975 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216 Map
(716) 875-3748

The North Park Library has relocated!

Effective Thursday, September 17, 2009, the branch is now located at 975 Hertel Avenue in the plaza just to the west of KMart.

The new site has the following features:

• almost 4,000 square feet of space
• a 15 seat computer lab
• a spacious children's area with 5 computers designated specificallly for children
• 4 internet express computers in the main part of the library
• ample seating to relax with a book or a magazine
• RFID technology for speedy checkout
• a self checkout machine
• ample parking
• handicap accessible

Stop by the new library to check out what we have to offer.

Why was the old North Park Library closed?
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library's North Park Branch was closed in late April 2008, when routine site preparation testing results indicated elevated levels of lead dust in public areas of the building.

A comprehensive engineering and contaminant study was completed by
Watts Engineering, the cost of which was shared between the Library and the City; a full-text copy of the report is available below. Tests
indicated, among other significant facility issues, elevated levels of lead paint dust residue. The Library Board, in consultation with the City, decided not to reopen the building based on this report.

The Lookie Bookie library van was on site providing limited service at the Delaware/Hertel corner site until October, 2008. And while a request to reopen the former Fairfield library was explored, the condition of that building was even more deteriorated than North Park. An article from the Parkside Association's newsletter shares the experience of a recent walk through the building.

Discussions with the City regarding a temporary space commenced
immediately after the report, and after a collaborative comprehensive
review of numerous possible sites (commercial and City owned), the
location at 975 Hertel Avenue was determined to be the most convenient,
cost effective and could be opened with the fastest turn-around; the City and Library opted for the 4,000 sq. ft option instead of the 8,000 option outlined in the proposal which significantly reduced monthly and one-time costs. The Library submitted floor plan requests to the contractor and commenced the process of working with the City to reopen a library for the residents of North Buffalo.

And while this is a milestone we are happy to celebrate, we now look
forward to the opportunity to work with the City and the North Buffalo
community on planning for the future of library services in North Buffalo.

Links
Engineering study
Fairfield library bulletin
List of sites considered

The next scheduled holiday for this location is Wednesday, November 11, 2009 (Veterans Day).