The Pennsylvania Avenue entrance to the North Wales Area Library is seen in 2022. Photo by Dan Sokil | The Reporter.
Volunteers, Girl Scouts help prep new spaces as library plans refreshed areas
North Wales Area Library is closed Wednesday and Thursday as crews complete renovations aimed at refreshing its Children’s and Teen sections.
Library officials said the short closure will allow staff and volunteers to create more inviting, functional spaces for young readers and teens. The library, which serves residents of North Wales Borough, Upper Gwynedd Township and North Penn School District municipalities, described the project as part of its ongoing role as a community hub, offering more than just books.
Much of the prep work has been community-powered. Library leaders gave a public thank-you to Girl Scout Troop 84G for helping organize the children’s area ahead of painting and updates. Additional volunteers, including Erin Thompson, Nicole Skinner, Jeff Ferguson, and Helena Mansson, were also credited with helping coordinate and prepare the space. Social media teasers show fresh new paint colors already going up.
The renovation push comes during “Love Your Library February,” and the library is inviting community members to support the makeover through an online wish list. Items sought include bean bag chairs, storage containers, a front door mat, and gaming equipment and games for the teen section.
Even with the temporary closure, programming remains on the calendar. Students in grades 4 through 8 are invited to attend an AI workshop series, with sessions scheduled for Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 from 3 to 4 p.m. Registration is required through the library’s website.
The updates follow a recent high-profile event at the library, where the Montgomery County Association of Township Officials and the library co-hosted a municipal mixer for elected officials. Leaders, including MCATO President and Montgomery Township Supervisors Vice Chair Beth Staab, highlighted the role libraries play as partners in local government and community development, underscoring the facility’s continued importance beyond traditional lending services.
Library officials said they look forward to reopening with the updated youth spaces in the coming days.
The library, at 233 S. Swartley St., was founded in 1924 in the basement of North Wales Elementary School. In 2007, the district notified the library of its intention to reclaim the space, prompting the need for the library to move to its current location, which it purchased in 2008 and opened in January 2010.
The library offers free access to programs and activities for all members and hosts events including children's story times, computer and online training, and adult health and education classes.
The library is open 44 hours a week and offers free membership. It takes part in the state inter-library loan program.
It is overseen by Director Jennifer Koch and Assistant Director of Operations & Programming Erin Thompson. Board members include new President Tanya Bamford, who is also chair of the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors, Vice President Jackie Oberholtzer, Treasurer Hailey Nelson, Secretary Megan Joung, and members Jocelyn Tenney, Pam Gallagher, Joye Bramble, Jennifer DiMario, Regina Powell, and Jeff Ferguson.
It is open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Sunday.
