Renovation
FAQ
- Why does the library need a renovation and expansion?
- What are the plans for the library's expansion and modernization?
- How Can I Contribute to the Renovation and Expansion Project?
- What will my donation be used for?
- How Much Money is Needed?
- When will the renovation and expansion be completed?
- How will a renovated library help me?
- How will my donation make a difference?
Why does the library need a renovation and expansion?
We’ve run out of space and improvements that we can make on our own. We’ve outgrown our Children’s Room, we have no private meeting rooms to offer to the public, and our furniture, lighting, and flooring can use an update.
Since its founding in 1919, the Fort Lee Public Library has created a rich history as a centerstone to our community. In that time, Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs have undergone immense transformations, and our library building can no longer meet the needs of our evolving communities. From more space to private meeting rooms and a new Teen Room—our updated renovation plans directly respond to feedback from Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs residents like you.
What are the plans for the library’s renovation and expansion?
The Library Board of Trustees worked closely with Arcari + Iovino Architects to develop transformative renovation plans that reflected the needs of our community. These plans will include adding 2,700 square feet over two floors, expanding the Children’s Room into a two-floor Children’s Center, and creating dedicated spaces for children’s programming, meeting rooms, a vibrant café, and an updated large meeting room. For more information regarding the renovation plans, email us at yurgelonis@fortlee.bccls.org.
How can I contribute to the renovation and expansion project?
Supporting the project is easy! You can donate once, or on a monthly basis via credit card, ACH bank transfer, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay by visiting give.flplfriends.org/newflpl. Donations via check can be made to Friends of the Fort Lee Public Library with “new FLPL donation” on the memo line.
Just as important as donating, is helping us spread the word—tell your neighbors, friends, and colleagues about our renovation and expansion plans! You can also help by shopping our annual book sale and attending all the exciting future fundraising events we have planned.
What will my donation be used for?
Your donation to the Friends of the Fort Lee Library will support the Friends which in turn supports the Fort Lee Library. The Friends are enthusiastically raising money and community support for the Library’s renovation as needed. Contributions include funding Phase 2 of the renovation–featuring an 8% building expansion of the library (2,700 sq ft) to create the new Children’s Center–a complete renovation of the Library’s interior, additional small study rooms, and a new enclosed Teen Room.
This is in addition to the Friends’ usual donations and sponsorships to programs that the Friends contribute to the library. Rest assured that your donations will benefit the Fort Lee Public Library!
How much money is needed?
The $2,350,000 Phase 1 of our project is already fully funded,, but to deliver the Library our community deserves, we need help funding the $5,228,000 to complete Phase 2 which will renovate 72% of the existing library and add 8% more space to create a two-floor Children’s Center. Fort Lee Borough has committed to ensuring the future of the Library by pledging $1,000,000 and the library is actively seeking construction grants.
We need your help to raise the remaining $4,200,000. With your contributions, the support of the borough, and the Friends of FLPL, we can build our new library, together.
When will the renovation and expansion be completed?
Phase 1 of our renovation project is expected to start late 2024/early 2025 and the library will remain open during this time. Contracts will be going out to bid soon, giving us a better idea of a timeline for the completion of Phase 1.
Phase 2 is not yet funded, so providing any sort of timeline is impossible at this stage, but as we begin to receive donations and contributions from our community, we will share updates via our newsletter, social media, and our weekly email.
How will a renovated library help me?
Have you ever needed to take a virtual meeting, phone call, or tutoring session and been unable to find a private room? Our renovation plans feature new study rooms!
Have you ever had a difficult time finding seating at the library? Our renovation plan includes additional seating space!
Have you ever wished our Children’s Room was a bit bigger? Our renovation plan expands our Children’s Room by 2,700 sq ft (an 8% expansion of the library!) and turns it into a two-level Children’s Center!
Have you ever felt the inside of the library was a bit worn and outdated? Our renovation plan will feature a completely renovated interior—new furniture, flooring, and lighting!
Working with Arcari + Iovino Architects, we aimed to ensure our new library would have improvements for everyone. This renovation impacts all of us and directly addresses the feedback we’ve received from the public.
How will my donation make a difference?
From applying for grants to fundraising with the help of the Friend of FLPL, we will continue to exhaust all options for funding Phase 2 of our Library’s renovation. However, the reality is that the new FLPL is incomplete without donations from Fort Lee & Englewood Cliffs residents, patrons, and visitors—like you! We hope that Phase 2 improvements will have something for everyone and your donation is crucial in realizing our vision for a modern, vibrant, and inclusive library space. Every dollar counts!
