Library Planning UDPL-ReNEWed!

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Later this year, the UDPL will be undergoing renovations to its 20-year old facility. Since the reason for the renovations is to modernize the Library by creating new community spaces for you, our patrons, dedicated to specific activities and audiences, we've named this project UDPL-ReNEWed!. Over the next few months, you'll be hearing much more about it, but I'd like to share a little about it with you right now.

I'm excited to tell you about the improvements we have envisioned. Last year, what began as an idea for carving out a larger teen area became a full-blown redesign proposal that, I believe, has something for everyone. Among the changes you can expect to see: (1) a larger teen room to accommodate the high volume of high school students who visit us on weekday afternoons; (2) a preschool play area to help build and strengthen reading skills so Upper Dublin children can be ready to read before kindergarten; (3) a quiet reading lounge dedicated to silent reading or study; (4) and a mini daytime computer lab for use by individuals or classes in the teen room during the school day. The renovations will also include a reconfigured "browsing" area for our new books and audio-visual collections, a conference room and a new single point-of-service desk so you always know where to go for assistance with any matter.  

Like all public libraries, the UDPL was once primarily a resource for books and research. Over the years, the UDPL has made many changes to remain relevant in a constantly changing information age. Today's public libraries have evolved into booming centers for reading, continuing education, and community togetherness, providing not only reading and research collections, but also serving as gathering places for our  adult community, playrooms for toddlers and their caregivers, and safe after school places for teens. The continued growth in usage (number of visits, borrowed items, program attendance, reference and informational questions answered) is a testament to the factthat we are continuing to serve the Upper Dublin community well, even in these days where some believe still that everything can be found on the Internet.

Thanks to the support of the Upper Dublin Commissioners and taxpayers like you, the UDPL has the funds to go forward with the construction for this project. We will need your support to truly make the spaces above a reality. Look for more to come later this year.

Upper Dublin Township is currently soliciting sealed bids for the renovations, which will be received until 2 pm on August 29, 2012. For more information, view the bid notice here.