Before & After Photos Available for Download
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District), Pennsylvania Representative Anthony Bellmon (203rd District), Senator Sharif Street (3rd District), the Capital Program Office, The Free Library of Philadelphia, Community Ventures, and residents gathered to celebrate the reopening of the renovated Lawncrest Library. The site, located in Philadelphia’s 9th District, received a $4.5 million investment through the City’s Rebuild program.
“There’s no better way to celebrate National Library Week than by cutting the ribbon on a $4.5 million transformation right here at Lawncrest Library,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This isn’t just a building—it’s a hub of opportunity, learning, and connection. Libraries like this one are anchors in our neighborhoods, and when we invest in them, we’re investing in the future of our city and our people.”
Since first opening its doors in 1961, this Free Library branch has been a vital resource for the residents of Cedar Grove, Crescentville, Lawncrest, and Lawndale. The library has built a reputation for its innovative programs supporting new Americans and teens, which will be enhanced through this comprehensive restoration.
“The completion of this transformative project represents a new era for the Lawncrest community,” said Anthony Phillips, City Councilmember, (9th District). “This isn’t just about reinvigorated facilities – it’s about creating opportunities for our youth, providing safe spaces for our families, and strengthening the bonds that make Lawncrest special.
“The renovations to the Lawncrest Library signify a strong commitment to the betterment of our community,” said Anthony Bellmon, State Representative, (203rd District). “The renovated Lawncrest Library provides valuable, educational opportunities to our young people as well as a safe, quiet space for all members of the Lawncrest community to enrich their minds, access necessary resources and interact with neighbors.”
“I applaud Mayor Parker and the team at Rebuild for bringing another safe space for youth and families to gather back online,” said Sharif Street, State Senator, (3rd District). “This renovated space means summer fun and after school activities will be underway again at Lawncrest.”
Totaling $4.5 million, the upgrades to Lawncrest Library include:
- New floors, windows, lighting, painting, plumbing, HVAC, and interior finishes.
- Expanded computer center with modern workstations and new furniture, including comfortable reader-ready seating.
- A reimagined community gathering space with an updated kitchenette.
- Upgraded accessibility features include ADA-compliant bathrooms, a new ramp, integrated pathways, and inclusive meeting rooms.
- An exterior refresh with a new sign and landscaping.
“Through thoughtful design, community engagement, and strategic investment, we’ve turned Lawncrest Library into a modern, accessible library that will serve generations to come,” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Program Office. “This renovation embodies the City’s commitment to investing in our neighborhoods and ensuring every resident has access to high-quality public spaces.”
“The Free Library is thrilled to reopen the doors of our beloved Lawncrest Library,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director, the Free Library of Philadelphia. “We are honored to provide the community with a safe and welcoming space where they can learn, grow, create, and connect once again.”
The renovation project, managed by Community Ventures, incorporated extensive community input to ensure the final design met the needs and aspirations of Lawncrest residents. Over 425 Lawncrest community members were able to share their vision for this site through surveys, small pop-up events, and community meetings.
“We’re proud to have partnered with the Lawncrest community, Rebuild, and the Free Library to bring this vision to life,” said Troy Hannigan, Director of Development for Community Ventures. “We’re excited to welcome this community back home and look forward to hearing about the memories that will be made here.”
Lawncrest Library is the second of three Rebuild-renovated libraries opening in April. The Blanche Nixon Library, an $8.5 million project, located in Cobbs Creek, opened April 3, and Kingsessing Library is anticipated to open later this month.
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 economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion.
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.
Community Ventures is a Philadelphia non-profit real estate development and property management organization founded in 1987 to work in partnership with neighborhoods to improve communities and increase the supply of affordable housing. Community Ventures was selected by Rebuild to manage the Lawncrest Library improvements including community engagement, design, and construction.