PHILADELPHIA PA — Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, PA Senator Anthony Williams, and community members broke ground on an $8.5 million renovation project at the Blanche A. Nixon Library located in West Philadelphia on November 21, 2023. The renovation is set to transform the historic library into a modern, accessible facility for the local community.
Mayor Kenney highlighted the need for accessibility improvements at the library, which was built in the 1900s, to meet the needs of all residents equitably. The upgrades, funded by a $1.4 million grant secured by U.S. Senator Bob Casey, will include a new entrance ramp, bathrooms, and an elevator.
The Blanche A. Nixon Library, a community mainstay in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, will benefit from nearly $1.7 million in grants, including $250,000 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and federal Community Project Funding for ADA upgrades.
Rebuild, a city initiative committed to investing in neighborhood parks, libraries, and recreation centers, is spearheading the renovation efforts. The organization is currently renovating multiple sites in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, including the library.
The planned renovations at the Blanche A. Nixon Library include a new outdoor amphitheater, upgraded walking paths, ADA upgrades, a new playful learning area, updated furniture and finishes, newly installed windows, exterior doors, HVAC and lighting, and a new family toilet room. A special feature will be the Blanche A. Nixon Memorial Art Sculpture, created in partnership with Percent for Art.
The library, opened in 1925, has been a critical resource for community members of all ages. It was renamed in 1990 to honor Blanche Nixon, a Cobbs Creek community activist and library volunteer. The renaming signified the community’s commitment to continue Nixon’s dedication to local children.
Rebuild is known for its commitment to diversity and minority-owned business participation. At Blanche Library, project construction includes 36.7 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 23.2 percent Women Business Enterprises (WBE), while professional services participation comprises 54.4 percent MBEs and 22.5 percent WBEs.
The groundbreaking of the Blanche A. Nixon Library renovation project marks a significant step towards enhancing community resources and preserving the rich history of the West Philadelphia neighborhood.
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