Representatives from the Free Library of Philadelphia came to last week’s Northwood Civic Association meeting to speak to residents about plans to renovate Frankford Library.
State funds and a grant from the William Penn Foundation will be used to give the library, 4634 Frankford Ave. (near Overington Street), a significant facelift.
Recently, an issue came up with the library’s roof, and it had to be replaced, Free Library administrator Andrea Zimmerman said. The work caused intermittent closures due to construction fumes, she said. Zimmerman apologized to residents for the disruption.
“We do expect more renovations to come,” she said. “This was an additional investment from those renovation funds that were given to us from the William Penn Foundation.”
Closures related to the larger renovation won’t happen until at least the spring of 2021, Zimmerman said.
During the meeting, Free Library employees passed out questionnaires asking residents how they use the library and what services can be improved.
“We’re going to be starting in the next several months to talk to community members about what you’d like to see in your library,” Zimmerman said.
The renovation project will likely include making the library more accessible to people with disabilities and improving the building’s facade to make it more inviting, Zimmerman said.
Other components of the plan are yet to be determined. Zimmerman said the Free Library’s development office is working on securing more funding for the work.
A renovated library can spur economic activity, she said. Zimmerman said the Tacony Library, which underwent a similar renovation in 2017, is a big driver of business to Torresdale Avenue.
Saturday services resumed this past week at the Frankford Library. The branch will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, branch representatives said the location recently added a children’s librarian, the first time that position has been filled in three years.
In other news from the Sept. 17 Northwood Civic meeting:
- After the success of the first Northwood Food Truck Festival in August, neighbors are planning to hold a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Northwood Park. Residents are encouraged to bring candy and decorate their cars for a “trunk and treat.” The event will also feature vendors and food trucks.
- Simpson Recreation Center, 1010 Arrott St., offers Zumba classes on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per class.
- The next Northwood Civic Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. at Simpson Recreation Center. Residents will have the opportunity to nominate candidates for all board positions. A civic election will be held in November. ••
Jack Tomczuk can be reached at jtomczuk@newspapermediagroup.com.
