Just in time for the new year, the much-anticipated “New Northland” has opened its updated and expanded space, according to an announcement from the library Dec. 19.
Northland Public Library’s two-story building extension, new accessible lower-level entrance, expanded and dedicated teen space, coffee shop and more were set to open in the fall, according to early estimates at the start of the project.
Construction on the renovation began in September 2024.
“We are ecstatic to start writing the next chapter in Northland’s story. The New Northland continues to serve our mission and to position the library as a third space for the communities we serve,” said Amy Steele, executive director of Northland.
Guests entering the library via its new main lower-level entrance will first see its centralized service desk, where checkouts, customer service and material pickups will occur, according to the news release.
The Book Nook, Northland’s used bookstore, will be in a more visible space on the lower level. On the upper level, a new conference room is available for library-sponsored programs and public rentals. Collaborative seating in the expanded floorspace also is featured in the area.
In a new venture for the library, patrons now can order coffee, drinks and “scratch-made baked goods” at Commonplace Coffee Northland.
Commonplace Coffee, which also has two locations in Indiana, Pa., and five in Pittsburgh, is prominently featured on the lower level with “towering glass windows, long banquette seating, collaborating tables and a special nook under the stairs,” according to the library announcement.
“Commonplace’s focus on the entire coffee experience from sourcing and roasting their beans to their cafe experience and connection with the community to the alignment of our missions and ethos, we’re truly looking forward to our partnership,” Steele said.
The New Northland project is the first major reimaging and construction project to take place at the building since 2004.
As one of the busiest libraries in Allegheny County, Northland’s need for expansion was necessary to continue serving its mission and impacting local communities, according to the Dec. 19 announcement.
The $4.1 million renovation was supported by $2.8 million in external grant funding and a $368,000 contribution from the nonprofit Northland Public Library Foundation. The remaining projected $1.2 million will be funded by the library’s capital savings, according to Steele in an Oct. 13 library budget review to McCandless Council.
The library receives funding from the five municipalities it serves: Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, McCandless, Marshall and Ross.
Creating a welcoming, safe and accessible space is an ongoing mission of Northland Public Lbrary, said Dana Getz, president of the library’s Authority Board.
“Now, our ever-growing population of after-school teens have the perfect environment to build community. Our new meeting room’s glass wall invites everyone to peek in on even more expanded programming. Our patrons can grab a latte and muffin in our cafe and then find a peaceful nook to enjoy the free Wi-Fi or maybe connect with new friends,” Getz said.
A new, nonspiral staircase leads to the mezzanine reading level and to the upper level of the library. The former spiral staircase located in the main entrance was found to be unfavorable to patrons and staff.
“And we have stairs that are safer and more accessible for all of our patrons,” she said.
Northland Public Library is the second-largest library in Allegheny County, with a population base and collection second only to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, according to northlandlibrary.org.
A public open house will be held on a Saturday in January, a date to be determined, according to Nicholas Yon, communications director for the library. Patrons are encouraged to keep an eye on the library’s social media for an announcement regarding the date.
The library worked with local architects R3A, FMS Construction, Sargent Electric, Vrabel Plumbing, Combustion Services & Equipment Co. and numerous local companies.
Northland Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Memorial Day weekend, when the library is open on Sundays, before adopting a summer schedule.