FAQ
Why does the library need a renovation and expansion?
We’ve run out of space and improvements that we can make on our own. We’ve outgrown our Children’s Room, we have no private meeting rooms to offer to the public, and our furniture, lighting, and flooring can use an update.
Since its founding in 1919, the Fort Lee Public Library has created a rich history as a centerstone to our community. In that time, Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs have undergone immense transformations, and our library building can no longer meet the needs of our evolving communities. From more space to private meeting rooms and a new Teen Room—our updated renovation plans directly respond to feedback from Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs residents like you.
How can I contribute to the renovation and expansion project?
Supporting the project is easy! You can donate once, or on a monthly basis via credit card, ACH bank transfer, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay by visiting give.flplfriends.org/newflpl. Donations via check can be made to Friends of the Fort Lee Public Library with “new FLPL donation” on the memo line.
Just as important as donating, is helping us spread the word—tell your neighbors, friends, and colleagues about our renovation and expansion plans! You can also help by shopping our annual book sale and attending all the exciting future fundraising events we have planned.
What will my donation be used for?
Your donation to the Friends of the Fort Lee Library will support the Friends which in turn supports the Fort Lee Library. The Friends are enthusiastically raising money and community support for the Library’s renovation as needed. Contributions include funding Phase 2 of the renovation–featuring an 8% building expansion of the library (2,700 sq ft) to create the new Children’s Center–a complete renovation of the Library’s interior, additional small study rooms, and a new enclosed Teen Room.
This is in addition to the Friends’ usual donations and sponsorships to programs that the Friends contribute to the library. Rest assured that your donations will benefit the Fort Lee Public Library!
How much money is needed?
The $2,350,000 Phase 1 of our project is already fully funded,, but to deliver the Library our community deserves, we need help funding the $5,228,000 to complete Phase 2 which will renovate 72% of the existing library and add 8% more space to create a two-floor Children’s Center. Fort Lee Borough has committed to ensuring the future of the Library by pledging $1,000,000 and the library is actively seeking construction grants.
We need your help to raise the remaining $4,200,000. With your contributions, the support of the borough, and the Friends of FLPL, we can build our new library, together.
What are the plans for the library’s renovation and expansion?
The Library Board of Trustees worked closely with Arcari + Iovino Architects to develop transformative renovation plans that reflected the needs of our community. These plans will include adding 2,700 square feet over two floors, expanding the Children’s Room into a two-floor Children’s Center, and creating dedicated spaces for children’s programming, meeting rooms, a vibrant café, and an updated large meeting room. For more information regarding the renovation plans, email us at yurgelonis@fortlee.bccls.org.
How will a renovated library help me?
Have you ever needed to take a virtual meeting, phone call, or tutoring session and been unable to find a private room? Our renovation plans feature new study rooms!
Have you ever had a difficult time finding seating at the library? Our renovation plan includes additional seating space!
Have you ever wished our Children’s Room was a bit bigger? Our renovation plan expands our Children’s Room by 2,700 sq ft (an 8% expansion of the library!) and turns it into a two-level Children’s Center!
Have you ever felt the inside of the library was a bit worn and outdated? Our renovation plan will feature a completely renovated interior—new furniture, flooring, and lighting!
Working with Arcari + Iovino Architects, we aimed to ensure our new library would have improvements for everyone. This renovation impacts all of us and directly addresses the feedback we’ve received from the public.
When will the renovation and expansion be completed?
Phase 1 of our renovation project is expected to start late 2024/early 2025 and the library will remain open during this time. Contracts will be going out to bid soon, giving us a better idea of a timeline for the completion of Phase 1.
Phase 2 is not yet funded, so providing any sort of timeline is impossible at this stage, but as we begin to receive donations and contributions from our community, we will share updates via our newsletter, social media, and our weekly email.
How will my donation make a difference?
From applying for grants to fundraising with the help of the Friend of FLPL, we will continue to exhaust all options for funding Phase 2 of our Library’s renovation. However, the reality is that the new FLPL is incomplete without donations from Fort Lee & Englewood Cliffs residents, patrons, and visitors—like you! We hope that Phase 2 improvements will have something for everyone and your donation is crucial in realizing our vision for a modern, vibrant, and inclusive library space. Every dollar counts!