Our Story
Building a Legacy Together
Embark on a journey with us as we construct a hub of knowledge and inspiration.
January 2022
The Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library in Woodland Park was awarded a $2,883,577 grant for the renovation and expansion of its building on Brophy Lane by the state as part of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act. This second round of funding allocates $37 million to 36 projects across New Jersey. It is the largest grant ever received by the Borough.
August 14, 2023
A contract was awarded to TNS Construction, LLC in the amount of $4,989,000 for the construction of the library.
October 6, 2024
Perfect weather, a crowd of over 150, and an unforgettable day as we officially launched the renovation and addition to our beloved Woodland Park’s Alfred Baumann Public Library! We are grateful for everyone who attended, past & present local, county, and state dignitaries, local and state library leaders, friends and residents of Woodland Park.
A huge thank you to FAB Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library, Pizza HQ, Shoprite of Little Falls, and Starbucks Woodland Park for providing delicious refreshments to keep us going!
Thank you to Shannon Marren, our incredible Master of Ceremonies, Ariel Lampley for her beautiful renditions of the "National Anthem" and "God Bless America", Philip Russo for his inspiring Words of Affirmation, Lina V. our Youth Library Director, for her heartfelt "Groundbreaking Moment" poem and our Women's Auxillary post #238 with the Woodland Park Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance with Councilwoman Christine Tiseo. Many thanks to all who participated in our groundbreakings. We had several, which was a testament to the many people who were involved in this project from its inception.
We were honored to hear from Mayor Tracy Kallert, Library Board President Rick Lijoi, County Commissioner John Bartlett, Sandi Lazzara, and Nicolino Gallo and Linda Hoffman, Library Director, as they spoke about the future of our library and community.
Fall 2024
Site work preparation begins at 7 Brophy Lane. Trees are trimmed and protective fencing is installed. Installation of drains and catch basins.
Interior Demolition
The inside of the library is emptied and marked out with demolition of the interior and exterior walls. Ceiling tiles were removed.
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Removal of HVAC
It was a big day for the Giant Cranes to come to 7 Brophy Lane to remove the old HVAC system.
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Demolition of the Children's Room
A sad, but happy moment at the same time. so many memories in this room. Yet we are excited about the new adventures in the new space!
Demolition of the Staff Offices
We called it the "Heart of the Library" because the Baumann Room office was the place where all of the processing and planning happened. This area will now be our new offices, the circ desk, and the community's living room. look for the double XX - the home of our new double-sided fireplace!
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Interior Framing
During the winter months some of the interior framing began,
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