News & Update | Library Planners Use Ingenuity to Conserve Planning Expense | Architect Selection Criteria
Design Jury Comments on Library Plan

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROWING FOR NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY

MILFORD PA: March 5, 2007 --   Dr. Candis Finan, superintendent of the Delaware Valley School District, is among many community leaders who are expressing enthusiastic support for the proposed design of a new central library to be constructed on East Harford Street in Milford. "A new central library for Pike County is crucial to the county's rapidly growing student population.   Yet, this is not a "build-it-and-they-will-come" situation.   Young people want a comfortable and  stimulating environment where they can gather, discuss and interact with others," said Dr. Finan.  "The proposed new library will be enormously exciting and inviting to students of all ages," she added.

The benefits of a new central library to the local economy were cited by several community leaders. David  Farrington, Chairman of the Pike County Industrial Development Authority ( IDA) and member of the PCPL Task Force, stated, "A vibrant county library system is essential in the IDA's efforts to attract new businesses to Pike County.  An expanded central library will provide the necessary space and technology to serve our expanding population in areas of the county presently without easy access to public library services."  He added, "Businesses looking to locate operations in a new locale will  discover in Pike County a strong , growing countywide library system to  support their commerce and serve their employees."

Mr. Farrington also stressed the economic benefits afforded a community by a vibrant public library.  "Numerous studies conducted in Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina and elsewhere consistently demonstrate the enormous economic benefits provided by public libraries," he noted.  "Direct economic impacts include the increased spending by the larger central library and its customers.  The inviting nature of the proposed design will be a huge draw to the more than 30,000 Pike County residents who are current PCPL cardholders, which will generate more business in our local community," he said.

"The proposed library building will be an enormous asset to downtown Milford in drawing people to an active, dynamic environment.  The inclusion of a community meeting room, study rooms and outdoor gathering places provides our community for the first time with an inviting gathering place for all," said Dick Snyder, PCPL Task Force member and leading member of the Milford Enhancement Committee.

“The new central library will be able to hold an expanded collection of books, movies, DVDs, CDs and provide much-needed space for community meetings and tutoring,” said Martyn Freed, President of the Friends of the Pike County Public Library. “Important to the entire county will be the expanded administrative areas to handle services to existing and future branches,” he emphasized.

"The exciting design of the new library will be enormously important in highlighting the educational and cultural advantages available to potential home buyers considering relocating in Pike County," commented Ed Raarup, Associate Broker and Owner of Century 21/Roy B. Hull Real Estate.  "As a down-the-street "neighbor" of the proposed building, I'm looking forward to the vibrancy this new community center will bring to Milford," Mr. Raarup, who is also a member of the Milford Enhancement Committee,“ added Mr. Raarup, who is also a member of the Milford Enhancement Committee.