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December 3, 2024

Ribbon Cutting for the new Roselle Memorial Library

UCIA-backed Roselle Library Expansion and Renovation Officially Launched

The modernization and expansion of the Roselle Public Library was officially launched today – a project that will more than double the size of the library and provide cutting-edge resources to local residents.

The nearly $16 million project is a joint effort of the Union County Improvement Authority, the County of Union, the Borough of Roselle and the state of New Jersey.

“At a time when libraries across the country face funding cuts and reductions in services, in Union County and New Jersey we’re showing that our priorities are to work together to offer our residents more,” said UCIA Commissioners Chairman Christopher Kolibas.

UCIA Executive Director Bibi Taylor said: “President Barack Obama once said that: ‘Literacy is the most basic currency of the knowledge economy.’ Today we’re joining together to make an unprecedented investment in Roselle’s future.”

The current library at 104 W. Fourth Street was built in 1938 and totals 7,400 square feet. The centerpiece of the expanded library will be a two-story addition totaling 15,400 square feet. That expansion will increase the number of people who can use the library at one time from 79 to 279.

Renovations will include improvements to heating, air conditioning, lighting and more modern technology. The building will be made accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A multi-purpose community room, study areas and expanded children and teen’s area are included.

Funding for the project comes from a New Jersey State Library grant, Roselle bonding and direct funds from the state Legislature.

Officials attending the groundbreaking included Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari,Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Reginald W. Atkins, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Sergio Granados and fellow commissioners, UCIA Commision Chair Kolibas, Mayor Donald A. Shaw, member of the Roselle Borough Council and Library Board of Trustees.

The Union County Improvement Authority is putting Taxpayers’ Money Back to Work — Returns $735,000 to Municipalities

As part of its restructuring, the Union County Improvement Authority has identified and returned more than $735,000 of taxpayer money to local governments in less than a year Improvement Authority Chairman Christopher Kolibas announced today.

The Authority recently returned funds that were sitting dormant in accounts for more than a decade. “The previous authority administration left the money unused,”Kolibas said. “The funds were allocated for projects in the respective jurisdiction, but went unspent.”

Union County Commissioner and UCIA Liaison Sergio Granados said, “The County Commissioners would like to thank the leadership at the UCIA for its willingness to evaluate its operations and identify cost saving measures that benefit our residents.” 

“We’re putting the people’s money back to work by closing-out completed projects and returning unused balances,” Kolibas said.  Identified funds can be used to pay down debt or pay for other infrastructure improvements within each jurisdiction. 

The UCIA plans, develops and manages public improvements for municipalities and the County for the public benefit.  The Authority has undertaken a review of its operations in recent years to achieve economy and efficiency.

The Authority has returned:

• $448,212.64 to the City of Plainfield,
• $223,003.44 to the Township of Union,
• $65,319.17 to the Plainfield Board of Education, and
•  $751.20 to Union County.  

“We’re working daily to make sure the taxpayers get value from each tax dollar,” Kolibas said.