Expansion

The Focus

In a changing information landscape, the library plays a vital role for residents and workers, underscoring the need to expand its current location. Usage has increased, with people seeking meeting and collaborative spaces as much as materials. This project aims to redefine expectations for public libraries. It renovates spaces and adapts areas with better seating, new carpeting and paint, and improved tech access.

The expansion project had five key elements. 

1. The first changed the space’s layout to better serve the library’s collections. 
2. It expanded and improved the program space, creating separate areas for children, teens, and adults. 
3. The project redesigned the layout to establish the Barclay Family Children’s Wing and enlarged the Karen Tamerler Children’s Meeting Room.
4. The redesign featured additional parking and a welcoming exterior.
5. Lastly, the library introduced Lehigh Valley’s first public self-checkout systems.

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11/12/2020 Since closing in February 2020, the library has been renovated throughout the summer and fall. The exterior walls have been put up, and new windows have been installed. The new front porch has been poured with concrete. 

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On December 18, 2019, South Whitehall Township commissioners approved the expansion and renovation of Parkland Community Library. The library’s footprint, which was 5,400 square feet, expanded to 10,200 square feet. This expansion included a new extension towards Walbert Avenue with a first and second floor. This latest meeting room addition can be divided into two rooms. As our patrons asked, we plan to add additional restrooms. Parkland Community Library staff will be relocated to the second floor.

The renovation features a new children’s wing! Former staff offices were moved and opened up for the Children’s collection, a program space, window seating, and a play area.

Lastly, the library will also receive additional parking. This expansion will allow us to continue serving the Parkland community at our current location while providing much-needed parking and space.

2020 Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, Parkland Community Library held a groundbreaking ceremony on the grounds of 4422 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, PA. The Library’s director, Debbie Jack, and Barry G. Cohen, PCL Board President, gave speeches and announced officially that the long-awaited library expansion is well underway. 

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PCL Partners with South Whitehall Township to Explore Library Expansion

The Parkland School District population grew to 55,000. However, as of 2019, the Parkland Community Library’s building capacity remained at 5,400 square feet since it opened in 1981. 

Wednesday, February 1, 2019

PCL’s Board of Directors appeared before the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, which ruled in favor of the expansion. PCL’s current location plans added 5,000 square feet to the existing floor plan. 

Key features included additional event space to serve families during storytime while also providing adult workshops and groups. Potential expansion costs will be offset by $3M in savings from a new, larger building. Jack said, “Our Board of Directors is excited to partner with South Whitehall Township to make this project successful.”

Interior construction began in June 2020, with the clearing and leveling of the library grounds to lay the foundation for the new extension.