The Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Library System celebrated the completion of a $1 million renovation at the Pemberton Library on Mar. 13, marking both the improvements and the branch’s 25th anniversary.
The event brought together residents, state, county, and local officials to recognize upgrades made to one of the largest and most popular branches in the system. The library first opened in 2001 after merging previous libraries in Browns Mills and Pemberton Borough. In 2025, it hosted over 525 programs, welcomed more than 90,000 visitors, and recorded over 50,000 check-outs from its collection.
“Our libraries are spaces for communities. They are places to gather, meet, interact, learn and to play,” said Burlington County Library Commission Chairman Jonathan Chebra. “The improvements to the Pemberton Library were a strategic investment in this community. Working together we created an improved space that will allow the library to better serve local residents.” Commissioner Tyler J. Burrell said, “People go to the libraries to learn and to spark their curiosity and their imagination. That happens in our Burlington County libraries every day and they continue to make long-lasting impacts. Today we celebrate the Pemberton Library and its value as a trusted resource for residents in Pemberton and the surrounding communities. We’re also celebrating the improvements to this branch and the exciting new opportunities they have created for library users.”
Renovations were funded by two state grants: a $1 million New Jersey Special Purpose Grant secured by State Senator Troy Singleton—of which $250,000 was used for improvements to the Children’s Room—and a $750,000 Community Center Digital Connect grant awarded by the New Jersey State Library. Nearly all interior spaces were updated with features such as a redesigned Children’s Room with new furnishings and play equipment; a Children’s Learning Center focused on STEM initiatives; small-group meeting rooms; a technology lab; a teen tech lounge; and an updated reference desk area.
“Thanks to these public dollars, we were able to reimagine the Pemberton Library to offer more ways for families and the community to learn, create and connect with one another while also offering vital support to those it serves,” said Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das. She added that partnerships with organizations like Virtua Health enable additional services including employment support and health screenings.
Senator Singleton said, “Libraries are more than just a place to find books. They are pillars of our communities that serve as repositories of knowledge and as locations where residents can connect to an assortment of resources… I’m excited by the improvements made to the Pemberton branch and I’m looking forward to seeing updates planned in Westampton, Cinnaminson and Evesham move from drawing board to reality.” Improvements at other branches include restroom renovations at Cinnaminson Branch Library for accessibility upgrades along with new technology centers; Evesham Library plans include expanding meeting rooms and adding technology resources.
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said these changes help libraries remain trusted resources for all users including school children, seniors, service members from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, among others. Assemblyman Balvir Singh added that such projects benefit residents of all ages thanks largely due to state support.
According to the official website, Burlington County encompasses 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area with Historic Smithville Park among its notable sites—a 312-acre park featuring forests, meadows, streams, and wetlands. The county includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions governed by five at-large commissioners under county administrator Eve Cullinan.
The Burlington County Library System aims “to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth and personal development” according to its official website. The county also recognizes local women’s contributions through its Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards program.
