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Emmaus Public Library proposes new entrance, plaza; seeks about $250,000 in funding
Summary
A presenter identified as Carl outlined a plan to remove an interior vestibule, build an exterior enclosed storefront entrance and a plaza with seating to improve safety, sight lines to a community mural and library programming space; the project is estimated at about $250,000 with fundraising from Rotary, Trexler Trust and the library's supporters.
Carl presented a design for a new entrance and plaza at the Emmaus Public Library that would extend an external vestibule from the existing library wall, create a wide plaza and bench-height seating to improve sight lines to the community mural and provide covered waiting space for rides.
Carl said the plan would remove the current tunnel-like interior vestibule, open the entrance to the ceiling to make interior space more usable and add building signage to cover weather-damaged facade remnants. "Overall, the design goals were to be simplistic, sustainable materials, things that are low maintenance and low cost to construct," Carl said. He estimated the project would cost "somewhere around $250,000." He added that the plan aims to match the children’s wing addition completed in 2018 and address safety concerns such as buckled sidewalks and failing mortar.
The presenter said funding efforts include the Emmaus Rotary's centennial outreach, discussions with the Trexler Trust, capital funds from past state gifts, and a fundraising campaign by the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library; he said the effort would also solicit grant funding and public donations for roughly $120,000. "We would certainly appreciate the borough's input and support of this initiative," he said.
A questioner asked whether the plan had been shared with the MAS Arts Commission and whether the proposed patio would conflict with the commission's landscape architecture plan and planned children's garden. Carl replied that he had recently discussed the project with the Arts Commission and that the commission’s plan extends west of the parking lot, so the proposed patio would not interrupt the arts commission’s programming if it proceeds.
The presentation closed with the presenter thanking the council and asking for feedback and support from borough officials. No formal action on the design or funding was taken at the meeting; the presenter asked the borough to consider the plan and provide input.
