The state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program awarded $1 million to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
The state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program awarded $1 million to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
The foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises outside funds for the city-supported Free Library system, which will invest the RACP grant at the Frankford and West Oak Lane branches as well as the Parkway Central Library, as part of its 21st Century Libraries Initiative.
“I am gratified to deliver this state funding to Philadelphia because of the direct, positive impact it will have in each of these neighborhoods and for the city as a whole,” said state Sen. Tina Tartaglione. “The Frankford Branch is in my Senate district and offers critical educational resources for thousands of families faced with unemployment, poverty and other socioeconomic challenges.”
The facility is in dire need of repairs and upgrades, including new windows, a new roof, exterior façade repairs for water intrusion, a new entry door and a range of interior renovations.
“The good news is, neighborhood utilization of the Frankford Branch is at an all-time high,” Tartaglione said.
“Libraries are critical information hubs as well as commonplaces for members of the community to interact. These upgrades will create new opportunities, which will help attract more people to the neighborhood and ultimately play a role in growing our local economy,” said state Rep. Jason Dawkins. ••
