Teaneck Library will close for a year. Here's why and where you can go instead

TEANECK — A $1.8 million renovation of the township's library will close it for nine to 12 months starting in September.

The library first opened in 1927 with 650 books north of township hall and now houses more than 100,000 items. In an hour-long slideshow presentation at the library last month, Gerald Reiner, the president of the Teaneck Library Trustees outlined the newest renovations to the building. A similar presentation was made to the township council.

Teaneck library renovations

• Front desk/circulation revamped
• Reference room revamped
• Children's rooms revamped
• Teen room added on lower level
• Circular staircase modernized
• Bathroom installed on the main floor
• Flooring, shelves, and furnishings replaced

"Council is financing $1.6 million of the project, and another $200,000 is coming from library state aid," said Director Shinae Hyun. "Visitors will be especially happy to hear about the addition of the main floor bathroom, easier for senior citizens and the handicapped."

The library underwent additions in 1936 and after World War II. The most recent renovation was in 1979. The newest work involves renovations only, no expansion of the building's footprint.

While the library is closed, its staff will be reassigned to the New Milford Library at 200 Dahlia Drive and other libraries in the 78-member BCCLS cooperative system serving public libraries in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Teaneck patrons may borrow from any of these libraries.

Twelve other libraries within five miles include Bergenfield, Bogota, Dumont, Englewood, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Leonia, Little Ferry, Ridgefield Park, River Edge, Paramus and Tenafly.

For more information about the renovation visit teanecklibrary.org/renovation .

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teaneck Library will close for a year. Here's why and where you can go instead