On September 18th, community members and leaders gathered at the Paschalville Free Library in Southwest Philadelphia to celebrate and discuss the renovations being planned for the library through the Rebuild Process. The City of Philadelphia is funding the renovations for 72 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries. 400 sites are eligible for Rebuild investment. These facilities will be physically improved, promote diversity and economic inclusion, and increase engagement with community members. Libraries are community anchors that address economic, education, and health disparities in the community.
The Paschalville Library Project team is made up of BFW Group- construction project managers, Diversified Community Services- South Philly Based Community Group, DIGroup Architecture, the Free Library of Philadelphia, Southwest CDC, Salt Design Studio, and Paradigm Architecture. On the 18th, these groups hosted a community meeting in regards to the new renovations. The team has put an emphasis on the importance of community engagement. Neighbors were encouraged to speak up about what they want to see with the renovation project. Residents were able to connect directly with the architecture and design team and share their thoughts. Suggestions ranged from the physical appearance, to the safety, to the types of classes residents wanted to see at the library.
Here are some of the suggestions:
- Make the whole building more accessible in regards to those with disabilities
- Have security and cameras around the premise
- Flexible Outdoor space for movie nights, lectures, performances, etc.
- More greenery- connection to Bartram’s Garden possibly
- More lighting and color/vibrance
- Concerns of cleanliness of certain furniture materials
- Additional Programs for Seniors
- Additional Programs for creative classes
- Addition of a Media Hub
The Library team is still looking for input from neighbors in Southwest about the Paschalville Library Renovations. If you have a suggestion, feel free to visit https://yourpaschal.org/about-this-project and share your thoughts.
Paschalville Library new hours as of October 4th, 2021 are as follows:
Monday 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday 2:00-5:00 p.m.
