More than $830,000 in improvements to the Trenton Free Public Library’s main entrance were unveiled during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city and state officials.
Mayor Reed Gusciora was joined by state Sen. Shirley K. Turner, City Council President Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg, other council members and library officials and supporters to celebrate the completion of the project, which makes the historic institution safer and more accessible to residents of all abilities.
Funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the project includes a redesigned accessible entrance ramp, reconstructed concrete stairs, upgraded accessibility features, modernized railings, new aluminum and glass entrance doors, additional outdoor seating and an enhanced entrance canopy with new signage.
Construction began in March 2026 and was completed in October.
“For more than 275 years, the Trenton Free Public Library has been a place where generations of residents have come to learn, explore, and discover new opportunities,” Gusciora said. “But a public library can only fulfill its mission when everyone can get through its doors. This investment is about making sure that every Trenton resident, regardless of age or physical ability, has the same opportunity to enjoy everything our library has to offer.”
Figueroa Kettenburg emphasized the importance of investing in public facilities that serve the entire community.
“Our public library belongs to everyone, and every resident should be able to enter and enjoy it without barriers,” she said. “The City Council is pleased to support investments that make our public spaces more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. This project is an investment not just in a building, but in the people and families who depend on the library for education, opportunity, and community.”
Turner, who serves as Senate president pro tempore, joined city officials in celebrating the improvements to one of Trenton’s oldest institutions.
“The Trenton Free Public Library has been a cornerstone of education, opportunity, and community life for generations,” Turner said. “Our libraries are among our most valuable public resources, and ensuring that they are accessible to everyone is essential. I commend Mayor Gusciora, the City Council, and the Library’s leadership for their commitment to preserving this historic institution while making it more welcoming and accessible to all who depend on its services.”
Gusciora also expressed appreciation for Turner’s longstanding support of the city.
“Senator Turner has been a steadfast friend and advocate for the Capital City, and we are grateful for her continued support of Trenton’s institutions, neighborhoods, and families,” Gusciora said. “Her commitment to our city and her partnership with local government are deeply appreciated.”
Founded in 1750 by Dr. Thomas Cadwalader as the Trenton Library Company, the Trenton Free Public Library traces its origins to colonial America, more than a quarter-century before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is recognized as New Jersey’s oldest library institution and among the oldest in the United States.
Its history is intertwined with that of the nation. During the British occupation of Trenton in December 1776, shortly before the Battle of Trenton, British soldiers reportedly burned much of the library’s collection. Books that had been checked out by subscribers survived.
The library eventually resumed operations and underwent several transformations throughout the 19th century. In 1900, Trenton voters approved the establishment of a free public library, opening a new chapter in the institution’s history.
The library opened at its present Academy Street location in 1902, with subsequent expansions including a reading room in 1915 and the Bicentennial Wing in 1976. The newly completed improvements focus on the entrance to that wing, bringing modern accessibility features to a building that has served generations of Trentonians.
The project is part of the city’s efforts to preserve its historic public institutions while ensuring they remain accessible and functional for future generations.
“Every child, every senior, every person deserves access to a library,” said Trenton Free Public Library Director Karen O’Malley, who joined the library’s staff and board of trustees in welcoming the improvements.
For more information about the Trenton Free Public Library and its programs, visit trentonlib.org or call 609-392-7188.
