“Room to Grow” Campaign for the new Adamstown Area Library
We are pleased to share an update regarding activities relating to the future library to be located at 110 W. Main Street, Adamstown. As the Library works toward its goal of moving to the new location, we would like to keep you informed on the latest plans and on the “Room to Grow” capital campaign. The Library’s new home will be at 110 West Main Street in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. We will combine the warm and friendly atmosphere that has become the hallmark of this unique community library with many 21st century updates.
Recent Changes
The board of trustees has been working with Heck Construction and Olsen Design to plan and evaluate the best renovations and designs to make the building function within a reasonable budget. Through a building code assessment, we have learned that the upper 3 floors of the building can not be used without a costly stairwell and fire prevention installation. Substantial structural steel would need to be installed to support the oldest part of the building so we have determined that it will need to be removed. The footprint of the original structure will be used.
Without question, the new structure will enable a larger and fully functional library that meets the needs of the five municipalities we serve – Adamstown and Denver Boroughs, and Brecknock, East and West Cocalico Townships.
Fundraising
The Room To Grow Campaign has successfully raised $950,000. We are in the process of looking into obtaining financing, as our goal is still $1,500,000. We hope you will continue to support the plans and vision for the new AAL. We are grateful to the many businesses, civic organizations, municipalities, and individuals who have helped us achieve this milestone. Several fund raisers have been held and we continue to seek assistance from the community and via grant applications. Thermometers have been placed throughout the area indicating our progress toward the goal.
The Friends of the Adamstown Area Library have been an incredible support and an asset to the Adamstown Area Library. They continue to help with both financial support and support through the many events they promote and oversee.
The New Library
The new library will offer triple the interior and parking space we have now. Our new facility will provide:
A gathering place for the community for life-long learning; more children’s programs and story times; more computers, technical assistance and training; in-house space for programs; and a separately accessible Community Room for library programs, business training use, community meetings, and rental for family events.
Amenities
• State-of-the-art technology
• Expanded children’s learning center
• Tranquility Garden for outdoor enjoyment
• Multi-use space for educational, & social events
• Coffee service with a place to meet and visit
• Comfortable reading areas
• Plenty of off-street parking
• Handicap accessibility
Collection Expansion
• Size: 32,000 items to increase to 50,000
• DVD’s: 5,000 to increase to 10,000
• Audios: 1,500 to increase to 3,000
• Computers: 13 to 16
It is our hope to have raised adequate funds by the end of the year to authorize construction to begin. We look forward to your support and continuing the excellent customer service provided to the community by our staff and volunteers.
We welcome those eager to donate to do so now. Every dollar counts! Please direct questions and requests for more information to adamstown356@gmail.com. Naming opportunities are also available.
For more information, please see the:
- NEW! 10/4/2018 Case Assessment
- 2016 Annual Report to the Community
- Donation Card
- Naming Opportunities Update 01/19/2018
- adamstown356@gmail.com
Here is a preliminary view of the new library, which will give you an idea of what the future building will look like.
Thank you to Scott Grote of Grote Construction, AAL Board Member for putting together this preliminary rendering.
