Baldwin's Top Stories 2017: New Library In The Works

BALDWIN, PA - Significant strides were made in 2017 toward the anticipated opening of the new borough library in early 2019. About $1.1 million of the $2.8 million costs has been raised, with the library embarking on a fundraising campaign targeting private foundations and local businesses, corporations and organization to raise the remainder.

The new library will be housed in Leland Center, a borough-owned building vacant for more than two years because of water damage.

Library officials say a new facility is needed because the current one is running out of space. Annual visits have increased by 56 percent since 2010, while program attendance has risen by more than 72 percent. Every year more than 54,000 books and other materials are checked out by visitors and the library's collection now has more than 25,000 items.
According to borough and library officials, the new library will be in an easily accessible location conveniently located near public transportation. It will feature:

• About 2,100 square feet of more space than the Wallace 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.

Rendering via Baldwin Borough.