A renovation and expansion of the Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch at 4 Lambert Road in Blairstown has addressed long-needed updates for the county’s busiest library branch. — Photo by Nicholas Venezia/Courtesy: DIGroup Architecture
By Joshua Burd
The Warren County Public Library has unveiled a newly renovated and expanded branch in Blairstown after more than $7 million in upgrades spearheaded by DIGroup Architecture.
According to a news release, the project at 4 Lambert Road addressed long-needed updates for the county’s busiest library branch while enhancing the offerings for northern Warren County area residents of all ages. That includes transforming the Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch with new lighting, finishes and tailored spaces such as a fireside reading area as well as new meeting rooms and a community room with a kitchenette, plus the addition of a maker space and recording studio.
The branch now spans 9,800 square feet after the 5,800-square-foot addition, which was on display during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew local and county officials, Warren County Library Director Jill Butcher and members of the Library Commission.
“DIG’s design team took inspiration for the library’s new addition from the natural landscape of the New Jersey Highlands Region,” said Paul Graebener, a senior project manager New Brunswick-based DIG. “The area’s rolling hills, valleys and forests are incorporated throughout the interior, from the custom wall coverings depicting the landscape, wood circulation desk and striking exposed wood beams, to the sloping roof in the lobby, young adult and children’s areas. The addition of windows and clerestory glazing further emphasizes this connection, drawing in natural light and offering views of the scenic surroundings.”
A special congressional recognition also commemorated the grand opening, which followed a project that received funding through New Jersey’s Library Construction Bond Act, the news release said. DIG added that the initiative reflects a commitment to rethinking the role of libraries as well as other cultural spaces across local communities.
The design firm, which worked on the project with Finelli Consulting Engineers and DeSapio Construction Group, also spearheaded the renovation of the Long Branch Free Public Library as well as two Carnegie-funded libraries in Philadelphia.
