Baldwin Borough Public Library and Baldwin Borough Awarded $500,000 Keystone Grant for Renovation of Leland Center as New Community Library

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 April 2017 02:12

Baldwin Borough Public Library and Baldwin Borough have been awarded a $500,000 Keystone grant to renovate Baldwin's Leland Center building into a new community library.

Baldwin Borough and Baldwin Library will collaborate to renovate Leland Center to create a comfortable, welcoming space with updated technology and digital lending materials that respond to the different ways patrons use the library. The focus will be on renovating the interior space of the first floor and improving handicapped accessibility. A project budget and timetable still need to be finalized, although officials are eyeing a project start date of late this year. Planning is underway to identify additional sources of funding needed to support the project.

Library officials stated that the renovation will allow the library to increase programming, and facilitate more educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for residents. The design incorporates separate areas for adults and children, and ensures that staff can continue providing high quality service to library patrons.

"We are delighted that the Department of Education approved our grant request," commented library director Jennifer Worley, "and grateful for our partnership with Baldwin Borough Council. We are also thankful to the elected officials and community partners who endorsed our application."

The Baldwin Library is one of 27 libraries across the state awarded money from the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund to rehabilitate or update library facilities.

"Pennsylvania's public libraries are an incredibly valuable resource to communities, a safe haven that provides access to knowledge, information, and even unimagined new worlds, all for nothing more than the swipe of a card," said PA Governor Tom Wolf in a press release announcing the grant. "As we make investments in teachers and students, we must also continue to invest in our libraries, as they serve as both a resource and an escape to all patrons, no matter their age, background, or which city or town they call home."
stablished in 1964, the Baldwin Library's mission is to be the community's destination for discovery, enrichment and life-long learning. The library currently serves 19,767 residents with a 25,000-item collection. Annual circulation is 52,000.