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The Maywood Public Library Board of Trustees announced plans for the new Hal Bloom Young Adult Center and Makerspace, a $1.4 million project to benefit library patrons of all ages.

The project is entirely funded by a $700,088 New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act grant, with matching funds from the James and Pauline Hackbarth Foundation.

With an opening planned for 2023, the renovated space will incorporate unused areas on the library’s lower level to create a two-story area where teens and tweens can gather, especially after school.

“We're very excited about this dynamic space that will help the library meet our community's needs now and allow us to adapt for the future,“ said Caitlin Hull, Maywood Library director.

The renovation will benefit the larger library community with an amphitheater that will be ideal for a variety of programs, including film screenings and lectures for audiences of all ages.

The new Makerspace will enhance the library’s DIY programming. The space will allow more people to attend and expand the types of projects offered to help patrons develop skills and learn to use tools to which they would not otherwise have access.

The designs for the library, created by Beatty, Harvey, Coco Architects, feature bold colors and lots of light, open spaces with comfortable seating, and new technology.

Hal Bloom was the much beloved President of the Maywood Library Board of Trustees for many years and former principal of Hackensack High School.