MONTCLAIR, NJ (June 16, 2026) — The Township of Montclair, the Montclair Public Library, and the Montclair Public Library Foundation today announced the Library has been selected to receive $36.6 million in transferrable tax credits through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program, representing one of the largest single public investments ever made in Montclair’s library system.
The award will support a comprehensive renovation and modernization of both branches of the Montclair Public Library, addressing critical infrastructure needs while positioning the Library to better serve residents for generations to come. A recent capital needs assessment identified at least $14 million in deferred maintenance and essential ADA upgrades across the Library’s facilities. Through the CAFE program, the Library will be able to complete these high-priority projects while also undertaking a broader, once-in-a-generation transformation of its public library spaces – without further adding to the tax burden of Montclair residents. A 20% equity requirement will be met by $5 million in library capital funds allocated by the Town in 2025 and by funds raised by the Montclair Public Library Foundation.
“This is an extraordinary investment by the State of New Jersey in Montclair and in the future of our community,” said Montclair Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville, M.D. “At a time when Montclair families are facing rising costs, difficult budget decisions across our schools and municipal services, and real uncertainty about what comes next, our libraries matter more than ever. They are the one public space that belongs to every single resident— full stop. The CAFE program allows us to modernize that shared space, improve accessibility, and reimagine what our libraries can offer people of all ages while delivering tremendous value to taxpayers and ensuring these doors stay wide open for generations to come.”
“Amidst the financial challenges that our Township, schools, and residents face, this award is wonderful news for all residents,” said Deputy Mayor and Councilor-At-Large, Susan Shin Andersen. “This investment will allow our community to get a library system for the future for less than it would cost if repairs and improvements identified from the past were to be further deferred. Our library has and will continue to serve as a vibrant community gathering place, a hub for connection, and center of learning- open to every person of every background.”
Beyond addressing deferred maintenance and accessibility requirements, the project will reimagine the Library as a more flexible, inclusive, and welcoming civic hub, with improved technology, expanded programming capacity, and adaptable spaces for learning, collaboration, and community connection.
The modernized facilities will include amenities such as a makerspace, flexible collaboration spaces, multi-purpose and meeting rooms, enhanced digital media resources, and dedicated areas for hands-on learning – the kind of forward-looking infrastructure that defines today’s most effective public libraries, and precisely the type of investment the CAFE program was created to support.
“Libraries are where a community shows what it values. This project is our chance to create spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and built for how people actually use their library today. We have critical infrastructure needs that can’t wait, and this funding lets us address those while also thinking boldly about what comes next for Montclair’s libraries,” said Radwa Ali, Director of the Montclair Public Library.
The Montclair Public Library will actively engage residents throughout the planning and design process to ensure that the renovated facilities reflect community needs and aspirations. Public input will help guide enhancements that support equity, accessibility, and expanded services for all users.
“This project represents a pivotal moment for our libraries,” said JoAnn McCullough, President of the Montclair Public Library Board of Trustees. “The scale of the State’s investment allows us to address long-standing infrastructure challenges while also thinking expansively about what our libraries can be. With strong public engagement and community support, we have the opportunity to create library spaces that are truly exceptional.”
As an active partner in the project, the Montclair Public Library Foundation will work hand in hand with Library leadership to steward the project forward and inspire donors to help bring the vision fully to life.
Together, this historic collaboration among the State of New Jersey, the Township of Montclair, and local library leaders represents a transformative investment in public infrastructure – underscoring the enduring value of libraries as engines of opportunity, access, and civic engagement.