Residents, Scranton Public Library press county for urgent repairs after facade falls at county-owned children's library

Joan Hodle, a longtime library advocate, told the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners that part of the upper facade on the county-owned Scranton Children's Library had fallen and that the building—112 years old and on the historic register—requires immediate attention. Hodle said there is no written memorandum of understanding among the county, Scranton Public Library, and the county library board clarifying who is responsible for capital repairs, and she urged the commissioners to act quickly so an existing RFP does not expire on July 31.

Scott Thomas, CEO of the Scranton Public Library, confirmed Hodle’s account and provided additional detail: scaffolding has been erected to protect patrons, the county engineer has been involved, and a bid opening on May 28 identified the lowest responsible bidder at $212,000. Thomas said the library does not pay for capital projects, since the county holds the deed and historically capital funding has come from county sources or the library fund depending on negotiations. He asked that commissioners work with the library system to approve funding before the RFP deadline so emergency repairs can proceed ahead of winter.

Commissioners responded that the county has been working on the issue, that scaffolding and protective measures are in place, and that staff are pursuing funding pathways; one commissioner noted the county library tax revenue is intended to support the library system. The board did not adopt a separate resolution during the meeting but acknowledged the urgency and instructed staff to continue work toward a solution.

Next steps: Commissioners said they will coordinate with library officials and county staff to identify funding sources, seek a timely contractor award before the RFP expires, and prepare a written agreement clarifying future responsibilities for capital maintenance.