The Adams County Library System (ACLS) will purchase a property on Fairfield Rd. at the west edge of Gettysburg from the United Lutheran Seminary to house a new, modern, library facility.
The property is located between Route 116 and the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County.
The new facility will replace the Gettysburg branch of the ACLS, currently located at the corner of Baltimore and High Streets in Gettysburg,
The property includes the seminary’s Aberly, Heiges and Stuempfle Halls. The seminary will continue to use and maintain those three buildings through June 30, 2024, while they renovate Baughman Hall, which will meet the Seminary’s future housing needs.
ACLS said it had explored several possibilities for a new Gettysburg branch with the goal of finding a location that could expand library services, provide adequate space for programs and meetings, and provide ample parking while remaining walkable.
The library said the Seminary location met each of these requirements.
“The new building is needed to meet the needs of a library in the 21st century, making it possible to anticipate and adapt to changing interests, services, and delivery methods for the county,” said ACLS Executive Director Laura Goss. “There is no additional capacity available at our current site and so it is more cost-effective to build a new library due to the inefficiencies of the 1914 structure.”
The new “headquarters” library will include flexible space that will accommodate current and future needs, including a single level for easier access and efficient use of staff, expanded areas to accommodate traditional library use, use of technology, and expanded educational programs/activities for all ages.
In addition to being the largest branch, the headquarters building also supports the five additional branches with administrative services and support for materials, movement of collections between buildings, and technology.
Goss said the ACLS will conduct additional studies to further clarify community needs and capacity for a new building.
“Both ULS and ACLS believe the plans for a new library at this location will help create a welcoming western gateway to Gettysburg and will benefit both institutions and the entire community,” said Goss.
Featured image caption: Approximate location of the property that will house the new library. The numbered buildings on the property are Aberly, Heiges, and Stuempfle Halls.
What will happen to the beautiful building that is housing our current library? Disappointed the article did not address this issue.
Thirty years ago there was a major capital drive to move the library from the High Street location to the beautiful post office, both to create a beautiful library and to restore the post office building. I’m not saying this is not a good idea, perhaps it is, but a lot of people gave a lot of money to create the beautiful library we have. Just look at the Giving Tree on the wall by the 2nd floor reception area.
Who cares if it’s now going to be less accessable out of town, nobody uses it anyway. The kids it was meant to serve don’t need it anymore, and it’s pretty much a money pit now anyway.
This is really exciting. Good location, given that downtown could never happen, and a real win-win. Good for ULS, good for ACLS, good for the citizens of Adams County.
When the library was at the old prison, now the borough council offices, I was there at least a couple of times a week. When the library moved to the old post office, the parking was so hideous I finally pretty much gave up on it. This new move sounds like a great idea for most everyone, particularly if Rabbit Transit plans several scheduled stops there. When the time comes for the move, I volunteer to help.
That’s so exciting! Congratulations ACLS!!
My kids walk to the library nearly everyday after school. I hope the town focuses on pedestrian access to this new location from the middle and elementary schools.
What will happen to the current building?
Will this be available by the bus routes so those who do not drive can access the library?
I would imagine as the buses already come out to Detrick Commons just beyond there?
The rabbit Transit buses drive through the seminary and the Y now
I always saw a lot of senior citizens at the current location…this new site isn’t exactly a short walk for them, or other townfolk.
But there will be adequate parking as well as public transit. Good Move!
Terrific news!