Tonya Garcia’s ‘Big Audacious Goals’ Pay Off For Long Branch Free Public Library

By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr.

With the front door of the library finally open, the large room, with beautiful stained glass, (the original stained glass is hidden behind the wall, will be filled with book shelves.

When Tonya Garcia became director of the Long Branch Free Public Library in 2011, she met with her staff and told them about her “big audacious goals” of making the city’s library into one of the best in the nation. She would not be doing it alone, as she asked her staff for ideas, and they came up with many, excited to be included.

In 2023, the Long Branch Free Public Library was one of only four in the nation to receive the coveted IMLS national Medal for Museum and Library Services. This award is the highest federal honor given to libraries, and Garcia credited her entire staff for meeting her big audacious goal.

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“Tonya spearheaded the National Library Award for the Long Branch library. It was an incredible achievement, “ said U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. He emphasized that only four libraries in the entire United States received that recognition. “It was given at the White House by the First Lady. I was present and was so proud.”

February 20, 2025 was another day of pride and recognition for Garcia, her staff and the residents of Long Branch. After two long years of renovations, the library, located on Broadway, was reopened to the public showcasing the original design of the Carnegie building.

“Andrew Carnegie believed in harnessing the power of imagination to make dreams come true. We honor his legacy with this beautifully renovated library. But it is just a building until we add the most important part, the people,” said John Pallone, Mayor of the City of Long Branch. “From the dedicated staff and volunteers who keep it running to all the patrons who use its services, you are the ones who bring our library to life and give it purpose.”

The renovation idea came to Garcia in May of 2018, when the library staff were hearing noises coming from within the walls and ceiling. Garcia grabbed a ladder and set it up in the main room of the building, which was the oldest part of the library. She removed a ceiling tile and found a family of raccoons. “I also saw the magnificent windows and architecture of the original Carnegie design. I knew right there that we needed to bring the 1916 look back,” said Garcia.

The Carnegie restoration was possible through a project made possible by a $6.2 million matching grant, which was funded by the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act and the City of Long Branch. “Back in 2019, we applied for round one of the grant funding. We had included a community center, wellness and technology center. But we were denied,” said Garcia. But that didn’t stop her and the staff with their big audacious goals. “In 2021, we reapplied and were award $3.1 million which the city matched, and we are here today in this beautiful library.”

Garcia, along with the architects, were able to meld the historic Carnegie heritage with its color and fixtures along with the modern enhancements to create a family friendly environment. “The building is over a century old and we endured significant flooding in 2017. We lost the entire lower level, and were in desperate need of waterproofing and system upgrades,” added Garcia.

Carnegie funded libraries from 1883 to 1929 worldwide. In the United States, 1,689 were built. Carnegie libraries are known for their simple yet formal design. They welcome patrons through a prominent doorway with a staircase nearby, symbolizing a person’s elevation by learning. “Carnegie also wanted tall ceilings, and lamps or lanterns which he said were a symbol of enlightenment. The lights here in the Carnegie library are as close to original as we could get,” said Garcia.

“The year I became director, Dr. Michael Salavtore was named superintendent of the Long Branch Public Schools. I called him and wanted to see if we could hold a meeting to discuss some of my big ideas. He said he would be right over!” Garcia said. “I wasn’t expecting him to do that, but I as impressed.”

“More than 20 years ago, I first meet Tonya Garcia as a dedicated parent at the Gregory School, where I was the principal and she was a tireless volunteer. As her own children advanced through the school system, Tonya’s commitment to our community only grew stronger, leading her to the role of Head Librarian at the Long Branch Free Public Library,” said Salvatore. Both Garcia and Salvatore combined their talents and efforts for the enrichment of the children of Long Branch.

“Since her appointment, she has transformed the library into a hub for lifelong learning, ensuring that every child has access to a library card and meaningful programs that foster a love for reading,” added Salvatore.

Over 500 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony last Tuesday. Three musicians played classical music in the Carnegie room as Roberto Ferragina, President of the Library Board of Trustees welcomed everyone into the building.  Also speaking to the audience was Long Branch Poet Laureate Emanuel DiPasquale.

“On behalf of the New Jersey Library, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Long Branch Library on reaching this milestone. As I look across the state at the projects that received support from the Library Construction Bond Act, I am in awe of the creativity and commitment that our libraries are using to rethink their buildings to better serve their communities,” said New Jersey State Librarian Jennifer Nelson.

Nelson stated that she had the pleasure of visiting the Long Branch Public Library in 2021, prior to the start of construction and renovations. “While there, director Tonya Garcia and her staff showed me a vibrant library that showed signs of its age and wear and tear. It was clear to me that the community is deeply invested in the library and benefits from the full range of programs and services that Long Branch offers. The anticipation of construction project was palpable,” ?? said

Besides restorations to the Carnegie wing, the renovation included significant infrastructure upgrades. The library now features energy-efficient lighting, a new three zone HVAC system, extensive waterproofing, a new emergency generator, additional spaces including a local history room, teen room, huddle rooms for private study, and a sensory room for children.

“We are not done yet. We still have some work to do on the exterior of the building which will begin shortly,” said Garcia. She is also looking into grant opportunities for upgrades to the Elberon Library, which is older than the Carnegie building on Broadway.