IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Fall 2018 | Page 11

BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
GROUNDBREAKING
CELEBRATES COMING
TRANSFORMATION OF
LELAND CENTER
The Baldwin Borough Public Library groundbreaking in June
featured remarks from elected officials, civic and community
leaders that reiterated the importance of public libraries as a
community asset for everyone throughout their lifetimes.
Erin Molchany, Governor Wolf ’s Southwest Representative;
Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary/Commissioner for Libraries,
Department of Education; Pennsylvania State Senator Jim
Brewster; State Representatives William Kortz and Harry
Readshaw; and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald
offered comments and insights about the value of libraries
from their unique perspectives representing public policy, early
education, lifelong learning, and community and workforce
development. Baldwin Borough Public Library trustees and
campaign leadership also spoke about the role that the library
has played in the community for 44 years, and how the new
library, scheduled to open early in 2019, will also serve the role
of community center in Baldwin Borough.
The Leland Center’s front lawn, facing Wolfe Drive, was the
destination for the groundbreaking, as dignitaries and special
guests donned hardhats and wielded ceremonial spades and
sledgehammers, and attendees gathered to watch as clods of
grass and earth were tossed into the air. Several groups posed
for similar photos, including representatives of the library
board and members of Baldwin Borough Council, Baldwin
Library staff, campaign volunteers, and a small group of
youngsters attending with their parents.
The $2.2 million project will take approximately nine months
to complete. The library, which has experienced a 39% increase
in annual visits since 2010 and has a total collection of print
and digital material that exceeds 25,000, will gain 25% more
space than it has in its current location. It hopes to raise an
additional $1.2 million to support other renovations and non-
construction items, including a small endowment, expanded
programming, and operating expenses.
Plans call for bright, open space with natural light, expanded
mobile computer stations and new digital lending materials,
and separate areas for adults, teens and children. Comfortable,
plush seating and furnishings will allow for browsing, quiet
study and relaxed reading and a large, flexible meeting space
will accommodate both library and community programs.
Special handicapped parking will be available in the front of
the building, and ample free parking will be available at the
rear of the building.
More information about the library and project can be
found at baldwinborolibrary.org. n
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
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FALL 2018
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