Sewickley Public Library project to move into next phase

A major renovation project at Sewickley Public Library is nearing its next phase.

The final Spanish tiles on the new roof of the reference department, also known as the original entrance of the historic landmark at 500 Thorn St., were expected to be laid by the beginning of August.

The estimated $1.3 million improvements by Allison Park-based Landau Building Co. began in early May. Officials hope it is all completed by early October.

Library officials gave an update on its progress July 25.

“We’re super grateful to be this far into the process,” Michelle Cleary, the library’s head of development. “It’s not easy to work around this level of construction.

“I think it’s incredible to see the whole old roof come off, the new one come on. We’ve had leakage issues in this room. The interior of this (department) will be addressed, so it will all be repaired and look brand new.”

The main parking lot was recently reopened for patrons. There are limited spaces due to construction.

Hours of operation for the second-floor children’s department have been reduced due to heat concerns. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A pop-up children’s section is open on the main floor starting at 1 p.m.

Other portions of the library may close as needed.

The next phase of the project is HVAC work, which will begin as soon as equipment becomes available.

“We are waiting for those units to be delivered,” Cleary said. “That’s the last part of the project that will be completed. We’re in a little bit of limbo with our supplier. … We’re hoping we’ll be looking at more normal, predictable operations by the end of the year.”

The library is in its 150th year. Ten of the library’s historic windows are also being replaced as part of the project.

Some programs have been moved to other venues, including the Ohio Township Community Park, Fern Hollow Nature Center and Quaker Valley Middle School due to heat and lack of fully functioning air conditioning.

Library spokeswoman Richelle Klug said they are very grateful for those partnerships to help minimize construction’s impact on programming.

Klug also commended library staff for their adaptability.

“The staff has been amazing at planning ahead and thinking of ways to still serve our patrons even if it’s not the regular day-to-day things,” she said.

The construction has not stopped many patrons from visiting the library, including Julie Litzinger of Coraopolis. She and her children Kameron, 6, and Aubree, 9, participate in a lot of library activities.

“We like it,” Litzinger said. “The kids like coming over here using the computers, using the iPads, getting books out and coloring. I’ve been coming here for a long time.

“(Construction) doesn’t bother me at all. I think it’s necessary to keep it nice and keep it decent for everybody to come to and for everybody to enjoy it.”

Aubree said she loves to color while Kameron enjoys reading books.

The project is largely funded through a $750,000 Keystone grant awarded by the state Department of Education in March 2022.

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries Bureau of Library Development administers the public library portion of this program, which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax.

Matching funds for the grant were largely provided by The Raymond C. and Martha S. Suckling Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, as well as other individual major gifts.

The library’s annual report showed nearly 145,000 people visited the last year. More than 351,000 items were checked out, 1,190 programs were offered and 845 new patrons got library cards.

More information about the project and library programs is available at sewickleylibrary.org or call 412-741-6920.