North Bergen Library Secures $3M Grant for Major Upgrades

The North Bergen Free Public Library has secured a $3 million grant from the New Jersey State Library to renovate its main branch at 8411 Bergenline Avenue. The project, undertaken in collaboration with the North Bergen Health Department, will expand library services while integrating health and wellness programming.

The comprehensive renovations will modernize both floors of the library, adding study and conference rooms, an upgraded multipurpose room on the lower level, and a larger youth programming area. A key feature of the project is the planned expansion into the adjacent former theater space, which will house additional library and health services.

“This partnership allows us to build health services right into the library infrastructure,” said Janet Castro, North Bergen Health Officer. “Enhancing the facilities will provide a venue for us to offer even more wellness education programming, events, and activities, including onsite vaccines and health fairs.”

Library patrons will also benefit from a more versatile and welcoming space designed to support workforce development and educational opportunities. “These renovations will transform our space into a more modern, welcoming, and versatile hub for learning, collaboration, and engagement,” said Sai Rao, Executive Director of the North Bergen Free Public Library.

Renovations are slated to begin on December 20, with the main library closing for approximately eight months. To ensure continuity of services, the library will establish a nearby pop-up location offering book lending, computer access, and community programs.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco praised the initiative, saying, “These renovations to the uptown library will support our community in the same way that we saw the spectacular upgrades downtown. We are grateful for the ability to make these improvements through generous grants from the state.”