ALLENTOWN – The New Jersey Historic Trust has announced that the Allentown Public Library has been recommended for a preservation grant from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund.
The awards were authorized at the Oct. 17 meeting, according to a press release, which said the grant is for the entrance area improvement plan that will create a brighter, more welcoming entrance area into the library.
The Library Board is committed to preserving the historic integrity of the building, which was originally a church, but with the primary goal of maintaining a safe and modern space appropriate for a public library, according to the press release.
To this end, the entrance area will function as a transition from the exterior that is preserved as it was in 1879 to the interior space that through adaptive reuse is a 21st century library.
Work on the project began early in 2017 with the refurbishing of the original front doors that have been in use since the First Baptist Church was completed in 1879. Currently underway is the restoration of the original plank floors by Jason Harris of Harris Woodworking, Allentown, according to the press release.
Adding to these original elements in the entrance space will be a change in the interior doors to French lite doors that will allow visibility into the library from the entrance area. These doors will be made by Harris Woodworking to reflect the moldings and profile of the original exterior doors.
New lighting and paint will complete the space. In addition, the Library Association is having the display case refurbished with lighting and shelving that will enhance the exhibits curated by Patricia Brown and Maggie Keris, according to the press release.
The library remains open during the work, with patrons being directed to enter through the side or back doors.
