The Adams County Library System Board of Trustees is proud to announce the purchase of a subdivided plot of land at the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, marking a major milestone in the system’s commitment to expanding access to library services in the community. The site has been secured specifically for the future construction of a new, purpose-built public library.
This acquisition reflects the Library Board of Trustee’s long-range planning and dedication to ensuring that residents have access to modern, welcoming, and resource-rich spaces. While design and construction timelines are still in the early stages, the Board views this as a pivotal first step in creating a facility that will serve the public for generations to come.
“This is an exciting and important moment for our library system and for the community we serve,” said Heidi Gillis, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “Securing this location gives us the opportunity to thoughtfully plan for a new library that meets current needs while preparing for the future.”
The Seminary location was chosen for its accessibility, community significance, and potential to support a vibrant, inclusive library environment. The Board extends its appreciation to the Seminary for its cooperation throughout the subdivision and sale process.
I like the current location. It is easily walkable to downtown and many nearby neighbors. It is also within walking distance of schools and the college.
If parking is an issue maybe you could. purchase a nearby home and expand the lot. Or something else. There has to be a solution that is less costly than a complete new library and demolishing the old one.
Please explain the logic for spending a whole lot of money.
I agree & that’s a great idea. I missed the part of where and when this was voted on and I am sure most of Gettysburg’s residents have never heard of this either, in fact I would never have known about it at all until reading this article. I am very involved with borough life so it seems odd I’ve never heard it mentioned once since apparently 2023?? During the school months parking to get to the library is so easy and like you said it is within walking distance of the places that would use and need it the… Read more »
Parking is one issue. How would you address the other problems that exist with the building? Insufficient Space: The current building, a former post office built in 1914, lacks the capacity to adequately house the library’s collection, programs, and meeting spaces, limiting the services it can offer. High Utility Costs and Failing Infrastructure: Maintaining an aging structure comes with high utility bills and the need for significant infrastructure repairs and upgrades to meet safety and accessibility standards. Renovating the existing building to address these issues would be as costly as building a new facility, without fully resolving all the problems. Technological Limitations: Thick… Read more »
Insufficient space? – get creative, work it out. Optimize your schedule, archive some less used materials, rethink your space, make use of other public spaces. High utility costs, maintenance costs? What’s the ROI? The cost of rebuilding is in the millions and the savings in utilities is in the thousands (maybe). ROI sounds like way too many years . Manage your budgets. Are you getting the most out of your current utility and maintenance spends. Technological challenges? – Technological workarounds Accessibility – Do the best you can with what you got just like families do all the time. Prioritize the… Read more »
Are there still zoning issues to be addressed?