Hellertown Council OKs Library Consolidation Plan

The seven members of Hellertown Borough Council didn't take long to unanimously approve a library consolidation proposal presented to them Monday by representatives from the Hellertown Area Library and Lower Saucon Township.

The plan to consolidate services at the Hellertown Area Library will need approval from both Lower Saucon Township Council and the HAL Board of Trustees before it can take effect, but the action by Hellertown Borough Council signaled that a library financially supported by all residents of the Saucon Valley is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Since 1968, Lower Saucon Township has been a part of the Bethlehem Area Public Library system, which also serves other municipalities in both Lehigh and Northampton counties.

However, a task report released last year revealed that about half of township residents use the Hellertown library instead of the Bethlehem Area Public Library.

Currently, the Hellertown Area Library receives no financial support from Lower Saucon Township.

As Hellertown Area Library director Robin Rotherham explained Monday, if the township council ultimately votes to end its relationship and $183,000 per-year contract with the BAPL, and support the HAL, there will be some immediate changes for township residents.

For instance, she said the BAPL Bookmobile service that some Lower Saucon residents enjoy will cease.

However, the idea of a satellite Hellertown library at a location in the township has already been discussed, she said.

Rotherham also said Lower Saucon students who attend Saucon Valley schools will benefit by the HAL's proximity to their campus and compatibility with their library's resources.

The Hellertown Area Library will undergo a minor expansion and interior redesign to better serve a larger number of patrons, she explained.

Parking will be added—as will programs for adults and children—and additional staff will be hired, according to the plan, which was also discussed by Lower Saucon Township manager Jack Cahalan.

"We feel this is doable," Cahalan said of the plan. "Everybody obviously has to sign off on it."

Councilwoman Gail Nolf called the consolidation plan "a good plan" that will benefit the residents of Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

“We can still use Bethlehem [Area Public Library]. Lower Saucon can still use Bethlehem," she said. "There’s no additional cost to us. We still retain budgetary control over everything. It’s a win for us, as Hellertown borough residents, because as our neighbors come in and bring their resources, we can expand the offerings."

Nolf also said she likes the fact that the plan under review will allow for "controlled growth" of the Hellertown Area Library.

Lower Saucon Township Council is expected to vote on the plan—which would take effect Jan. 1, 2014—at its next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Photo: The Hellertown Area Library is located at 409 Constitution Ave., Hellertown (Patch file photo)