Ahilia Munna 
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) celebrated the reopening of its Heights Branch, located at 14 Zabriskie Street. With the reopening, the Heights Branch resumes its position as an important and free community resource in the neighborhood, and with the completed renovation, it aims to improve its mission even further. Read on for more information about the Jersey City Free Public Library Heights Branch renovations, reopening, changes, and new services.
The Renovations
In monthly updates, the JCFPL stated in October 2025 that there were structural issues in the 114-year-old building, such as masonry and the front facade, that required immediate attention and funding. Restored exterior work was completed on the facade, stairs, and wheelchair ramp. Interior work includes an improved cooling system and newly installed outlets to allow patrons to charge their devices without crowding the walking space.
All of the furniture is new and designed for how people use library spaces when reading, working, playing games, and more. The plans for the Heights Branch were inspired by other libraries and the need to update to a brighter and more modern look while retaining its classic, welcoming charm.
The Major Changes
The layout is the most drastic change and the first that any regular patron will be able to recognize. Many described the previous interior layout as outdated and inaccessible. For instance, the adult fiction books used to be in the lower level, but were inaccessible to those who cannot walk down the stairs. Instead, patrons often used the lower level to have a quiet space for work and phone + video calls.
By paying attention to the patrons’ needs, the redesign creates an intentional layout for patrons of all demographics. The lower level has been converted into a working space featuring semi-private booths with integrated outlets, desktop computers, tables and chairs, sofas, and two privacy pods. The adult fiction books were moved to the upper level on the right side, a much more convenient spot for those with disabilities.
The children’s center used to be in the small, separate, windowed room at the back of the first level. It has now been moved to the left corner near the library’s entrance. The new space features child-sized furniture, booths, two desktop computers, plenty of books, and three educational wall toys.
The small room is now the young adults’ corner. Former branch manager Mary Quinn says that the hardest demographic to attract to the library are teenagers. To counter this, the library hopes to encourage teenagers’ interest by offering a more private space with seating, two desktop computers, a curated selection of young adult fiction, and perhaps most excitingly, a large monitor and Nintendo Switch and games.
Other physical changes include the removal of the tall bookshelves, which have been replaced by wall shelves and shorter shelves placed throughout the floor on the first level, opening up the space and making it feel larger and inviting. The variety of seating between tables, chairs, stools, booths, and sofas creates a versatile environment. In the lower level, there is now a multipurpose room stacked with tables, chairs, two colorful rugs, and books. The room is an important addition as the Heights Branch can now host more events for adults, teens, and children in a designated space.
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