Surrounded by the community, the Town of Bloomfield celebrated the ceremonious groundbreaking for the reconstructed Prosser Library. The day was filled with gratitude and acknowledgment for the hard work and dedication that made this project possible. Mayor Danielle Wong, joined by Building Committee Chair Mark Weisman and Library Director Elizabeth Lane, reiterated the “future is bright.”
“Bloomfield is the best example of people coming together with a common goal,” said Mark Weisman.
This council has put Bloomfield at the forefront of every decision,” said Mayor Wong. “The Town established the first-ever Project Labor Agreement (PLA). This 100% PLA prioritizes Bloomfield residents to have quality construction jobs on this very site, and this PLA is coupled with Bloomfield residents receiving free apprenticeships in the trades. These are not just jobs. We are creating pathways to careers.”
The Town’s AA+ credit rating from Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P), one of the nation's premier credit rating services, was reaffirmed earlier this year. The second highest possible rating that can be awarded to a municipality. “Resulting in an extremely low-interest rate that saves money for every single Bloomfield taxpayer.”
Above Left" Bloomfield community members gather to view the plans for the new library. | Above Right: Bloomfield Mayor Danielle Wong speaks to the crowd.
Below Left: Elizabeth Lane, Library Director | Below Right: Mark Weisman, Building Committee Chair
Photographer: Brian Wolff
Standing in the lumber yard, the future parking lot, with the sounds of demolition, you could feel the excitement in the air. In the coming months, the community will see the vision being built brick by brick at the corner of Bloomfield and Mountain Avenues across from the Town Hall.
“Bloomfield Public Library aims to provide all members of our diverse community with access to comprehensive services, expansive print and electronic resources, technology, and expert assistance from a caring and responsive staff,” said Library Director Elizabeth Lane. “By breaking down barriers to access and opening doors to opportunity. Building community and encouraging life-long learning, BPL works to improve the quality of life for all residents and strives to be the heart of our Town.”
Rendering of the new Prosser Library looking from the Town Hall
Above Left: Diana Lanser, Tai Soo Kim, Jeff Brown, Whit Iglehart, and Stephanie Beals of TSKP STUDIO stand with Mayor Wong | Above Right: Members of the Bloomfield Library Building Committee break ground
The new 28,000 sq. ft Prosser Public Library will be built on the site of the existing building. Due to flood issues from the adjacent stream, the new building is raised above flood level. Most parking is provided in a large lot across the stream, with a new pedestrian bridge that will provide an exciting entry to the large south-facing entry portico. Inside, a two-story space contains the primary library functions, with adjacent Children, Teen, and stack areas. A large Community Room allows for after-hours access for evening events.
“Bloomfield Public Library had the state's fifth-largest virtual adult programming attendance last year. Can you imagine all those people in the beautifully designed community room that is about to be built? I can’t wait,” said Elizabeth Lane.
Dude’s Donuts also partook in the celebration, offering apple cider and donuts for the community. The new Prosser Library is set to open in Spring 2025.
The Prosser Library was temporarily relocated to the BPL Atrium at Gillette Ridge, 1300 Hall Boulevard during construction. BPL Tech Express is open at 330 Park Ave., Room 117 (Bloomfield’s Human Services Building) for computers, printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services. Visit https://bplct.org/ for more information on services and programming. They are here for you!
The Bloomfield Public Library Building Committee meets every other week. Find more information on the town page.
Case Study: Prosser Public Library - Town of Bloomfield
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