Chester County Commissioners invest more than $450,000 in Coatesville Area Public Library. From left to right: Pat Bokovitz, Director, Chester County Department of Community Development; County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone; Coatesville Area Public Library Director Penny Williams; County Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline; Nakea Morris, Board President, Coatesville Area Public Library; and Pat Bush, Board Treasurer, Coatesville Area Public Library.
Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell recently presented a check for $454,121 to representatives of the Coatesville Area Public Library. The funds, made available through a community development block grant, are earmarked for capital improvement projects including upgrades to the HVAC system, energy efficiency and security of the library, as well as improved accessibility.
“Books are just the beginning! In the 21st century, while information availability is abundant, we need a place to collect accurate information, connect to others, and collaborate with our community. The Coatesville Area Public Library is that place,” said Penny Williams, Director of the Library.
“Not only that, but it is also a neutral space that welcomes everyone and it exists to promote personal growth and community pride, adds Williams. “Thankfully, we will continue to be that place of pride with the support and funding provided by the Chester County Commissioners for our building renovations. We are happy that they also see the advantages of helping this library thrive in the Coatesville community.”
Nakea Morris, President of the Board of Trustees for the Coatesville Area Public Library noted: “When I think about the Coatesville Area Public Library I think community – the community of all of us striving to learn, grow, dream and become the best we can – and this library provides all of that, and more.”
The Coatesville Area Public Library has been serving the city and its surrounding areas since 1877. It was founded by Isabelle Lukens, and over the past 141 years, the library has been housed at a number of locations including rooms at the YMCA, the Benner School, the National Bank of Coatesville and the Braunstein Home. The current purpose-built library, located at 501 East Lincoln Highway, opened in 1974.
