Those who have driven past the Honey Brook Community Library (HBCL) lately may have noticed the huge construction project that is currently underway. Because of the work being done, the library will be temporarily closed to the public for in-person visits until mid-January 2025.

However, curbside pickup will be available on select days and hours, subject to the construction schedule. For the latest updates on curbside pickup, library patrons may visit http://www.honeybrooklibrary.org or search for "Honey Brook Community Library" on Facebook. The Facebook page also contains drone images of the construction's progress.

Community members are encouraged to download the ChesCo Library System app on their smartphones, which offers a convenient way for patrons to place holds on books and other materials. On designated curbside pickup days, HBCL patrons can collect their reserved items in a drive-up format from their cars. When arriving, patrons are asked to call the library at 610-273-3303, and a staff member will bring the items out.

Library director Jennifer Spade said that the app allows people to search for items they may be interested in borrowing while the library is closed to the public. "You can search by subject or by author or by exact title, and it will bring items up that are available throughout the county, and it will give you an option to place a hold," she explained. "The hold can be sent to another library that is open, or you can select (HBCL). We are only here with very limited hours, so you can decide where you want your hold to go."

Spade noted that anyone who holds an HBCL library card can use it at any library in the Chester County Library System (CCLS). "If you have a Honey Brook Library card, (the app) will default to Honey Brook. But if the hours we are available don't work, there is a dropdown menu, and you can switch to Parkesburg or Atglen and it will be sent there," she noted.

The "hold" service is offered year-round to CCLS patrons. "It's a fantastic service, and it's free," noted Spade. "It usually takes two or three days from the time you place your hold (for the item to arrive at a library)."

Library staff members and volunteers are currently unable to occupy the building full time during the renovation. "First, we have demo going on, and we have no (indoor) bathrooms," said Spade. "Staff is only allowed to work for three-hour increments. Plus we don't want to be in the way of the workmen."

Upon completion, the project, which will nearly double the building's space, will include new and improved areas, including a community room, a dedicated children and young adult wing, an adult reading room with a section for local history and expanded areas for books and materials.

"Phase 1 is finished, (and that included) the addition. Phase 2 is the remodeling," Spade explained, noting that there were some weather delays during the project, as well as a Thanksgiving break. "Right now, Phase 2 is slated to be done mid-January - around Jan. 20. We have four to five weeks of work left to be done, but with the Christmas holiday, work won't be done between Christmas and New Year's. So it pushes (work) back a bit."

"Hopefully, we won't have snow," she added. "Our contractors are from different parts of the (state). As long as the weather holds up, they will be here."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place sometime in February 2025.

Due to unforeseen costs and with the expansion nearing completion, the library is seeking additional funds. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the library's capital campaign by donating to the "Leave a Legacy" program on the capital campaign donor tree, a wall-mounted donor recognition tree that will be displayed in the lobby. The tree recognizes patrons who contribute a set donation. Various colored leaves that correspond to the level of contribution are currently available to purchase, as well as acorns and doves for larger donors. People can write "in memory of," or businesses can write their names on the leaves. Donations can be made at http://www.honeybrooklibrary.org by clicking the "Capital Campaign" button.

"One patron shared his heartfelt testimony about contributing to the donor tree in memory of his wife, a devoted library fan," added Spade. "He believes this tribute would have made her happy, and (he) takes comfort in knowing that her name will be remembered by many."

The Honey Brook Community Library is located at 687 Compass Road, (Route 10), Honey Brook. For more information about the project or to donate, contact Spade at 610-273-3303 or jspade@ccls.org.