Baldwin Library Gets Another $500,000 For New Facility

BALDWIN, PA - The Baldwin Public Library has received another $500,000 state grant to help convert the former Leland Center into the library’s new home. It’s the second half-million dollar award for the renovation in the past 18 months.

State Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, working with library and borough officials, helped to secure the grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“Libraries are an integral part of any community – and the Baldwin Borough Public Library is no exception,” Brewster said in a statement.. “The library has been incredibly forward thinking in in its 21st century strategic plan, and this funding will enable them to bring that plan to life.”

The plans includes:

• About 2,100 square feet of more space than the library’s current home in the old Wallace School Building.

• On- and off-street parking with designated handicapped spaces.

• A large meeting space for community activities.

• Separate areas for adults, teens and children.

• Expanded mobile computer stations and new digital lending material.

The Leland Center renovation will cost $2.6 million, of which $1.8 million has been raised. The library is considering raising an additional $500,000 beyond that to build a 1,000 square-foot addition to enlarge the children’s space.

“Our ‘stretch’ goal of $3.1 million includes the cost of the basic renovations, expanded programming, endowment, and reserves, plus the $500,000 for the expanded children’s area,” library board president Kelly Mossbauer said. “Our decision to proceed with the addition will be made in the next several weeks, and will be determined by how fundraising is going."

Image via Google Maps.

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