Politics & Government

Moon Library Trustees Explore Renovation Options

Moon Township Public Library officials are taking steps to revamp the Beaver Grade Road building.

The Moon Library Board of Trustees is taking the initial steps toward a potential renovation of the library's Beaver Grade Road building. 

Library officials have tapped the Coraopolis firm Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering Inc. to conduct early feasibility studies on an extensive overhaul of the building, which would include an addition. 

"We've really out grown the existing space," said John Shaver, treasurer for the board of trustees. "We have more than 52,000 items in our collection but in order for new items to be added, we have to put old ones away." 

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Trustees are examining the potential cost, fundraising options and building feasibility involved in the potential project. 

Joseph Kranyak, vice president of the board, said the library will determine the specifics of the plan during the next six months. 

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Neither the board of trustees or Moon Board of Supervisors have taken any formal action on the project. 

"This is still very preliminary," Kranyak said. "What we've gone and done is engaged the services of an engineering firm, really to indicate that this is something we're serious about." 

Early estimates for the project are in excess of $1 million. Kranyak said he expects the library to raise most of the funding through philanthropy. 

Kranyak and Shaver said trustees hope to expand upon the library's programming and services, including adding more space for tutoring services. 

"We need more tutoring rooms and studying rooms," Shaver said. "And we need more space for our children's programs. The worst thing you can do is have to turn a child away because a program is filled." 

Crews recently completed an heating and air conditioning system and roof replacement at the 1700 Beaver Grade Road facility, which also houses MCA-TV, the township real estate tax office and the Moon Township Municipal Authority.

In 2011, the township conducted a real estate search, scouting existing township properties to relocate the office.

The effort ended with the library committing to remain at its Beaver Grade Road location, Shaver said. The building once served as the Montour Golf Club golf house until it was purchased by the township in 1994. 


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