Public officials, library leaders and project partners recently gathered at McLoone’s Pier House for the Long Branch Free Public Library’s Celebration of Champions Gala, which honored the contributions of all those making the Carnegie-era library’s major revitalization a reality. The evening featured a keynote address from Rich Alderiso, the principal-in-charge who led the historic preservation and modernization project.
“The Long Branch Free Public Library is more than just a building, it is a living tradition,” said Alderiso. “Rooted in the Carnegie ethos of accessible knowledge, the Long Branch Free Public Library has remained a vital resource and reflects a vision for a place where stories are shared, minds are enriched and community bonds are strengthened. All of us at DIG are proud to have been a part of continuing this legacy.”
By blending historic revitalization with modern innovation, DIG introduced a special collections room; re-envisioned the children’s library to incorporate a dedicated teen library with technological access for after-school services; a re-designed circulation hub; and flexible community areas. Additionally, DIG created glazed, custom display walls to celebrate Long Branch’s rich historical archives, ensuring they remain protected while still visible to visitors.
Started in the late 1800s by a group of local women in a downtown building, the Long Branch Free Public Library was built on vacant land along Broadway. In 1916, the library received a grant from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, whose foundation was focused on funding public libraries nationwide. The Long Branch Library is believed to be the recipient of the final grant-of-its-kind issued by the Carnegie Foundation.
In addition to its coveted Carnegie designation, the Long Branch Free Public Library was recognized in 2023 with the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for libraries and museums.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
