West Chester Public Library asks borough for immediate repairs, outlines longer-term capital needs

West Chester Public Library leaders told borough council on Tuesday evening they face active water intrusion, failing custom windows, and a roof nearing the end of its service life and asked the borough for short-term help while pursuing grants for larger projects.

"Today, the library faces urgent capital needs that threaten both our ability to serve and the preservation of our historic building," Deborah Ney, board president of the West Chester Public Library, said in remarks to council. She asked the borough to help the library plug immediate leaks and to support an architectural and engineering survey so the board can plan longer-term work.

The library’s building committee chair, Kelly, walked council through the cost estimates for the repairs. She said a semi-permanent repair to stop a patio leak would cost about $15,000, with additional interior repairs likely around $5,000. Kelly said a replacement of the patio membrane to stop recurrence is estimated at roughly $150,000 to $200,000, and that the roof — while not currently leaking — will likely need replacement in two to three years…