Originally built in 1916, the library has completed an extensive renovation scheme, which has brought the old library in line with the facilities and requirements of modern libraries. Scope of work involves expansion in the area of children’s department by almost 50% and addition of two new meeting rooms for local groups.
The project has redeveloped a small meeting room that can now accommodate up to 12 patrons and houses local history collection. The library also has a larger meeting room, which was originally built in 1926 as an extension. The larger meeting room has a seating capacity of 120.
The renovated library has several sections, which consist of cooking, entertainment, travel, gardening and landscaping, home improvement and crafts section. The project has expanded the original business section of the library. The basement of the library has a sales room. The library has also been upgraded to a fully handicap-accessible facility.
The library features a green roof which includes drought-tolerant and resilient plants. The green roof, in addition to adding beauty to the facility, also assists in keeping the building cool, thereby reducing energy usage. The building’s heating and cooling is provided by means of energy-efficient HVAC system. Energy-efficient lighting has also been used. The stonework used on the outside is Wissahickon schist stone, which has been sourced from a local quarry.
The library has been adorned with restored and reinstalled bronze bust of Christopher Columbus, which has been placed over a seven-ton marble plinth. The library also features Beangold’s Phoenix, a steel sculpture designed by Peter Seidel. The other artwork at the library consists of several portraits of the Ludington family.
