The Wissahickon Valley Public Library's Blue Bell branch reopens Tuesday, Oct. 20, at a temporary location after more than two weeks of closure for a renovation move.
The library's new temporary home is at 960C Harvest Drive, Suite 100, in Blue Bell. The branch had been closed since Oct. 1 while staff packed and relocated furniture and collections from the old building at 650 Skippack Pike, according to the library's renovation updates page.
An Oct. 19 update on the page confirmed the move is complete.
Patrons will use the same library card, see the same staff and search the same catalog at the Harvest Drive location. The temporary site offers free parking and zero-step entry for accessibility, according to the library's renovation page. Children's and adult books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers will be available to browse and borrow.
Daily delivery of holds requested for Blue Bell pickup resumes once the branch reopens. New holds for Blue Bell pickup had been suspended during the closure. Patrons were directed to the Ambler Branch at 209 Race St. or any other Montgomery County Library Network (MCLINC) library.
Most programs will continue at the Harvest Drive space, though larger groups will meet at community partner locations. The library's online calendar will list specific program details as they are confirmed.
The renovation at 650 Skippack Pike includes replacing the roof, repaving the parking lot, upgrading outdoor lighting and repairing the sewer system, Around Ambler first reported. Interior work will create spaces for tutoring, studying and community gatherings.
The Whitpain Township Zoning Hearing Board granted the library zoning relief to operate temporarily from the Harvest Drive office building, Around Ambler reported. The renovation is expected to last six to nine months.
The library is also giving away extra furniture that did not fit in the temporary space. Residents can stop by 650 Skippack Pike on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to claim items on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own transportation and loading help; contact Anne Frank at 215-643-1320, ext. 11, with questions.
The Ambler Branch remains open with regular hours and full services during the renovation. The library's e-book collection, digital magazines and streaming movies are also available online.
State Sen. Maria Collett's office holds mobile office hours at the Blue Bell library on the third Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Harvest Drive location.
Upcoming at the library:
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: Reopening day at 960C Harvest Drive; free furniture giveaway at 650 Skippack Pike, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 22: Paper Airplane Workshop, 6–7 p.m., Harvest Drive location
