News
Progress updates, timeline, and service information for the restoration of our 217-year-old library building.
Open regular hours — updated August 25, 2026
Dates are estimates and will be updated as the project moves forward.
The project
What we are doing, and why
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.
The restoration and renovation of this historic building will include:
- Addressing the serious deficiencies in the building’s support structure.
- Supplementing the inadequate vertical framing members and lintel over the west wall bank of windows.
- Restoring the historic foyer and first floor library room with new wood flooring, paint, and light fixtures appropriate to the architecture.
- Improving electrical, mechanical, and computer systems.
- Regrading the property to minimize water damage to the building foundation.
Progress
Project updates
The most recent update appears first. We will post here as each stage of the work is completed.
August 25, 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 New Jersey Historic Trust grant agreement and is awaiting final approval of the paperwork, which is necessary before construction can start. We expect construction to begin in October 2026, and we will provide periodic updates on this progress.
During the closure
Where to find us
Once construction commences, the library will be closed to the public for four to six months. While the building is closed, limited in-person service will be available just down the street at the Christian Education Building in Oldwick.
Services available at our temporary location are listed below. Regular hours and any changes will be posted here and in the newsletter.
Books & media
A limited number of new books and DVDs from the adult, teen, and children’s collections will be available at the pop-up location. Most of the Tewksbury Library collection will be in storage during the restoration, but books will still be available through inter-library loan.
Holds & pick-ups
You can still 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
Black-and-white and color printing will be available, along with a copier-scanner. Public Wi-Fi will be available for guests bringing their own devices.
Storytime
Our pop-up location cannot host our regular community groups, but Storytime will continue outdoors at the new location until late October.
Photographs
From the site
Photographs of the building, the work in progress, and our temporary home. We will add to this as the restoration continues.
Schedule
Project timeline
Questions
Frequently asked
When will the library close?
We expect to close in early October 2026, once permitting is complete and the construction contract is in place. We will confirm the exact date here and in the newsletter as soon as it is set.
How long will the library be closed?
We anticipate a closure of four to six months. Current estimates have the restoration finishing between February and April 2027, with the building reopening between March and May 2027 once materials and furnishings are returned.
Where do I go while the building is closed?
Limited in-person service will be available at the Christian Education Building, 18 Miller Avenue in Oldwick — a 9-minute walk from the library.
Can I still borrow books?
Yes. A limited selection of new books and DVDs will be on hand at the temporary location, and you can request anything from the Hunterdon County catalog and the wider MAIN system through inter-library loan. Most of our own collection will be in storage during the work.
Will Storytime continue?
Yes. Storytime will be held outdoors at the temporary location until late October. Other regular community group meetings cannot be accommodated at the pop-up space.
Will printing and Wi-Fi be available?
Yes. Black-and-white and color printing, a copier-scanner, and public Wi-Fi will all be available at the temporary location.
How will I hear about changes?
This page is the main source for project news, and we post each update here as work progresses. Updates also appear in the monthly newsletter.
Get in touch
Still have a question?
The Library Board will continue to share updates as the project moves forward. We appreciate our patrons’ patience and understanding as this essential work to ensure the safety and long-term usability of our library gets under way.
Email the Library Board
Call the library
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.
