Pa. Investing $9.5 Million for Philadelphia Library

  

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - September 18, 2006 (WPVI) -- The state is investing $9.5 million to help expand and renovate the Free Library of Philadelphia's central branch.

That announcement coming today from Governor Ed Rendell.

The grant will be used to offset the project's expected cost of between $120- and $150-million. The money will go toward a renovation of the library's historic Beaux Arts building downtown and a large addition.

Library officials say they now have about $73 million committed to the project, including about $30 million from the city.

Plans also call for 300 new computers with Internet access; a 600-seat auditorium; and departments to support businesses, science and technology work, as well as the visual and performing arts. The library will also add a teen center and children's department.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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