The Wissahickon Valley Public Library's Main Library on Skippack Pike in Blue Bell will shut its doors Oct. 1 for a roughly three-week move to a temporary location, the first step in an interior renovation that will replace 1990s-era features throughout the building.
The library plans to reopen Tuesday, Oct. 20, at a rented office space at 960C Harvest Drive, #100, in Blue Bell, according to the library's renovation page. That temporary site will serve as the community's library while construction crews overhaul the permanent building at 650 Skippack Pike.
Cardholders face one immediate change. As of Aug. 17, all holds must be picked up at the Ambler Branch at 209 Race St. or at any other MCLINC consortium library. Holds will not be available at the Main Library during the closure and move period.
What the renovation includes
The project will enclose the Children's Room into a dedicated, secure space; add soundproofed study rooms to meet growing tutoring demand; create a new multi-use room for programs; expand the number of conference rooms; install new furniture; and upgrade to energy-saving LED lighting, according to the library's Spring 2026 newsletter.
Usage has surged. The newsletter reported library visits up 7%, educational programs up 15% and program attendance up 21% year over year in 2025.
The library completed exterior work before turning to the interior, including a new roof, repaved parking lot, upgraded outdoor lighting and sewer repairs.
Funding without a taxpayer ask
Library Director Anne M. Frank wrote in a March 4, 2025, budget letter to the Wissahickon School District board that the library does not plan to ask the district for renovation funds. Instead, the library is using grants, its own reserves and capital fundraising to cover costs. The library's annual operating budget, funded in part through the school district's library tax, is approximately $1.35 million.
Frank signed the lease for the Harvest Drive temporary space around July 24. The library said securing the location was a major step forward in ensuring continuous service to the community during construction.
What residents need to know
- Through Sept. 30: Main Library remains open at regular hours (Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.), but holds must be picked up at Ambler or another MCLINC library.
- Oct. 1–19: Main Library closed for the move.
- Oct. 20: Temporary library opens at 960C Harvest Drive, #100, Blue Bell.
- Ambler Branch: Open at normal hours throughout, at 209 Race St., (215) 646-1072.
The library has not announced a timeline for completing the permanent renovation or a reopening date for the Skippack Pike building. Updates are available at wvpl.org.
