PNC grant will fund return of Delmont library's butterfly garden and much more

When Delmont Public Library officials and supporters were able to raise enough money to build a new library, the celebration came with a small caveat.

To prep the property for construction, they’d have to temporarily do away with the grant-funded butterfly garden built just a few years earlier.

But, thanks to a new grant from the PNC Charitable Trust, the garden isn’t the only thing coming back.

“We received a grant to create an outdoor nature center,” librarian Denni Grassel said. “Not only are we going to have a butterfly habitat, but we’re expanding our fairy garden.”

Grassel said she wants to create a community herb garden, “so that if you’re having spaghetti, you can come snip some parsley for your Italian dinner.”

It’s the type of project that has grown to be quite successful elsewhere, pun intended.

A short way down Old William Penn Highway in Export, resident Elizabeth Lodovico and several friends filled three planters at the Export playground with 31 varieties of herbs, flowers and vegetables this spring, open to anyone in the borough.

“We all took turns watering and weeding, and I made a Facebook page to keep anyone interested in the project up to date,” Lodovico said. “I think people had to be coaxed a little bit to take advantage of it, maybe they felt bad picking stuff for themselves, but people did use a lot of the herbs that were there.”

Grassel said the $15,843 grant to the library also will fund construction of a universally accessible path through the new outdoor features.

“We’ll have bluebird houses line the area, solar bird baths, and we’ll have a gathering place so you can come out and have your lunch amid all the bluebirds and butterflies,” she said.

As for the new library itself, the building is essentially complete with the exception of a few punch-list items. The current library location will close on Nov. 22, and Grassel is turning to the community for volunteers to help with relocating.

“The first week of December, we’ll pack up the books and move them over,” she said. “So, if you have boxes, bring them to the library. Then, the second week, we’ll move the copy machine and all the electronics.”

Library officials are seeking volunteers on Dec. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to begin the relocation. Anyone interested can call 724-468-5329.

“Then, hopefully, we’ll have this wonderful grand opening in January and everyone can come see what we have to offer,” Grassel said.