Sewickley Public Library celebrates new outdoor space Broadside Terrace

When the Sewickley Public Library was partially flooded last month, patrons could be found sitting outside reading books on the new terrace.

”People gravitated out here,” said Carol Schurman. “That is community. It is about more than books.”

Schurman, with her husband Gary Schurman, was honored at the library on Oct. 2 for their donation for a redesign of the outdoor space Broadside Terrace.

The Broadside Terrace represents a major transformation of the library’s exterior grounds, turning the former lawn into a welcoming community gathering space. The name represents its location on the Broad Street side of the building.

Schurman was first introduced to the Sewickley Public Library by her friend Joan Murdoch of Aleppo.

“The library serves everybody,” said Murdoch, who was one of 175 people at the event celebrating the refreshed space. “This is a star library.”

Guests spent a few hours on the terrace on a spectacular Thursday evening with temperatures in the low 70s to toast the couple. A plaque was unveiled recognizing their generosity.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts organized a jazz trio of high school students to perform, while patrons mingled throughout the space. The Ultimate Pastry Shop in Sewickley provided balloons and a variety of cookies. Appetizers, salads and sandwiches were made by The Bridgeside Market in Sewickley.

Parked nearby along Broad Street was Sweetwater Center for the Arts’ colorful SweetRide, a mobile art unit created to bring art experiences directly into neighborhoods, schools and organizations that may not have easy access to the arts.

“This is a magical spot to have this type of community presence,” said Christine Brondyke, executive director at Sweetwater Center for the Arts.

Accessibility is key so that everyone can enjoy the library, Gary Schurman said. He said he and his wife, who live in Osborne, said this was a perfect project for them because of their appreciation for Sewickley and the library.

“The library is important,” Gary Schurman said. “It is the heart and soul of the community. The library is a safe place and to have this historic library in Sewickley makes us proud. When you are looking for truth, you can find truth in the library.”

A library is an essential part of growing up in Sewickley, said guest Sharon Beddard Hess, of Sewickley, who owns Yoga in Sewickley.

“A town isn’t a town without a library,” Hess said. “It’s gorgeous out here.”

The space began with a different transformation in mind, said Ruth M. Neely, the library’s executive director. Originally, they were going to spruce up the landscaping they already had by adding an irrigation system and putting down new sod. After Neely pitched the idea to the Schurmans, the project grew in scale dramatically. They were able to add the new Broadside Terrace hardscaping and surrounding greenery and then add more landscape lighting to make it a much more inviting and usable space.

When Neely took the new design to Carol and Gary Schurman they immediately said “yes,” Neely said. Outdoor spaces came to the forefront of our lives during the 2020 pandemic, Neely said. We learned about how essential fresh air and sunshine can be to our health. Carol and Gary Schurman believe in the benefits of outdoor spaces, Neely said, as do the library’s more than 40 staff members and 177,000 visitors who visited in 2024.

“A project like this doesn’t just happen with a dream and a checkbook,” Neely said.

In addition to the Schurmans’ generous, albeit undisclosed donation, support for the project also came from an anonymous donor who paid for the restoration of the historic railings on two sides of the patio and a new gate. Greg and Jan Smith paid to have their family’s memorial lamp on Thorn Street cleaned and expanded their area to accommodate benches.

The library’s cost for the project was $132,000 and included all additional lighting, irrigation, greenery and paving of the parking lot.

Neely added that the library’s board of directors believed in the project and what is best for the community. Vice president of the board of directors Bernard John commended Neely for her steadfast work shepherding this project.

This is a legacy type of space, John said.

“The Broadside Terrace reflects our vision of the library as more than just a building with books — it’s a true community hub,” said Neely. “We are thrilled to create a space where neighbors can come together for learning, socializing, or simply enjoying the outdoors.”

Designed with accessibility and versatility in mind, the terrace features stone walkways, comfortable seating areas, and lush landscaping, the vision of architect Elise Keely of Sewickley Heights, founder of award-winning e.k. smith landscape design.

Keely created an inviting outdoor setting that will host library programs, community events, and serve as a tranquil spot for reading, conversation and relaxation. She led a previous project for the library’s patio design 38 years ago.

Keely said she was “delighted” to get the job, her final project before retiring.

”I love what I do,” she said. “Some of the crew I’ve worked with I have used for over 30 years. I am known to show up during construction because it’s about teamwork.”

During the process, Keely discovered railings from a former Sewickley public school that was on Thorn Street and incorporated those into the space. She also included ginkgo trees and lush greenery. A plaque is displayed recognizing her work.

“Elise is a visionary,” Neely said.“She saw what the space could become. We are eternally grateful to her and Carol and Gary Schurman. They are connectors in our community. This space will be here for years to come. Legacy will live here. It is so much more than a patio. They’ve helped us create an outdoor space because they believe the library reaches people outward and not just inward.”