After years of waiting and anticipation, the library is finally getting some upgrades.
At the Sept. 9 meeting, commissioners adopted a bond ordinance to improve the Haddonfield Public Library. The borough appropriated $1.83 million, including $354,000 as the down payment, which the library board is providing.
The Haddonfield library, which began construction at its present site in 1917 and was completed in 1919, has been around for almost 100 years.
“As folks know, we are finally, finally having our library updated, slightly expanded and brought into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act with restrooms, elevators and staircases because it is in dire need of some updating,” Mayor Jeff Kasko said.
Residents commended the board for getting the project started and completed to this point. Citizens voiced that it’s been a long, overdue project and it is greatly appreciated.
However, questions on financing were brought up, with some asking where the money came from and what the money is being used for.
According to Kasko, the money for the down payment was from very generous donations specifically for the library, one including a half million dollars that a gentleman left in his will. The library will have close to a million dollars for this year, the library board said.
The $1.83 million is a number built on the estimated cost of the improvement, with contingency built in.
The bonds issued to the library will help with the addition of an elevator and handicap bathrooms, ADA improvements, a new roof, heating and air-conditioning system improvements and various other interior improvements, along with improvements the library board requested.
“The money we are using from the trust is for work that the library board requested to be done in addition to the work the commissioners are doing,” Sharon McCullough, Haddonfield administrator, said.
The concern of the front windows being replaced was brought up, since they were not included in the improvement cost and are not being replaced at this time. However, a citizen suggested the windows be re-caulked, since it has been seven years since they were last caulked.
After all concerns over the library were discussed, the board adopted the ordinance, setting the plan for improvements to the library into motion.
In other news:
• Haddonfield recognized Sept. 19 as POW/MIA Recognition Day. Commissioners asked that residents join them in honoring former American POWs and those Americans still unaccounted for as a result of their service. The United States flag will be displayed throughout the center of Haddonfield in an effort to remind all Americans the significance of this day.
• The board recognized and congratulated The Haddon Fortnightly for its 120th anniversary this year and thanked it for all that it has done.
• September was proclaimed National Recovery Month. The board called upon the people of Haddonfield to observe the month with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies.
• The borough is sponsoring a Prescription Drug Drop Off Program at the Haddonfield Police Department on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to dispose of old prescription drugs.
• Ankokas Antique Auto Club will hold an “Antique Auto Show” on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date is Sept. 27. Kings Highway from Haddon Avenue to PATCO will be closed from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. for the display of automobiles.
• The next “Girls’ Night Out” will be on Thursday Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The next Haddonfield Commission meeting will be held Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
