Dear Library Patrons,

I am excited to provide the latest information regarding the township’s 520 Virginia Drive transformation project and its potential impact on the public library. If you are reading about this for the first time, please visit my previous post.

Over the last month, we have received messages of support for relocating the library into significantly larger and more flexible space at 520 Virginia Drive, as well as some criticism. As expected, questions have been raised about cost, access (especially by Upper Dublin High School students), and whether a larger library is justified in an age when more information is digital. We have welcomed the opportunity to answer these questions, and others, as part of the important interaction with our entire township over this project that is full of community-wide potential. I am looking forward to more input from you, your friends and neighbors as we collaborate with the Township and others to provide the best library services possible to every Upper Dublin resident.

Defining the value of a library for its community is complex. Everyone has a different library story, and often what matters from the experience transcends the books. Some certainly come to borrow them, but others visit to engage their children in story times and the Family Place space, to spend time with friends after school, to attend a class or lecture, or simply to have someone they recognize say hello to them. The library is about community, about belonging.

Here are two new Ambler Gazette articles about the project, the second one based on an interview with me about the opportunities I see for an expanded library at 520.

“Mixed reactions to proposed move of Upper Dublin library”, Ambler Gazette

“Upper Dublin Public Library director on proposed new library: ‘The building is loaded with opportunity“, Ambler Gazette

Regarding next steps, we are currently preparing the first opportunities for community engagement, including focus groups, planned for December 2017. I’m sure I’ll have more to share on that next month.

I greatly value and deeply respect every library patron and encourage you to continue to share your views on the project.

Cheri Fiory, Library Director

Check out this snapshot of our latest statistics.

To learn more, visit “520 Virginia Drive Project.”