Pocono News Section

Milton Library Plans Expansion

Milton Library Plans Expansion - Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Dec 2, 2009 @ 06:15pm EST
Milton, Northumberland County-

One local library is bucking the trend of layoffs and reduced hours due to state budget cuts. In fact, a major expansion is in the works.

Like many other places, the Milton Public Library has seen changes as a result of a tough economy.

Board of Trustees Vice- President John Meckley noted, “One is an increased need for library services. A huge up tick in our usage here at the library, which has been occurring over the last several years.”

So while other libraries are cutting back, Milton is increasing its morning hours. They’re also adding two more employees, including one who is fluent in Spanish, to assist a growing Hispanic population.

Trustees say support from the borough and surrounding townships, as well as charitable gifts from patrons, have allowed the progressive moves.

But as more and more people are using what is an admittedly cramped space, the need for expansion has become clear.

Library directors here say they have a plan for that as well. They’re preparing for a move to the historic Rose Hill property on Broadway Street in the coming years.

Meckley said, “It’s certainly a multi-year, multi-million dollar project. But we’ve got one year under our belts with the planning stage and applying for the right kinds of grants and talking to the right kinds of foundations and laying the groundwork for a capital campaign.”

Trustees here say the new facility will be more of a complex community center.

Board of Trustees President Amy Woodcock explained, “We’re just going to kind of be that lynch pin in our community that provides educational services, but at the same time a fun, happy, safe place to be.”

Meckley added, “Quite simply, we have a great community here in Milton and it deserves a great library. And this board of trustees and this library staff is determined to make that happen.”

The Milton Public Library’s new hours are 9am-7pm Monday through Friday, and 9am-4pm on Saturdays.