When the Manheim Community Library moves into its new location on the campus of Pleasant View Communities, there will be a lot more breathing room.

"We will be moving from a space approximately 2,500 square feet to one over 7,500 square feet," said Ken Hameloth, library board president.

Construction on the new site is set to begin this month, with a tentative move-in date of late 2024. "As with any project of this size, many variables will affect this timeline," Hameloth noted.

The move is part of Pleasant View's Hoffer Farm project, an extension of the campus on Penryn Road in Manheim that will feature a cultural center, a teaching kitchen, a child care center and a maker space, among other amenities.

"Pleasant View CEO Jonathan Hollinger and (Hameloth) have been working on this project with their respective boards since late 2016," said Stacey Gibble Barrick, president of the Friends of the Manheim Community Library. "Both have committed to bringing this cooperative project to fruition. It was delayed for several years due to the pandemic."

The larger space will provide opportunities for expanded programming, activities and more, Hameloth said, noting that the new library will include open spaces, a dedicated children's area and computers for public use, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding farmland.

And it will feature something perhaps just as beautiful in the eyes of Manheim Community Library patrons - parking. "There will be plenty of parking," Hameloth said, alluding to the sparse parking options around the library's current location. "Also, with the increased space will come the ability for much more programming, both for children and adults. The large event space in the cultural center will open up many opportunities, as well as the teaching kitchen and on-site maker space."

Both Hameloth and Barrick emphasized that the library can always use financial support from the public, especially as the move gets underway.

"Fundraising has just begun, and no donation is too small," Hameloth stated. "Another way to show support is to become a Friend of the Manheim Community Library."

For more information or to join the library's Friends group, visit https://manheimlibrary.org.