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Health & Fitness

A Community Treasure Reopens. Come See the Remarkable Transformation!

The South Side Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library is reopened and beautifully transformed to provide programs and services for another 100 years to families and children.

It took nearly three months, but the interior of the South Side Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library has been transformed into a welcoming and safe community asset for families living in South Bethlehem. The Branch at 400 Webster Street was built in 1929 and until recently featured most of the original shelving and furniture even as technology and the collection have changed.  Furniture designed for computers, comfortable reading “nooks” for adults, whimsical seating to engage the Library’s youngest patrons, a storytelling space, and a flashy teen area are part of the improvements.

Robert Furst of Architecture Furst supervised the half million dollar project. His plan incorporated modern features that echo the warmth and character of the original architecture. The interior layout was redesigned to meet the needs of the community and provide better access to the collection.  Improvements to the South Side Branch included a book security system; security cameras; carpeting and lighting; refurbished/replaced doors, re-plastering of the ceiling and walls, a new subfloor; refinished shelving and new furniture; re-designed computer areas; and a functional and family-friendly children’s space. New/refurbished windows, HVAC ductwork, and electrical service increased the building’s “green” aspect making the 1930s building more energy efficient.

Strong community partnerships made this project possible. A substantial anonymous gift kicked off the fundraising efforts which resulted in gifts from 13 foundations and over 150 individuals. Many institutions and corporations invested in the Branch. Lehigh University, Sands Casino Resort,  Air Products, Bethlehem and Morning Star Rotaries, First Windish Fraternal Beneficial Society, KNBT Charitable Foundation, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation South Bethlehem Historical Society, Southside Ministries, Thomas F. Staley Foundation, and Wells Fargo Community Partners Program contributed to the project. A formal reception to thank all of the Branch’s supporters will take place in May.

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The public was able to  follow progress on the Library’s blog at www.bapl.org as the renovations unfolded. The final piece of the Branch renovation is the exterior work. The City of Bethlehem awarded a Community Development Block Grant to the project for an ADA-compliant sidewalk and entrance.  Construction is scheduled for late spring 2013. 

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