Perth Amboy, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined a ribbon cutting ceremony today with local elected officials to highlight efforts to restore the historic Perth Amboy Free Public Library. Pallone secured $1.5 million in a federal spending bill to help the city renovate and upgrade the library to better serve the needs of the community. President Biden signed the bill into law earlier this year.
The library was originally built in 1903 as a Carnegie Library and requires extensive repairs and renovations to provide essential services to the community. The funding will help repair and upgrade the building’s exterior, interior rooms, and restroom facilities. The funding will also provide new and expanded workspaces for students and technological infrastructure to support digital learning programs.
“The Perth Amboy Free Public Library is so important for everyone in Perth Amboy. This historic building is a place for people to come together to learn new things, stay connected to each other, and get the resources they need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw just how important libraries were as students and teachers transitioned to remote learning. I’m proud that I was able to secure this funding so that the library can continue to fulfill its mission to the community,” Pallone said. “I want to thank Mayor Caba for his passion and vision that help make Perth Amboy a better place for the city’s residents. I’m grateful to everyone who joined us today. Their dedication to the library will make it shine for years to come.”
“For the past 118 years, the Perth Amboy library has been an indispensable resource for our residents and has grown to be much more than a repository for books but a hub for community events and education. Now the library has the opportunity to grow not only in the addition of a handicap accessible ramp to create a more inclusive structure but also with a $1.5 million investment secured by Congressman Frank Pallone. These funds will allow the library to undertake much needed repairs so that it can continue serving the public for generations to come," said Assemblywoman Lopez.
“The day is finally here where all patrons, regardless of limitations, can enjoy the array of services our Perth Amboy Public library has to offer. The $1.5 million funds from Congressman Frank Pallone’s office will help renovate areas of our library that have been shut off to the public for nearly half a century by restoring our history room and creating flexible reading spaces throughout the library,” said Joel Rosa, Interim Perth Amboy Library Director.
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