Libraries don’t just hold knowledge—they help build it. Across New Jersey, DMR is leading a wave of library redesigns that are making communities smarter, more connected, and better prepared for the future. From the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library & Learning Center at Essex County College in Newark to the newly transformed Middletown Township Public Library, DMR’s work is redefining what a library can be: a place where history, technology, and community intersect to inspire lifelong learning and growth.
Redesigned libraries do more than update infrastructure. According to national data, renovated libraries see attendance increases of 30–80%, program participation more than double, and measurable gains in student literacy and digital access. “These aren’t just renovations—they’re reinventions shaped by a deep understanding of how these communities use public space,” said Kurt Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. “A modern library is a civic engine, a technology hub, and a cultural connector.”
Middletown Township Public Library
DMR transformed 15,000 SF of dated space into a dynamic multi-generational hub. A former computer lab became a teen innovation zone and makerspace, now home to 3D printers, textile equipment, and creative technology. The expanded History Room celebrates Middletown’s Revolutionary War legacy, now four times its original size and enhanced with interactive displays and curated artifacts.
The renovation also added four private study rooms, an inviting fireplace lounge, and a more open, naturally lit floor plan with flexible seating for all ages.
“The new design was created to meet the needs of our ever-growing Middletown community so we can better serve them,” said Business Manager, Wendy LaTona “This library isn’t just for reading—it’s where neighbors connect, where teens explore new ideas, and where our town’s deep rooted past is honored in a space built for its future.”
Essex County College – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library & Learning Center
In Newark, DMR’s design repositioned the 18,000 SF library as the heart of campus life. The project relocated the Learning Center into the space, integrating AI-enabled academic tools, collaborative tutoring zones, and a custom bookcase honoring Dr. King as a visual and emotional anchor. Clerestory windows were re-opened to flood the space with light, while floor-to-ceiling glass storefronts created a transparent and welcoming entry.
“We wanted students to walk in and feel that this was their space,” said Essex County College President Dr. Augustine Boakye. “This library gives students a sense of belonging. It reflects the diversity, resilience, and ambition of Essex County College—and it honors the legacy of Dr. King by creating a space where opportunity, learning, and equity come together.”
“The new design has brought a real energy to the space—it’s being used more consistently throughout the day by students and faculty,” said Mohammed Seddiki, Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer of Essex County College “The layout and openness make it easier for people to focus, collaborate, and feel comfortable using the library in different ways.”
Real-World Results Back the Design Strategy
According to a Federal Reserve study, public library renovations are linked to:
- A 21% increase in children’s book checkouts
- An 18% increase in children’s attendance at programs
- A steady rise in reading test scores over seven years
Additional case studies show circulation often increases by more than 50%, with new users engaging in programs for the first time. “Design is what transforms a library into a vital part of the community,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA. “The way a space is laid out—how it invites people to gather, study, or simply spend time—directly impacts how it’s used. Our goal is to create environments that support how people learn, connect, and grow today.”
These projects build on DMR’s continued work across New Jersey, including the Montgomery branch of the Somerset County Library System, and showcase the firm’s leadership in public infrastructure that is responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking.
