Construction project at Monroeville Public Library looks to fix water issues, improve accessibility

The Monroeville Public Library will undergo some changes to help make the building and its surroundings more accessible for patrons.

Alice Rathjen, Public Relations Contractor for the library, said construction will begin Aug. 2 with a completion date to be determined.

Improvements include a new front driveway and walkway, four accessible parking spaces, new lighting, sidewalks with accessible ramps and a drive-up dropbox to return items.

The biggest improvement will be the elimination of a flooding problem at the front entrance, Rathjen said.

“The flooding has been a problem for a number of years,” she said.

The front driveway will be made with permeable pavement to help infiltrate stormwater along with installing a rain garden to capture runoff, the library’s press release said.

New drains and sidewalks also will be constructed to alleviate the water issue at the front entrance.

“We are very thankful that this work is being done to help with water problems and make the library accessible to more people,” said Nicole Henline, director of the library.

The project was made possible by a joint partnership, funded by the PA DEP Growing Greener program with Allegheny County Conservation District, Westmoreland Conservation District and the Municipality of Monroeville, to protect and improve the Turtle Creek Watershed.

The library will continue to be open for patrons to check out and return items.

The new hours will be:

• Monday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The library will be closed on Sundays.

Contactless pickup will be temporarily closed because the main entrance will not be accessible. Items can be picked up at the circulation desk.

The Children’s Room entrance will be the main entry, as the front entrance will be temporarily closed as well. Patrons are instructed to park in the back of the building on the lower level.