Senator Muth Announces $1.14 Million Grant for Honey Brook Library Expansion

Submitted by: Jennifer Spade, on behalf of Honey Brook Library

HONEY BROOK October 12, 2022 State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) today joined leaders from Honey Brook Community Library, the Chester County Library System, and local community members to announce a $1.14 million state grant for the much-needed expansion of the Honey Brook Community Library.

The grant, funded through the Department of Community and Economic Development, will nearly double the size of the current Honey Brook Library – adding more programming and community space, improving ventilation, and adding additional dedicated learning space for children, teens, and adults.

“Honey Brook Library has been such an important part of the community for the past 60 years, but the community has outgrown the space – and I could not be more thrilled to announce this $1.14 million state grant to expand and upgrade the library,” Muth said. “Libraries have been the one consistent thing in life and no matter where I lived, there was a library – a place that was safe, welcoming and a guaranteed place to clear your head, read something new, research a topic, or find helpful resources – and Honey Brook Community Library does all of that and more for this community. This expansion project will do so much good for our community and for learners of all ages.”

A building report prepared in 2019 declared the current size of the library insufficient to serve its constituents and deliver the over 275 programs offered by the library. The project is expected to be completed in three phases which will are scheduled to be completed by early 2024.

“I would like to thank Senator Katie Muth and her office for this amazing opportunity that this grant brings to the Honey Brook Community Library. Expanding the library will allow us to better meet the needs of our patrons and our community by adding a community meeting room and more space for our children’s collections,” Jennifer Spade, Executive Director, Honey Brook Community Library, said. “We are so thankful for this opportunity.”

The first phase of the project includes the construction of a new Community Center and a remodel of the main library infrastructure, exterior and parking lot. The second phase will include the construction of a new children and young adults’ area. The final phase includes the construction of a new adult reading area.

“Libraries are about building community. This project will help the Honey Brook community build additions to their library that will allow the library to meet community needs,” Joseph Sherwood, Executive Director of the Chester County Library System, stated. “This doesn’t happen without support from local municipalities, our County commissioners, and our elected State Legislators like Senator Muth, as well as all of the volunteers and members of the public. On this beautiful Fall day, it is a special day, because this project will lead to a brighter tomorrow meeting the community’s needs.”

Honey Brook Community Library is one of fifteen libraries in the Chester County Library System.

“The Trustees of the Honey Brook Community Library are very grateful to accept this generous grant from the State of PA that will allow us to provide greater support to this growing community,” Rocky Avvento, President of the Honey Brook Community Library Board of Trustees, added.

For more information on Honey Brook Library, visit www. honeybrooklibrary.org/