MC Library prepares for renovation
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LEWISTOWN -- In need of updates and modernization, the Mifflin County Library will undergo a renovation project that will make it a more valuable resource for the community.
"A good portion of the library will be renovated," said Susan Miriello, executive director of the Mifflin County Library, which is located at 123 N. Wayne St., Lewistown.
"This main library building on Wayne Street was built in 1974-75," she added. "So, the building is 50 years old. The end result is that we will continue to have exemplary library service in the county for the next 50 years."
Phase one of the renovation project, which carries a price tag of $1.5 million, is scheduled to start on Feb. 25, 2024. Miriello explained a new entrance will be constructed for the children's library on the lower level, directly by the elevator, as well as a new office for the children's librarian.
"Our children's department is very important to us, but it's downstairs and down the hall and around the corner," Miriello added. "It's at the end of the world! We're very excited to have the new entrance."
When the library opened at its current location in 1975, the children's books were housed upstairs. Miriello said they were moved to the lower level as an afterthought.
"This upgrade will show the community how much we value reading to children and children's books," she said.
Additionally, there will be improvements to the HVAC system to better regulate room temperatures at the facility and a new public restroom built
for families.
"On the very cold days - below 30 degrees - the library is so cold and an upgrade to the HVAC system is needed," Miriello said. "The building as a whole is cement block walls, the cold just seeps through."
On the upper level, work is expected to include upgrades to the restroom, elevator and automatic entry doors. "This is very much needed," Miriello said. "I can't stress enough the importance of renovating the restrooms and adding additional restrooms."
She added that there will be work on the electrical system and upgrades to the office.
Electric upgrades will provide basic services that patrons would come to expect at the library, which they have not been able to at the current facility.
"In 1975, when the library first opened, no one plugged in a laptop or needed to charge a cellphone so having electrical work done to the building will help our patrons," Miriello added. "All of our renovations and upgrades are to provide the community with a modern library that can be valued by everyone. The new and improved automatic doors will help with accessibility into the building."
The renovations for the first phase must be completed by September, stipulated by grants secured by the county for the project. In the meantime, Miriello and the library staff are asking patrons to be patient while renovations are ongoing.
"I know the children's room is already upstairs," she explained. "The schedule is in thirds so two-thirds of the time will be spent on the lower level. We are hoping to stay open for as long as possible, but we may be closed, especially when work begins on the upper level."
Miriello is working on contingency plans to help patrons continue to have access to books.
Additionally, children's librarian Kelly Rodenbaugh will offer programs at the Kish Branch Library in Belleville and is exploring partnership opportunities for other events.
"The driving distance from Reedsville to Lewistown is similar to the driving distance from Reedsville to Belleville - so Kish Library isn't that far away," Miriello said. "The digital library - Libby - is always an option too."
The children's summer reading program - including its planned activities will also be held at the Kish Library.
Due to the renovations, the used book sale has been canceled for 2024. "I know a lot of people are disappointed by this," Miriello said. "Other impacts to visitors - I imagine it will be noisy inside the library on the upper level, while the lower level is worked on."
The project will be funded in part by a Keystone Grant. Established in 1993, the Keystone Grant helps rehabilitate public libraries with more energy efficient HVAC systems, upgrades for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as other improvements.
To be eligible for funding, libraries must work with local government agencies. "We have a strong partnership with our county commissioners as well as the county maintenance department," Miriello added.
Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, who also serves as the liaison to the Library Board, said the time is right for the new improvements. The commissioners have worked with the architect and Miriello to arrive at a multi-phase approach to this project.
"By investing in library renovations, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a literate, informed and engaged community," Kodish said. "These improvements not only enhance the physical spaces but also signify our dedication to lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge for generations to come."
Kodish said the economic impact of the library renovations extend far beyond the walls of the institution. The entire Juniata Valley could reap the rewards.
"Upgraded libraries attract more visitors and host community events, workshops and cultural activities," Kodish explained. "This increased foot traffic can stimulate local businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the area.
"A revitalized library becomes a welcoming space for all, fostering a sense of community pride," he added. "As commissioners, we want to ensure that everyone, from children to seniors, can find a space tailored to their needs."
When the dust clears from the completion of the first phase, the end result will be an improved facility that is long overdue.
"The Mifflin County Library was established in 1842 as the Apprentice Literary Society and then morphed into the Lewistown Library Association before becoming incorporated in 1942 as the Mifflin County Library," Miriello said. "So, the end result is a continuation of library service to the county."
The renovation project will also create some new amenities, such as a space to house special collections. Miriello hasn't figured out what the Mifflin County Library will put in that space. "Some libraries loan ukuleles, some have special cake pans, non-book items to check out," she added. "I don't know what we want to have in our special collection yet."
She does know that the end will be well worth any temporary inconveniences.
"The board, the staff and I are so excited and appreciative of this opportunity for change and improvements," Miriello said. "We are thrilled to partner with the county on this and so happy that they value library service as much as we do."