Northland Public Library Opens “New Northland” Space
Yearlong construction project ushers in a new chapter for community asset
McCANDLESS, Pa., December 19, 2025 – Northland Public Library has officially opened the doors to its renovated and expanded space after a yearlong construction project. The “New Northland” features a two-story building extension, new accessible lower-level entrance, a Commonplace Coffee cafe, expanded and dedicated teen space, a mezzanine reading level with panoramic views, and a new Conference Room on the upper level.
“We are ecstatic to start writing the next chapter in Northland’s story,” said Amy Steele, Executive Director of Northland. “The New Northland continues to serve our mission and to position the library as a third space for the communities we serve.”
Entering through a brand-new accessible main entrance patrons will be met with a centralized service desk where checkouts, customer service and material pickups will occur. A new, non-spiral, staircase leads to the mezzanine reading level and to the upper level of the library. The Book Nook, Northland’s used bookstore, welcomes a new, more visible space on the lower level. On the upper level a new Conference Room is available for library sponsored programs and public rentals and new collaborative seating in the expanded floorspace.
Commonplace Coffee Northland is prominently featured on the lower level with towering glass windows, long banquette seating, collaborating tables and a special nook under the stairs for patrons to grab a coffee and scratch made baked goods from Commonplace’s Bakery.
“It’s a partnership very much with a shared passion for care and craft,” notes Steele. “Commonplace’s focus on the entire coffee experience from sourcing and roasting their beans to their cafe experience and connection with the community to the alignment of our missions and ethos, we’re truly looking forward to our partnership.”
The New Northland project is the first major reimaging and construction project to take place at the building since 2004. As one of the busiest libraries in Allegheny County, Northland’s need for expansion was necessary to continue serving their mission and impacting local communities.
“The renovation was driven not by a desire for better aesthetics (although it is awfully beautiful), but by Northland’s ongoing mission to create a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for all. Now our ever-growing population of after-school teens have the perfect environment to build community. Our new meeting room’s glass wall invites everyone to peek in on even more expanded programming. Our patrons can grab a latte and muffin in our cafe and then find a peaceful nook to enjoy the free Wi-Fi or maybe connect with new friends. And we have stairs that are safer and more accessible for all of our patrons,” notes Dana Getz, President of the Northland Public Library Authority Board.
The Library is planning for an “Open House” type event on an upcoming Saturday in January. Watch their social media for an announcement for the event.
Northland is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. during Northland’s “regular schedule” (the weekend after Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend) when the library is open on Sundays.
The Library worked with local architects R3A, FMS Construction, Sargent Electric, Vrabel Plumbing,, Combustion Services and Equipment, Inc. and numerous local companies and partners.
More information on Northland can be found on the Library’s Facebook or Instagram pages @NorthlandLibrary.
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“New Northland” Construction project – introduction press release – Fall 2024
Northland will be transformed inside and out as part of an extensive building reimaging and renovation construction project. A brand-new lower-level entrance, increased accessibility, an open lower lobby and service areas, a renovated layout and extended social spaces…And yes, no more spiral staircase…highlight this exciting new era for Northland.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2025.
Major adjustments – for FULL information of all adjustments and disruptions please click HERE!
- Please be aware for the duration of the project the lower-level main entrance will be CLOSED. The lower-level lobby will be CLOSED and the service desks will be relocated to Meeting Room 1 (see below).
- Access to the Children and Teen Services area, restrooms and meeting rooms (see below for adjustments to the meeting rooms) on the lower level will be OPEN.
- Upper-level entrance will be OPEN and handicap accessible
- Temporary lower-level entrance will be available near the lower-level parking lot – near the Shipping and Receiving doors (“back” of building). Please follow the “yard signs” directing to “Temporary Entrance.”
- Materials checkout / Holds Pickup / Customer Service “desk” will be located on the lower level in Meeting Room 1 – down the hallway past the elevator area (near the restrooms).
FOR FULL INFORMATION ON SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS AND DISRUPTIONS PLEASE CLICK HERE! This link provides a full rundown of adjustments and disruptions – please check it out! Seriously, lots of important information!
Please bear with us throughout this project as we’ll need to make adjustments and last-minute updates as the project progresses. There will be some disruptions. We sincerely appreciate your patience and kindness. Check our social media often for any updates and adjustments.
Follow along with our progress on our social media pages, namely Facebook and Instagram.
Project highlights include:
- New exterior lower level building “extension”
- Cafe space in the new lower level extension for collaborating and connecting
- Enhanced check out and customer service desk / areas
- An inviting and open lower level lobby
- Expanded and dedicated “teen space”
- Mezzanine reading level with panoramic views
- New meeting space on the upper level with panoramic views
- New staircase – No. More. Spiral. Staircase.
- …and more
If you want to help support this project click here for opportunities, including engraved paver and other naming rights opportunities.
Note: Renderings shown for illustration purposes only. Final project may differ.
Architects: R3A Architecture
General Construction Contractor: FMS Construction Company
Electrical Contractor: Sargent Electric
Plumbing Contractor: Vrabel Plumbing Company
In addition to support from our municipalities, this project is supported, in part, through grants from: The Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Department of Education, with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority; the Federal COVID-19 ARPA Pandemic Response Program under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development; the federal Department of Treasury, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority . This project is supported by a one-time grant for libraries from the Allegheny County Regional Asset District (RAD).
In addition, thank you to our municipal partners for their continual support and generosity – Borough of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park Borough, Marshall Township, Town of McCandless, Ross Township – as well as the Northland Public Library Foundation for their efforts to manage donations, fundraise and advocate for Northland and our mission.
