Building Expansion Project
Why Expand?
The Bradford County Library was originally located at the back of the County Manor, occupying a small space to support its primary service: the bookmobile. When the Manor needed to expand, the library was forced to relocate. Temporary quarters in an automobile showroom followed until the current building was finished in 1986.Limited funding resulted in a library already in need of expansion. In cutting corners, the finished library was missing such necessities as potable water, adequate lighting, enough materials space, and any room for storage.
At approximately 7,000 square feet, the current building was designed to accommodate six staff and a collection of 50,000 items. Today, the library operates with a core staff of eleven, supplemented by part-time and volunteer workers and has a collection that exceeds 63,000 items.
The Bradford County Library's programs attract large crowds, but most, however, are standing room only. The library is finding it must limit program registrations for safety reasons.
To make room for popular collections such as videos and audio books, seating areas for the public have been compromised. Work space for the Bradford-Wyoming County Literacy Program and children's staff has infringed on public areas.
Shelving is only 33 inches apart, not the 36 inches required by Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
The library's mission to serve the community requires more room. The library needs more space for an increasing amount of books, comfortable reading areas, wheelchair accessibility, large program areas, and more room for a growing Literacy Program and staff.
The New Building
The Bradford County Library Trustees have determined that the library needs to increase its space from 7,000 square feet to approximately 26,000 square feet to maintain its current level of service and provide for the needs of patrons some 20 years in the future.
The current building on Route 6 will be expanded to the north and west on land owned by Bradford County. The expansion of the Bradford County Library would provide:
- Shelving space for 90,000 volumes
- A large children's area with space for Story Time and other programs
- Seating areas for reading, study carrels, and quiet conversation
- Large computer work stations
- A conference room capable of seating 150, providing event space or dividing for smaller groups and programs
- Parking space for 120 vehicles
- Special use display areas
- A Local History room with materials together at eye level
- A Young Adult room designed for teens, their needs, and interests
- Handicap accessibility
- Increased audio/video area, with display room for more DVD's and CD's, music, and language study
- Confidential client space for the Bradford-Wyoming County Literacy Program with quiet tutoring rooms
- Material storage space for the Annual Friends Book Sale
- A larger Bookmobile garage with space to sort and prepare books for delivery
