Plans to revamp the Sewickley Public Library’s first floor and make it more expansive, accessible and modernized are moving forward with the help of state funds.
Library officials recently partnered with Pittsburgh-based consulting firm Bridging Generosity to do a feasibility study.
That study is expected to analyze fundraising data and related information about additional community- sourced funding, according to Richelle Klug, library head of communications.
Officials hope to receive a report in the fall.
The next step would be seeking requests for proposals from architects and select one in September for the proposed $2.5 million project.
Proposed upgrades include a rework of the main lobby, relocation and expanding the teen and tween sections, replacing flooring and repairing tile, constructing new small meeting rooms, replacing furniture and possibly rebuilding the restrooms.
“The current first-floor layout no longer reflects how the community uses the library or who it serves,” Klug said. “The redesign addresses long-standing ADA barriers, circulation bottlenecks and other outdated service points that limit access for older adults, patrons with disabilities and caregivers with strollers. The project also supports the library’s strategic plan by creating flexible, welcoming spaces for all ages, especially teens and tweens.”
Some of the activities that take place on the first floor include mini-golf, group programs, improv and therapy dog events and most of the annual food-themed fundraiser Savoring Sewickley.
Officials said they would not be able to move forward with the project without a $750,000 Keystone grant from the state.
“This grant is a major investment in our region’s future,” said Ruth M. Neely, library executive director. “We aim to move forward in our service while preserving and honoring the historic building we all care so deeply about.”
The grant was part of a much larger fund distribution this month through the state Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
More than $11 million was being sent to 27 libraries in 15 counties to improve public facilities.
Other Allegheny County libraries benefiting from the latest funding release include Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill branch, CC Mellor Memorial Library, Mt. Lebanon Public Library and Penn Hills Library.
The Keystone grant comes with a 100% match required from the library.
Sewickley library officials have been saving for years in anticipation of major overhaul and have secured the matching $750,000 through fundraising and other donations.
Klug stressed that while planning and design work is underway, the project’s scope is not finalized and what gets done will largely be determined by funding.
“We want to be good stewards of the money that we’ve received, and to our communities,” Klug said. “We’re not going to go majorly over budget and take on a project that we can’t afford. We’re doing the pre-work to make sure that we can do what we’re promising we’re going to do. … We’re really excited about the possibilities.”
More information about Sewickley Public Library and its programs is available at sewickleylibrary.org.