Turning the Page! Richmond Library Unveils $2.5M Renovation with Ribbon Cutting Celebration

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PHILADELPHIA, PA-Today, City and State officials, Rebuild, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and community members celebrated the grand reopening of the renovated Richmond Library, which received $2.5 million in upgrades supported by the City's Rebuild program and the Free Library of Philadelphia's capital budget.

"The improvements made here at Richmond Library reflect our City's commitment to preserving these essential institutions so they can continue serving Philadelphians for generations to come," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "This is the fourth library renovation completed through the Rebuild program this year, with two more expected before year's end - clear progress in our work to strengthen neighborhood libraries across Philadelphia."

At the core of Port Richmond, one of the city's longest-standing riverfront neighborhoods, the Richmond Library has served as a gathering place for community members for generations.

"Libraries are cornerstones of every community, and especially here in Port Richmond," said Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District). "The critical facilities upgrades provided through this renovation project ensure neighbors of all ages will have a beautiful and reliable space to learn and grow for decades to come."

Originally opened in 1910 as part of the Free Library of Philadelphia's early 20th-century expansion, the library was designed by renowned Carnegie library architect Edward L. Tilton and has remained a prominent architectural landmark in the residential neighborhood for over a century.

"Libraries are the places where knowledge is guarded by making information available to everyone; where native flower gardens are tended and pollinated by bees; where music is heard in the laughter of children at storytime; and where friendships are formed at neighborhood meetings and gatherings," said Representative Joseph C. Hohenstein (177th District). "I am glad that Richmond Library again has a solid roof over its head, so that the work of building and sustaining our community can continue within its walls. I applaud everyone involved in this hard work."

With its reopening, the library honors its rich history while addressing critical building needs. Upgrades to the roof and HVAC system ensure the building can operate reliably and comfortably, while the installation of historically accurate tile restores details true to its original design. Together, these improvements safeguard the library's architectural legacy and support its role as a gathering place for the Port Richmond community.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Port Richmond," added Aparna Palantino, Deputy Managing Director, Capital Program Office. "The renovation of Richmond Library is the result of true collaboration with the City, Rebuild, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the neighbors who cherish this community resource."

Totaling $2.5 million, the renovations at the Richmond Library include:

1. Historic roof replacement

2. Roof-level masonry restoration

3. Interior plaster restoration

4. Interior painting

The renovation also included the installation of a new HVAC system, supported by a $600,000 investment from the Free Library's capital budget.

"I am thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Richmond Library along with the city's Rebuild program," said Kelly Richards, President and Director, The Free Library of Philadelphia. "This beautifully renovated space ensures that Port Richmond families will continue to have a place where education, discovery, and community building can flourish for generations to come."

Rebuild is the City's historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote access to economic opportunity for all.

The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations and The Rosenbach, advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 31,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi, and rich special collections, including those at the Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach. With more than 5 million in-person visits and 5 million more online annually, the Free Library and The Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.