Bound Brook Library Renovation Moves Forward After 2.5-Year Closure
Renovation bids open April 22 — construction is set to begin May 15 and finish by October 2026
Staff · April 4, 2026
The Bound Brook Memorial Library at 402 E. High Street has been closed since October 2023, when the Borough discovered asbestos in the building. After more than two years of environmental work, funding challenges, and planning, the project is now entering its final phase — and a fall 2026 reopening is within sight.
What Happened
The library closed abruptly in October 2023 after asbestos was found, requiring professional remediation before any renovation could proceed. Through 2024, the Borough explored funding options but came up short. In January 2025, the Borough committed to funding remediation in its 2025 budget.
That fall, the Borough awarded a $321,000 remediation contract to Teal Management. Work began October 27, 2025. During the project, the scope was expanded to include the main reading room — a proactive step recommended by the Borough's environmental consultant to avoid disruption during the upcoming renovation.
Abatement was completed during the week of January 19, 2026.
What's Next
With the environmental work behind them, the project architect has prepared updated specifications for the renovation phase. Bids for the alteration work open April 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
The planned construction timeline:
- Contract award: May 12, 2026
- Construction begins: May 15, 2026
- Substantial completion: September 18, 2026
- Final completion: October 16, 2026
The Borough is also pursuing ADA upgrades to make the building fully accessible, as required under a 2005 agreement with the Somerset County Library System.
In a separate effort, Bound Brook was awarded $70,350 from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund to develop a Historic Preservation Plan, pursue National Register Nomination, and commission architectural drawings for the library and its historic graveyard.
The Borough anticipates reopening the main floor of the library by late 2026.
In the Meantime
Bound Brook residents can access library services at any of the 10 branches in the Somerset County Library System, including nearby locations in Manville, North Plainfield, and Somerville. For information, contact SCLS at 908-458-8415 or sclsnj.org.