Courtesy photo             A “Topping Off Ceremony” will be held at the site of the new Kennett Library & Resource Center on July 14, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

The new Kennett Library & Resource Center, currently under construction on State Street and slated for a May 2023 opening, continues to reach milestones not only in its capital campaign efforts but in its development.

In mid-July, the Library will soon celebrate another achievement.

On July 14, the public is invited to the Library’s “Topping Off Ceremony,” a long-standing event at construction sites that will mark the placement of the 29,000 square-foot facility’s last steel beam, as well as give thanks to the many members of the construction team who have been at work since the project started last December.

In keeping with the tradition, the beam placed atop the Library will be adorned with an evergreen tree on one end and an American flag on the other.

“Predominantly, topping off ceremonies are reserved for projects that hold significant meaning to the organization and most importantly to the community,” said Jeff Yetter, president of the Library Board of Trustees. “Completing the steel for this building gets us one step closer to opening the new Kennett Library & Resource Center that will transform this community.”

As part of the ceremony, representatives from the Pennsylvania Library Association will present Library officials with Gold Certification for exceeding state library standards. “This is the highest level of achievement for Pennsylvania libraries,” said Library Director Chris Manna. “I’m really excited by the work we do and to be recognized as one of the top performers in the state is a true honor.”

To date, the Library’s “Imagine” capital campaign has raised $15.5 million of the $21.7 million price tag for the new facility, with a goal to open the new Library debt free. Once completed, the Kennett Library & Resource Center will serve the Borough of Kennett Square, East Marlborough; Kennett; Newlin; New Garden; Pennsbury, Pocopson and West Marlborough Townships.

The event will be held at State and Willow streets and will open at 7:00 a.m. for anyone who wants to sign the beam. The formal ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be followed by the raising of the beam at about 9 a.m. Light breakfast refreshments will be offered.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].