Haverford Township Free Library at 1601 Darby Road will be undergoing a $20 million renovation and modernization, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

The focus will be on continuing the library’s place as a “dynamic community hub,” in Haverford Township, said Phil Goldsmith, president of the library.

Building changes would increase public space by 30 percent with an addition off the second floor, built over the parking lot.

A laptop bar, three tutoring room flex spaces, public computers and a living room would be on the first floor.

The second floor would have a section for tweens and teens, an Innovation Zone and Makers space, with a 3-D printer and scanner, crafting corner, sewing machines, large format printing and do-it-yourself tools.

A sensory room focuses on children with autism and the autistic spectrum.

The lower floor would have audio-visual space for podcasting.

A recently-installed boiler is included in the new facility and solar panels will be on the roof.

“This is not something we just came up with, this is something we’ve seen which is successful in other libraries,” Library Director Sukrit Goswami said.

The plan still needs more parking and approval from the zoning board.  Construction would start in the fall.

Read more about the Haverford Library upgrades in the Daily Times.

Here is the Feb. 13 presentation on the renovations to the library to Haverford Township commissioners.