PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s a new chapter for a beloved community staple. After about two and a half years of renovations, the Frankford Library is back up and running, much to the delight of nearby residents.
The library, located at Frankford Avenue and Overington Street, celebrated its grand reopening on Thursday. The building has a new community classroom, a children’s department, a teen space and a meeting area, as well as a new roof, doors, windows and plumbing.
The most important addition for Free Library President and Director Kelly Richards: ADA accommodations.
“To make sure that it’s accessible to everyone, that everybody gets an opportunity to utilize all the services, and not limit it to one floor or the other; where you can go through the whole library freely,” he said.
The Frankford Library had been closed since December 2022 for renovations, which left nearby residents like Oceana Francis without an oasis within walking distance.
“I just like being here for the peace, because at home I live with all my siblings,” she said. “I have a bunch of siblings, so it’s always noisy. So whenever I just want a second of peace or wanna study somewhere that’s nice and cold and quiet, I just come to the library.
“We really love this place, so when it closed down, we were a little bit sad. But I’m really happy that it’s open again and it’s renovated and it’s so beautiful. I love it.”
Walter Kosierowski worked at the library before the renovations. He was eager to return, as it is the closest library to his home. He said many members of the community have been looking forward to this day, too.
“They’re very happy that it’s back open because a lot of people in the neighborhood have been waiting for it and waiting for it and asking, ‘When is it gonna open? When is it gonna open?’” he said.
The renovations cost $5.5 million. Frankford Library is the fourth Free Library branch to reopen after extensive renovations this year, following Kingsessing, Blanche A Nixon/Cobbs Creek, and Lawncrest.