Pocono News Section

Multi-Million Dollar Library Expansion in Lewisburg

Multi-Million Dollar Library Expansion in Lewisburg - Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 @05:00pm EST
Lewisburg, Union County- A major library expansion project is finally underway in one part of Union County. While library and public officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking out front, the real work was already underway on the south side of the Public Library for Union County.

The 2.5 million dollar project includes a 7,000 square foot expansion, plus renovations to the existing building, which was constructed in 1989. And the work is clearly necessary, because this library is growing in leaps and bounds.

The library's membership has more than doubled in its 19-year history, from about 6,000 when it first opened, to well over 12,000 today. Library officials say they've simply run out of space. Chris Mallula, president of the library’s board of trustees, explained, "Over the years, the library has been so heavily utilized that it can no longer accommodate the needs of the people in our community."

The library's collection of materials has grown even faster than it’s membership, to the point that some books have to be stored in the basement for lack of room.

When the expansion and renovation are complete, some of the new features to watch for will be a large new community room, an expanded computer section, a new area for teenage members, a coffee shop, and about 25 percent more shelf space overall. Parking will also be improved and a drive through book drop will be added.

Workers are currently preparing the ground to lay the foundation for the expansion phase of the project. Steve Keister is Vice-President of Keister Construction, Inc. He noted, "The walls will be brought up. The floor will be prepped to be poured, and they'll be opening up and tearing the whole south end of the building out."

Joe Wilk, of LeFevre Wilk Architects, added, "What we've developed is an addition towards that brown area where there's no more grass to simply continue the language of the building, continue the functions and characteristics of the building so that it looks as if it's supposed to have been here from the beginning."

"We are just thrilled. We've been working on this for years and finally today it's really happening," Mallula said.

Officials expect the project to be completed by Thanksgiving. The library should be able to remain open full-time as work goes on.

About half of the $2.5 million dollar price tag for the entire project has already been raised. Library officials will begin a public capital campaign in April to secure the rest of the needed funds.