The future of the Edgewood Book Barn took another unexpected turn this week.
Town officials confirmed that the portable building housing the Barn may belong to the Moriarty-Edgewood School District (MESD), not the Town of Edgewood.
During the most recent town commission meeting, commissioners amended the agenda by removing item H1, which had concerned the Book Barn’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The item was pulled after it was determined that the Town does not own the building.
Instead, MESD has requested that any MOU for use of the facility be handled directly between the school district and the Friends of the Library, the volunteer group that operates the Book Barn.
This clarification was supported by documentation dating back to 2017, when the Library Board minutes cited MESD as assigning the portable for Book Barn use.
K.R. Scott, acting president of the Edgewood Friends of Our Library Society, confirmed the update in a message to supporters, noting that conversations are now underway with MESD leadership to determine the next steps.
“We have been in contact with the Superintendent of MESD for a discussion on the future of the Book Barn and hope that it will be fruitful,” Scott wrote.
Despite the ownership confusion, there was some good news: a recent fire inspection revealed only a few minor issues, meaning the Book Barn is close to full compliance.
An ADA inspection is expected soon, though no exact date has been confirmed.
Scott also announced that the Friends group will be streamlining its communications list.
Supporters who wish to remain on the email roster must respond by June 15 to avoid being removed from future updates.
For more information or to get involved, contact K.R. Scott at bookbarn24@gmail.com or by phone at 480-353-7814 or 480-236-3257.