Bala Cynwyd Library Opening Sees Slight Delay

Originally aiming for an April 6 opening date, Bala Cynwyd Library will now likely open toward the end of April, Lower Merion Director of Libraries Christine Steckel told the Board of Commissioners’ Library Committee on Wednesday evening.

Renovations have mainly gone according to schedule, but a problem with the Highland Avenue window frames pushed the timetable back a week or two, Steckel said.  The problem is in the process of being corrected.

This month, final inspections will be completed and furniture delivered. In March, the move back into the library begins in earnest, with the installation of radio-frequency identification, the return of library materials, and set up and training with staff, Steckel said.

The plan is to reopen the library in late April. Steckel said the library is considering a soft opening (followed by a later grand opening), as well as a temporary reduction of hours between late April and the end of June, to allow for staff redeployments and training. Sunday hours at the library would be added in September.

The estimated cost of the renovation project is $7.3 million, and the library board has stayed within budget, Steckel said.