Millvale Community Library asking patrons to participate in expansion plans

Brian C. Rittmeyer TribLive Mon, Apr 21, 2025 • 05:25 PM

The Millvale Community Library announced it will seek public input on plans to expand into an adjacent building on Grant Avenue, which currently is occupied by Abeille Voyante Tea Co.

The Millvale Community Library is preparing to expand.

The library, located at 213 Grant Ave., will extend into a connected building at 211 Grant Ave., which is owned by the library and currently home to Abeille Voyante Tea Co.

The library is using funding from a 2024 Allegheny Regional Asset District grant for the expansion.

The tea shop, in turn, is moving into 207 Grant Ave., which Abeille Voyante owner Danielle Spinola bought in 2019 but paused moving into because of the pandemic.

“The library and the tea shop have such a strong partnership that already exists, and that will grow with this expansion,” Spinola said. “If we could knock out a wall between the two buildings and build a bridge, we would.”

The main library is a large open space that is just over 2,600 square feet, including two public bathrooms and a small office.

Expanding the library will allow for better separation of the adult and youth spaces and provide areas for quiet reading, learning and meetings, according to the library.

The library is asking for community input on all facets of the conceptual design process. It will be creating a library expansion working group led by Neighborhood Allies.

Those interested in participating in the working group can fill out a questionnaire online to apply.

“This project is about honoring what already makes Millvale special while planning for what’s next,” said Tamara Emswiler, senior program manager of Neighborhood Allies’ Social Impact Design program. “We’re proud to support a co-design process that preserves the library’s role as a vital community hub and supports the thoughtful growth of Abeille Voyante Tea Co. This kind of work is strongest when it reflects the values of a place — and Millvale continues to lead with inclusivity, connection and a deep commitment to community-driven development.”

This year, Neighborhood Allies will work with library patrons to create a final design plan, the library said. With a plan expected to be complete by the end of the year, fundraising will start in 2026 and renovations will begin in 2026-27.