The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved a $36.6 million award under the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to support a transformative renovation and expansion project at the Montclair Public Library & Cultural Center.
The project, which targets both the downtown Main Library Branch and the Bellevue Avenue Branch, is designed to modernize library infrastructure while turning the facilities into high-tech, accessible cultural hubs for the region.
The Main Library Branch at 50 South Fullerton Avenue is slated for a total interior reorganization. The updated three-story facility will feature:
- First Floor: A teaching kitchen, a state-of-the-art auditorium, art exhibition galleries, and new outdoor terraces.
- Second Floor: A hub for digital equity and adult learning, including classrooms, a FabLab, an architectural history space, and the Montclair Jazz Library.
- Third Floor: A dedicated youth-focused zone featuring a STEAM discovery lab, media and podcasting studios, and a sensory room.
Beyond interior upgrades, the Main Library will undergo a full gut renovation, including roof replacements and the installation of new solar panels to increase energy efficiency. The Bellevue Avenue Branch will also receive critical upgrades, including ADA compliance improvements, expanded space for children and teens, a multipurpose community room, and a redesigned front plaza for outdoor events.
“This is an extraordinary investment by the State of New Jersey in Montclair and in the future of our community,” Montclair Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville said. “At a time when Montclair families are facing rising costs… our libraries matter more than ever. They are the one public space that belongs to every single resident—full stop.”
NJEDA CEO Evan Weiss emphasized that the CAFE Program is specifically designed to leverage the economic power of arts and culture to drive foot traffic into downtowns. “Through programs like CAFE, the NJEDA is investing in expanding access to major arts and cultural institutions, ensuring that patrons from around the region and of all backgrounds can connect with enriching artistic, educational, and cultural experiences,” Weiss said.
Radwa Ali, Director of the Montclair Public Library, noted that the funding addresses long-standing infrastructure needs while allowing the library to evolve. “This project is our chance to create spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and built for how people actually use their library today,” Ali added.
The CAFE Program provides tax credits to help build or renovate cultural facilities like libraries, museums, and galleries. By covering up to 100 percent of eligible project costs, the program aims to revitalize main streets, create jobs, and support the state’s multi-billion-dollar arts and culture economy.
