A community structure: State officials presented $1 million to Siobhan Reardon, Free Library president and director, last Friday. Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., closed on March 31 for massive renovations. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of May 2017.
State officials last Friday took a hard hat tour of Tacony Library, which is undergoing construction and transformation as part of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Building Inspiration initiative.
The officials also presented $1 million to Siobhan Reardon, Free Library president and director.
Among those on hand were state Sen. John Sabatina Jr., state Rep. Mike Driscoll and City Councilman Bobby Henon.
“Even in the internet age, the Tacony Library is a vital community learning resource and a source of local pride. This project will help keep it that way for years to come,” Sabatina said. “Public education is a critical component of our economic future, and libraries are a critical component of public education. This grant is an investment in our community that will pay dividends for generations.”
The 110-year-old library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., closed on March 31. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of May 2017. The library will reopen in late summer.
The transformed library will include a living room, a teen space and a pre-K zone. Additionally, there will be a small business resource center. And there will be updated program, meeting and study rooms and a computer bar; and it will be ADA compliant.
The William Penn Foundation has donated $25 million for overall library improvements.
James Keller is the architect on the Tacony job. The construction firm is InTech. While the renovations continue, people can visit the Tacony Library and Arts Building at 6918 Torresdale Ave. ••
