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Work is now underway on a $4.165 million renovation of the Dennis Branch library, 101 Main Street, Newton, where the Sussex County Library System broke ground on Monday, September 14, 2026. The project is expected to take about 12 months, according to a WRNJ Radio report published September 25, 2026.
Westcraft Builders Inc. is the contractor. Funding comes from a New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act grant along with matching funds from Sussex County.
The branch closed to the public in July 2026 to make way for construction. When the work is finished, the library is expected to offer expanded space along with improved accessibility and updated services.
Library Director Will Porter said, “We are excited to see this project begin and to bring long-awaited updates to the Dennis Branch.” He also said, “We’re grateful to the Sussex County Commissioners, the New Jersey State Library, the Newton Library Association, and all those whose dedication and support have helped make this project possible.”
Newton readers still have options while the branch is closed. Patrons can use digital resources through other Sussex County Library System branches, or visit the Dot Mobile Library, which operates at 15 Trinity Street with varied hours. The Open Borrowing program also lets patrons use the Sparta Public Library and participating libraries in surrounding counties.
Because the mobile library keeps varied hours, we suggest checking the schedule before making the trip. The library system says project updates will be posted on its Dennis Library renovation page.
A 12 month timeline from a mid September groundbreaking points to a reopening around the fall of 2027, though no firm date has been announced in the coverage we reviewed. We will keep watching for updates as construction moves forward on one of Newton’s most familiar community buildings.
We will update this story when the library system announces a reopening date or new service hours for Newton patrons.
Featured photo: K 8 via Pexels.
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