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Free Library of
Northampton Township 25 Upper Holland Road Richboro, PA 18954-1514 
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Township
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Free Library of Northampton
Township
(215) 357-3050 |
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While it might have been a quiet first day for the Northampton library to strut its newly renovated stuff, that’s just what was intended. Librarian Virginia Volkman said the library purposely didn’t have any books due Wednesday nor did it have any programs planned. Instead, she said, the library decided to slip quietly into its new status as a resource three times the size of its previous state. While the library opened after the first phase of construction was completed, a floor-to-ceiling plywood wall ran through the middle of the building as the second phase of work was finished. After being closed for 11 days earlier this month, Wednesday was the debut of the completed $5 million undertaking, which transformed the library from a 10,000-square-foot space to a 30,000-square-foot booklovers haven. “It’s beyond what I ever imagined,” Volkman said of the space, which boasts a significantly enlarged children’s section, new meeting areas, a large community room, a computer lab, private study spaces and even a spot for a future Starbuckslike café. To keep the facility cutting-edge, the library this week will install wireless Internet so patrons can bring their own laptops and connect to the Web. “The only thing that’s exactly the same is our conference room,” Volkman said, pointing down the hall from the lobby. “I could never have envisioned how dramatic it would be.” Patrons seemed to agree. “I think it’s great,” said Peggy Fioravanti, who was accompanying her child on one of three new kids section computers, which were purchased with a state community development grant. “We love to come here.” Ray Heller said his daughter loves the new expansion so much that “she wants to hug it.” Volkman said the library doesn’t need to purchase a significant amount of books to fill the new shelves. “We’ve been buying books all along. Now we just have a place to put them,” she said, adding that the 2007 library budget will include a bigger materials budget, thanks to the state. Volkman said the library has not committed to adding more staff but might consider it while building the 2007 budget. Previously, the library shared the building with the township senior center, which has moved across the street. Renovations to the library began in fall 2004. Kara Fitzpatrick can be reached at 215-949-4190 or kfitzpatrick@phillyBurbs.com.
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