SWEDESBORO — Improvements to the Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library are under consideration, as the Swedesboro Borough Council discussed potential upgrades to the historic building during their Feb. 18 meeting.
During the meeting, Mayor Tom Fromm introduced a possible addition to the borough’s 2025 budget, originally proposed as a Public Works budget item and designed to allow for necessary upgrades to the Kings Highway structure. The main improvement under budgetary consideration was the library’s roof, which has been a concern due to its age and flat structure.
The roof, a flat rubber-rolled design, was last replaced when the library’s addition was constructed more than 10 years ago. In a follow up phone call with Fromm, he noted that while he is unaware of any active leaks or other emergent issues affecting library operations, some water damage along the edges of the building’s interior has been noted.
The borough council, in consultation with Public Works Superintendent Keith Lamb, is in the process of determining whether the identified repairs are immediately necessary and how they would be funded. The potential budget item to cover the cost of repairs was introduced at $30,000. However, no official cost has been identified.
Fromm noted during the Feb. 18 council meeting that because the Swedesboro Public Library is part of the Gloucester County Library system, it is possible that funding support from the county could be obtained to assist with the roof improvement project, should it move forward. Fromm, Lamb, and Swedesboro Borough Council President David Flaherty are expected to obtain more information about the project prior to the next council meeting.
“It’s definitely in the thinking and planning stage,” Fromm said. “We will see exactly where things stand with the roof . . . [and] determine the need for it right now. If there’s a pressing need for a new roof, we will move forward – depending on what we think the cost will be – [and] we will figure out the funding. If the library needs a roof, the library will get a roof. We can’t jeopardize the library. It’s one of the proudest things we have in town.”
In addition to roof repairs, there are ongoing discussions about the possible need for additional structural improvements to the interior of the library. No formalized upgrades or budget figures have been identified at this point. In tandem with the potential roof project, the council is in the early planning stages of exploring the need for and feasibility of interior upgrades.
By Caitlin Ware
