On April 26th, Mayor Jim Kenney joined other elected officials, library staff, and community members for the groundbreaking ceremony of Paschalville Library. The Paschalville Library in Southwest Philly- on the corner of 70th Street and Woodland Ave- will undergo major renovations for the first time in over 25 years.. These improvements include building interior renovations, site improvements and tech-enabled Library improvements funded through the Knight Foundation.
“Paschalville Library has been a cornerstone of the community for more than 120 years,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The much needed renovations funded by Rebuild and the Beverage Tax will provide the community with a more accessible and modernized space that will help the Library provide high quality resources for their patrons.”
Community members expressed their excitement to see the library renovated. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the community engagement partners from Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance and Southwest CDC, along with DIG Architecture and BFW Group.
“It was extremely encouraging to see the community embrace the Paschalville Library renovation.” said James Davis, Multimedia Director at GPCA. “To see so many attend the Groundbreaking was truly heartwarming. While engaging with community members of the Paschall neighborhood about the project, so many spoke highly about their memories of the Library and excitedly look forward to creating new ones upon its reopening.”
Southwest residents have been able to express their opinions and provide feedback on the renovations through community engagement efforts. Some of the renovations and improvements include:
Building interior renovations:
- New elevator and staircase between floors
- New ADA bathrooms
- All new flooring, paint, and furnishings
- Refurbishment of original stained-glass skylights
- New electric and plumbing, including lighting and fixtures
- New HVAC system
- New security system
- New floor plan on both levels
- New “Media Hub” classroom on the upper level and “Flex Space” on the Lower Level
Site improvements:
- New ADA ramp to the front entry
- Masonry restoration
- New windows
- New roof
- New lighting and security
- All new site layout including patios, seating, plantings, fencing, lighting, and security
- New story circle
Tech-Enabled Library improvements funded through the Knight Foundation:
- Media Hub and Flex Space
- RFID
- Building Automation System (for HVAC system)
