York County Libraries officials have announced renovation and expansion plans for three library locations. According to York County Libraries president Robert F. Lambert, the project will transform Martin Library, Kreutz Creek Library, and Kaltreider-Benfer Library into state-of-the-art library facilities. The endeavor marks the first simultaneous, multi-location expansion project in the organization's 45-year history.
Martin Library, located on the corner of Queen and Market streets in York city, will renovate and repurpose 18,000 square feet of its 68,000-square-foot building. Key changes will include improved community space and customer services areas, expanded teen space with digital media labs, and areas for STEM and robotics exploration for children. Energy efficiencies and historic preservation of the building will also be part of the project.
This year, Kreutz Creek Library in Hellam is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established in 1979 in a 1,200-square-foot FEMA trailer, the library will grow more than seven times in size when it moves to the adjacent 8,800-square-foot Hellam Township building. Township supervisors voted in March to construct a new facility on their Walnut Street campus and to allow the library to use their current municipal building. The future site for Kreutz Creek Library will feature dedicated children and teen program spaces, an open service area, additional computers, seating, and meeting spaces.
Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion will expand on the Charles Street side of its building and to the rear. Glass and windows will line the two new sides of the building, resulting in more natural lighting and improved lighting efficiencies. The 19-year-old structure will expand to 14,000 square feet and will be renovated and repurposed during the construction phase. It will feature dedicated children and teen program spaces and an expanded open service area.
Lambert's listening tour during his first year as president in 2016 is what spurred the growth of these three libraries. During the tour, he met with library staff and community members at libraries throughout the county.
A team of community volunteers is rallying support for the project, which includes matching dollars from state grants. To learn more about the "Imagine. Discover. Connect." campaign, readers may visit https://campaign.yorklibraries.org.
Leave a Review