New Baldwin Library Should Open In 2019

BALDWIN, PA - Borough officials are targeting early 2019 for the opening of a new community library. First opened in 1964, the library has been been in the old Wallace School building since the 1980s.

The new library will be housed in the Leland Center, a borough owned building that’s been vacant for two years because of roof damage. About $1.1 million of the $2.8 million cost of renovating the center has been raised or earmarked for the project; earlier this month, the library was awarded a $100,000 Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund grant from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.

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.