Dawkins announces $1 million grant for Frankford Library project

HARRISBURG, Dec. 28 -– State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., today announced that a $1 million state grant was awarded to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation for renovations at the Franklin Library.

“It is important to me that we bring money back to the district for projects like this,” Dawkins said. “The services provided by our libraries are indispensable and I’m pleased that the governor recognizes the importance of our libraries, schools and other historic sites especially at a crazy time like we are in now. It is in these times that the state needs to lend a hand in keeping projects on track so that our residents can benefit from the results in the future.”

The renovations include:

  • Sidewalk upgrades and new landscaping.
  • Signage, lighting and a new entry awning and lobby.
  • New meeting and study rooms enclosed with glass partitions on main level.
  • Lower level reconfiguration to provide an additional meeting room.
  • Consolidation of existing storage spaces to create a new staff workspace.
  • Kitchen renovation.
  • A new passenger elevator.
  • Main stair reconfiguration.

The grant money is part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant program that is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement programs.