The Library of the Chathams needs $6.5 million more to fund a $12 million renovation of its century-old building — and while Chatham Township has already stepped up, Borough officials have yet to commit a dollar.
Where the money stands right now.
Chatham Township made the first move on July 14, voting 5-0 to pledge up to $1.25 million from its 2027 capital budget. The library has also secured a $2.45 million state grant and raised roughly $3 million through its own fundraising — but that still leaves an estimated $3.25 million each that the library is asking the Borough and Township to cover. The Borough Council heard from residents on July 13 but took no action. Its next meeting is this coming Monday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. — the next real chance for residents to press officials on funding.
Why the building can't wait much longer.
The 1924 building, expanded with at least six additions over the decades, now has failing heating, cooling and humidity systems. Retired teacher and longtime library volunteer Lynn Polan warned in a letter to TAPinto Chatham that those failures "threaten the very collections and programs we rely on." The renovation plan calls for new HVAC, upgraded bathrooms, redesigned entrances and a more flexible layout — modernizing the building without significantly expanding it. Polan pointed out the math favors renovating now: roughly $10.4 million in construction costs, versus $25 million to $28 million for an entirely new building.
A mixed reception so far.
"We appreciate the Chatham Township Committee's efforts to get the library where it needs to go," library director Karen Brodsky said after the Township's vote, according to TAPinto Chatham. But the decision wasn't unanimous in spirit — Township Committee member Craig Alperowitz said he received emails both for and against the funding commitment beforehand, acknowledging "there are no easy answers," while Mayor Jen Rowland raised the township's own fiscal challenges before the committee ultimately voted yes.
A recent chance to see the plans up close.
Architect Brian Stevens of HMR Architects presented the renovation plans at a public Q&A session this past Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the library. Full details and a community petition are available on the Chatham Library Foundation's project page.
The Borough Council meeting Monday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. is the next opportunity for residents to weigh in — though it's not yet confirmed whether the library funding will appear as a formal agenda item or come up only during public comment. Residents can also sign the foundation's petition or contact elected officials directly through the project page.
