PAULSBORO -- Made of metal and glass, the newly built expansion to the Gill Memorial Library doesn't match the hundreds-years-old stone facade of the original building, but does reflect the borough's industrial heritage.
Nearly a decade after the board of trustees proposed expanding and modernizing the library -- and many trials and tribulation in getting it done -- board members welcomed the first guests to the brand new building Wednesday.
"Over a long period of time, the Board of Trustees recognized the overcrowded conditions and outdated technology the library offered the residents of Paulsboro," said Rita Kelly, Board of Trustees president.
The idea to update Paulsboro's library services, as well as expand the amount of space used for the library, originally included the historic Paul House, which sits across the street from the original Gill Memorial Library.
In 2011 work began on that site to build an expansion. But when more than 500 artifacts from a Lenni-Lenape encampment were found at the site, it seemed Paulsboro might not receive the new library they hoped for.
With help from the borough council and a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Facilities program helped to get it off the ground again.
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Moved back to the original library location, architects worked to include the many facets of the borough's history in designing the new building.
"Our role was to translate the history of Paulsboro, the vision of the board and the bright future of Paulsboro into the building you see," said Martin Kimmel, one of the architects who designed the expansion.
With updated technology, new computers and chairs that accommodate visitors with laptops, the Gill Memorial Library's expanded building allows Paulsboro's library to be on par with other community libraries in the county.
For decades, Paulsboro residents have gone to the Gill Memorial Library for reading and research material, but the new expansion will allow the facility to accommodate more people and give access to more technologically advanced equipment.
The ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony was attended by Paulsboro residents, board of trustee members and elected officials Wednesday morning.
"I feel it's important because now we're up with this modern technology," Paulsboro Mayor Jeff Hamilton said. "Our kids needed this. Our old library did the job, but it wasn't up to date. This shows you taxpayer money spent well."
The Board of Trustees saved nearly $1 million for the expansion and USDA contributed a grant worth $300,000, but the project was still underfunded by about $200,000 -- which is where the borough came in.
Town council voted to bond for the additional funding, with a plan for the Board of Trustees to pay it back over time.
Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@southjerseymedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.