On a quiet summer evening at the Cape May County Library's main branch, the façade stands serene. The bright reading area on the second floor is empty, while a few patrons peruse books downstairs. Library staff describe this calm as a brief lull between daytime visitors and the evening crowd, soon to be interrupted by the rhythmic beats of a dance class from the exercise room below.
Earlier that day, Andrea Orsini, director of the county library system, addressed the Board of County Commissioners. “The library isn’t just about books,” Orsini explained. “It’s a hub for people to gather, learn, share, and experience.”
Orsini was at the meeting to discuss the library system's first-ever strategic plan, which has been in development for over a year. “This plan will guide the library’s direction for the next five years,” she said.
A significant part of the plan involves evaluating the main branch, the oldest building in the system, which she noted requires modernization. Completed in 1971, the building was designed to complement the Victorian architecture of Cape May Court House, the county seat since colonial times. Architect Francis G. Vitetta designed the structure, which features stark white columns contrasting with the red brick and a weathered cupola.
(The flagship branch of the county system, located in Cape May Court House)
Housing the library’s administrative offices and book intake, the building has faced persistent issues, including problems with the HVAC system. Orsini said the library will hire professionals to assess the building and suggest improvements, whether that means a full renovation or constructing a new facility. Her goal is to create a building that exemplifies a modern library system headquarters.
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The county library operates on a $15.4 million budget, supported by a $20 million fund and a library assessment on property taxes in participating communities. Last year, this assessment generated $213.75 million.
The Court House branch at 30 Mechanic Street is one of eight branches in the county system, with others located in Cape May, Lower Township, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, Upper Township, Wildwood Crest, and Woodbine. Ocean City has its own library, and Avalon established its library in 2002.
(Wildwood Crest's modern library, opened about 10 years ago)
Recent investments include a $5.5 million library for Sea Isle, which opened in 2011, and a new Stone Harbor building, which broke ground in 2015. The Wildwood Crest library boasts water views from a rooftop platform, and the Cape May City branch, newly renovated with an $11 million investment, has been praised as a gem by County Commissioner Will Morey.
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