|
9
West Slokom Avenue (click
here for map) Hours: Tu-Th 1-7pm Fri 1-6pm Sat 10am-4pm (NEW HOURS) We regret that due to state funding cuts we are CLOSED MONDAYS |
|
|
|
|
Expanding for the Future! The Moores Memorial Library in Christiana is preparing for a big move after 37 years! The Board of Trustees and the Capital Campaign committee are pleased to announce the kick-off of their capital campaign to renovate their new location, housed in the vacant Wachovia Bank Building located in the center of Christiana. To fund the purchase and renovation of the new facility, the library’s Board of Trustees approved a $1.9 million capital fund campaign: Expanding for the Future. As the library enters the public phase of its capital campaign, 43% of the goal required for renovation has been procured. They have secured over $800,000 in local and state funding and $22,500 in gifts and pledges. Renovation of the existing bank building has already begun, and upon completion, will provide two levels totaling 4,558 square feet. The new facility will be measurably larger than the existing 1,200 square foot library located on North Bridge Street. A handicap ramp was recently installed at the site of the library’s new home - a sign of the progress being made. The renovation is slated for completion in two phases. The first phase will be the main floor and the second phase will be expansion to the lower floor. The goal is to have the first phase completed by mid-2010. (More plans are here.) Members of the community eager to start the project have volunteered their time since January by gutting the vacant bank building - among them were Mark Myers, architect for the new design, library trustees and Friends of the library. Ever mindful of the value of recycling old materials, Walt Crellin, library board treasurer, and the volunteers were able to turn old scrap metal (including safe deposit boxes) into cash -- $1,100. The library’s facilities and resources are carefully planned to meet the growing needs of the area's families, businesses, and community groups. Notable features include: an inviting children’s area; wireless Internet access; a comfortable area to relax and browse; use of the bank’s original vault to house the library’s rare documents and photographs from the Christiana Resistance of 1851; handicapped access; and green building design. Phase two will include space for a café, a Friends bookstore and a community meeting room which will offer display space for the arts. The project’s green building design will use environmentally friendly building materials and energy efficient mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems – including a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system. Bud Rettew, president of the Library System of Lancaster County Board of Trustees, who has shepherded this expansion project for the past several years, is very optimistic that the Library will reach its goal of $1.9 million to complete the project. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a great historic building in the center of town and convert it into a library.” Area residents have reaped the benefits of having a library in continuous operation since 1880, in locations that range from a pharmacy, to a millinery store, to the home of William B. Moore, to the club room of the Christiana National Bank -- the same building that will house the new library. Christiana is no stranger to innovation -- they were the first in the county outside of the city of Lancaster to have residential electricity, steam heat, and telephone service. According to Claudia Roun, director of the library, “Our library usage has grown dramatically in recent years. We now have almost 2,700 registered cardholders. These patrons checked out 44,511 items last year -- they also logged onto our public computers over 12,000 times. We really need more space to meet the demands of our growing community.” Area residents will soon receive project information in the mail, along with a pledge form for tax deductible contributions. Individual donors have the option of contributing a one-time donation or committing to pledges spread over a period of 3-5 years. Selected gift opportunities remembering a loved one, a family name, or dedicated to a special purpose are also available. "Despite a terrible economy, I think the community will step forward as they have in the past to complete this very important project." stated Jack Assetto, Capital Campaign Chair. The library’s current location at 326 North Bridge Street in Christiana will continue to serve the community during construction. To learn more about how you can volunteer or support the project, please contact Jack Assetto, Library Capital Campaign Chairperson, at 610-857-1920 or jassetto@verizon.net Unique Aspects of the Moores Memorial Library Expansion Project
This $1.9 million project will require all of us working together to raise the funds. Through grants, businesses, and from individuals our Capital Campaign has raised well over $800,000 so far. To make this dream a reality, we need you to join us in this exciting project. Please consider a monetary gift or pledge. Pledges spread over a period of 3-5 years are welcome. Your contribution will help your children and grandchildren, and transform our community. Contributions may be made by mail directly to the library at: PO Box 23, Christiana, PA 17509 or to: Jack Assetto Laverne “Bud” Rettew Phase 1 Site plan Phase 2 |
|
Send mail to
chrlib@christianalibrary.org with questions or comments about this web site.
|
