The 113-year-old building is undoubtedly beautiful and classic, but let’s face it, even the most beautiful could eventually use a facelift. The basement is currently serving as nothing more than a convenient venue for a good ghost story, and although 113 years ago, handicapped accessibility wasn’t exactly at the forefront of architectural concerns, it’s about time for a change. This past week, the Hoboken Public Library has unveiled their plans for a renovation.

The renovation itself is expected to take 18-24 months to complete, and cost an estimated $6.7 million. $1.1 million has already been obtained through fundraising as well as a grant from the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This renovation will turn the unused basement into a community room, add bright new children’s area, open a used bookstore, as well as create a handicapped accessible loft. During the time of renovation, the Library will be temporarily house in another location.

As is the case in most plastic surgery patients, the changes will have to come in phases. As of now, the library collection itself can’t expand much further with the space provided, and many Hobokenites are unaware of what the Library has to offer. Library Director Lina Podles expressed future plans to increase the marketing of existing library programs, as well as to open satellite branches of the Library. Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer has shown strong support for this renovation, and foresees nothing but a bright future for the project. Finalized plans for the renovation are due to be presented in the Fall.