FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2023
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Completion of Three Campaign Projects
RED LION, PA – York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert and local dignitaries addressed the crowd gathered during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion Saturday. Speakers included “Imagine. Discover. Connect.” Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair Bill Shipley, York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, Former Member of the House of Representatives The Honorable Stanley E. Saylor, York County Economic Alliance President and CEO Kevin Schreiber, Kaltreider-Benfer Library Board of Directors President Theresa Craley, and Kaltreider-Benfer Library Executive Director Don Dellinger.
“This is a long-awaited day! A year ago, our library staff moved 45,000 books, shelves, and furniture to make way for construction,” says Dellinger. “We operated out of a temporary site while Warehaus York and Kinsley Construction, Inc designed and led the incredible transformation of our library.” Construction added 3,676 sq. feet to the library, expanding it to 13,358 sq. feet. “We are excited for members to come back into the library to see the new space,” says Dellinger.
According to Lambert, the ribbon-cutting ceremony represents a significant moment for York County Libraries. Kaltreider-Benfer Library is the third and final of YCL’s three capital campaign building projects to be completed. It was in April 2019 that Lambert unveiled the organization’s plans to transform three libraries into state-of-the-art library facilities. This endeavor marks the first simultaneous, multi-location expansion project in York County Libraries’ 49-year history.
“I think the community will embrace the three updated and reimagined libraries,” says Lambert. “It is with great pride that we unveil our third campaign project, Kaltreider-Benfer Library. The newly expanded and renovated library features dedicated children and teen spaces, an open service area, additional computers, seating, and meeting spaces.”
Lambert’s listening tour initially spurred the three projects during his first year as president in 2016. Community members countywide told him they wanted more space and programs for teens and children at their libraries. The community’s wishes became part of YCL’s strategic plan, which led to a capital campaign.
Funds for all three building projects were raised through the “Imagine. Discover. Connect.” capital campaign led by co-chairs Mike Kochenour and Lynda Randall, with the honorary campaign co-chairs Jody Keller, Bill Shipley, and Tony Campisi. A large team of campaign volunteers, generous local support, matching grants, and the Financial Assistance of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania brought the projects to fruition. Kreutz Creek Library and Martin Library celebrated their opening to the public last April and July, respectively.
Kaltreider-Benfer Library is located at 147 S. Charles Street in Red Lion and is open Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. During the summer months, July through Labor Day, Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Kaltreider-Benfer Library is a member of York County Libraries, which includes 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and 80 databases. Their extensive collection of 642,000 physical items and more than one million digital library materials for loan. All are available for free with a York County Libraries card.
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York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert and local dignitaries held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday to reopen Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion. The $2 million renovation and construction project expanded the library to 13,358 square feet. The event marked the completion of York County Libraries’ three capital campaign building projects. Pictured from left to right are York County Economic Alliance President and CEO Kevin Schreiber, York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, Kaltreider-Benfer Library Executive Director Don Dellinger, Kaltreider-Benfer Library Board of Directors President Theresa Craley, York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert, “Imagine. Discover. Connect.” Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair Bill Shipley and Former Member of the House of Representatives, The Honorable Stanley E. Saylor.
MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
[email protected]