Library Parking Project

Dear Community Member,

As many of our neighbors know, since the William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning reopened its doors on Joshua Road in 2012, we’ve become very good at fulfilling our mission “to be a resource center that serves the diverse and changing needs of the community by providing materials, programs, and services for education, enrichment, and enjoyment.” The most obvious side effect of this popularity has been increased attendance at our regular programs, special events, and just everyday use. It’s been clear to us for some time that while the expanded building is serving many needs, the parking lot is not. The number one concern our patrons and neighbors have expressed to us is the lack of sufficient off-street parking. We’ve been engaged in discussions with Whitemarsh Township for a way to solve this problem that lessens the strain on our neighbors, as well as addresses a very real public safety concern.

At our request, the Township has commissioned a conceptual drawing of what an expanded parking lot would look like. Click HERE to view that initial concept drawing from 2017.

As part of the work that would be undertaken to create more parking, the Township would also address the serious water incursion that has affected the Library for the past few years. Through regrading and proper drainage, the runoff would be routed underground to the McCarthy Park Basin. Water in the Library has caused extensive—and expensive—damage to the building and, on occasion, program cancellation and library closures. Again, the Library has been working to address these issues for years and a significant regrading project is necessary.

May 2018 Update: The Township is moving forward to commission an engineering plan for the lot expansion and regrading work. Click here to view the draft of that plan as it was presented at an open meeting on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

October 2018 Update: The Township has revised the plan based on community feedback. Click Revised Plan to view that plan.

Please feel free to contact the Library Director with any questions (lclancy@mclinc.org). Subscribe to our newsletter or visit our website for updates. We look forward to improving the conditions at the William Jeanes Memorial Library for the benefit of this community!