The Middletown Free Library is moving into 12,000 square feet of new space in the summer of 2021 at the former Roosevelt School.

The change of address will triple the library’s space, from tight quarters at the former Weathers’ house on Pennell Road to a renovated Roosevelt Community Center at 464 S. Old Middletown Road.

The new digs will accommodate the library’s 100 programs a month.  The digital-compliant space will feature an expanded children’s area, five community meeting rooms and a “makerspace” with a 3D printer and an audio and video recording studio.

 “We are embarking on monumental growth in serving the creative community needs of Middletown,” said Betsy Podrebarac, Planning Chair and Library Board member.  “The MFL [Middletown Free Library] is the best place to nurture imagination and the exchange of information for all of our residents.”

The library is leasing the former school building from the township for $1 a year.

The library is in a fundraising campaign through the end of 2021 to raise $1 million, covering $700,000 in furnishings and equipment, and $300,000 for three-years of operating support.

“Our campaign is off to a fantastic start. With the support of our Middletown residents, we will achieve and surpass our $1 million objective,” said Bob Fyfe, Campaign Chair and Board President.

As of the end of November, the Library had raised $792,208.

The building renovation project is expected to cost $6.1 million. It will be paid for through $4.65 million from the township, a $750,000 Commonwealth Keystone grant and $700,000 from the library. 

The new library will share the building with the township, the Middletown Historical Society, and local groups such as the Scouts and cheerleaders.

The library will be ADA accessible, with wider aisles, lower bookshelves, central elevators, a handicap-accessible service desk and accessible restrooms.

It will have efficient heating and cooling, energy efficient windows and improved air flow.

Also good news for patrons, the new facility will have ample parking that can accommodate 105 vehicles.

Large donors and community support have propelled the library toward its fundraising goal.

“It’s a hard time for people so it’s really nice to see people continuing to make donations like this to benefit the library,” said Annie Lowenthal, a West Chester University library intern who has been working closely with library leaders on the project.

Click here to find out more about the Middletown Library and the fundraising campaign.