A year-long process to spruce up a library in the Peninsula City will be ending with a grand re-launch ceremony in the coming weeks as the Bayonne Public Library is officially back open for business.
Officials in Bayonne re-opened the city’s public library branch last week at 31st Street and Avenue C. A temporary facility has officially been shuttered in favor of the historic digs that underwent a renovation that included the reconstruction of the building’s lobby.
Library Director Melody Scagnelli-Townley says the facility welcomed around 450 people on May 1st, the first day the building was re-opened. Over 650 people were served in the first two full days of operations.
The main library was closed since early 2023, but the renovations are worth the wait. New features at the property include the installation of a new elevator and a new boiler along with a major revamp of the Children’s Room, which received new ceilings, new lighting, and stadium-style seating for the story time area.
Elsewhere in the library, new technology, computer carrels, and furniture have been installed.
“I am very happy that the renovations are finally completed,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to thank Director Scagnelli-Townley and library staff for maintaining some important library services during the past year at Story Court. I look forward to seeing the restoration of all of our library’s great services in its newly renovated home at 31st Street and Avenue C.”
Scagnelli-Townley says that the city will be holding an official grand reopening ceremony for the library on a date to be announced. The building is now operating during normal business hours of Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
