Community Corner

Parkland Library: 'Groundbreaking Not Off the Table'

The Executive Director of the Parkland Community Library said that a fall groundbreaking for a new library building in Upper Macungie is still on the table, pending a November voter referendum.

Parkland Community Library officials have not given up hope on breaking ground this fall on a new library facility on Grange Road in Upper Macungie.

Directors recently voted to support a new referendum for the public to determine the future direction of the new library. In addition, directors voted to postpone setting into motion a $9 million to $10 million financing plan to help build the library.

"I would definitely say groundbreaking is not off the table," said Parkland Community Library Executive Director Debbie Jack. "We won't know anything until after the referendum about whether or not we'll break ground. But, I don't think it's off the table."

The referendum will be held on Nov. 5, which is Election Day. 

Earlier this month, a Lehigh County judge ruled in favor of the Parkland School District's decision to lower the library tax from 0.3 mills to 0.1 mill.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The lowering of that funding mechanism by the school board took away needed financial support.

The library's contract with Upper Macungie Township states the library must raise half of the projected $13 million in construction costs before groundbreaking can take place.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Parkland Community Library, currently at 4422 Walbert Ave. in South Whitehall, serves Upper Macungie, South Whitehall and North Whitehall townships and a section of Allentown that is part of the Parkland School District.


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