UPDATE: 11/20/25
It’s been a little while since our last update, and we’re glad to share more about the progress happening behind the scenes as we continue restoring areas impacted by the facilities emergency.
We’re happy to report that all affected spaces are now fully dried and we have officially moved into the reconstruction phase of the project. Our teams and contractors have been working steadily to bring everything back to a safe, welcoming state.
What’s Been Completed So Far
- Drying & mitigation work is finished — all impacted areas have been stabilized.
- Drywall repairs in both the Community Room and the Adult Non-Fiction section have been completed.
- Ceiling tiles have been replaced throughout the damaged zones.
- New lighting installation is underway, improving visibility and energy efficiency as we rebuild.
What’s Still in Progress
While we’re pleased with how much has been accomplished, several important steps remain:
- New flooring for the Community Room and Adult Reference areas is currently on order. We do not yet have a confirmed delivery date.
- Flooring installation will begin as soon as materials arrive. A timeline for this phase is still to be determined.
- Re-shelving the Non-Fiction collection will follow. We’re grateful to have the ServiceMaster team assisting us with organizing and returning materials to the stacks once the space is ready.
Thank You for Your Patience
We know how much these spaces mean to our community, and we’re truly grateful for your understanding throughout this process. Progress may feel slow at times, but every step brings us closer to reopening the Community Room and Non-Fiction areas safely and fully.
We’ll continue to share updates as soon as new information becomes available. We look forward to welcoming you back into these restored spaces soon!
UPDATE: 10/14/25
We were so happy to welcome everyone back to the library after our six-day closure!
There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes to plan for and coordinate the much-needed restoration work. We’ve received approval to move forward, and the repairs will begin in the coming weeks. Landau Building Company will oversee the project. Landau is a longtime partner of the library whose past work includes our 1999 expansion, roof replacement, and the Storytime Room renovation last year.
The initial phase will focus on getting the Community Room back in order, allowing us to reopen that space for programs and events as soon as possible. The Adult Non-Fiction area will follow, which requires more extensive work, including ceiling, drywall, and carpet replacement. Since crews need to work around existing structures with more labor intensive steps (like moving each book case to replace the carpet underneath!), this phase of the project will take longer to complete.
What Services are Available?
- 📚 Collections – while the main Non-Fiction area is closed, a popular selection will be available to browse and borrow.
- 💻 Computers – a number of computers have been temporarily relocated in the Adult Department. Some services may be limited during this time.
- 🏛️ Community Room Closed – this space remains closed; check our Library Calendar for updates.
- ✅ Study Rooms Available – private study and meeting rooms are still available to reserve.
We appreciate your patience and support as we move forward, and we look forward to having the library fully up and running soon!
UPDATE: 9/24/25
OPENING DATE SET!
Sewickley Public Library will reopen on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 at 1:00 PM. While some areas remain closed for repairs, we’re excited to welcome you back to browse, borrow, and connect. 
The library will resume regular hours following our reopening.
What about the Broadside Terrace Garden Party?
- Due to unfavorable weather, the Broadside Terrace Garden Party event will be moved to the scheduled rain date: Thursday, October 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All updates regarding the Garden Party will be shared on our Library Calendar.
What’s Available When the Library Opens?
- 📚 Collections Available – while the main Non-Fiction area is closed, a popular selection will be available to browse and borrow.
- 💻 Computers Available – a number of computers have been temporarily relocated in the Adult Department. Some services may be limited during this time.
- 🏛️ Community Room Closed – events and programs normally held here are being adjusted; check our Library Calendar for updates.
- ✅ Study Rooms Available – private study and meeting rooms are still available to reserve.
- 📅 Holds Extended – any items scheduled to expire during our closure have been extended.
We look forward to seeing you again soon and thank you for standing by us as we recover. 💖
UPDATE: 9/23/25
The Sewickley Public Library experienced a facilities emergency on Friday, September 19 causing major water damage throughout the building.
What Happened?
- An overnight failure with an EXISTING HVAC coil caused significant water damage/flooding to our facilities.
- This damage was NOT caused by the recent HVAC work completed two years ago.
What Areas Were Affected?
- The damage affected the upstairs Community Room, the Non-Fiction & Computer Areas in Adult Reference downstairs, as well as adjacent staff work areas.
- Most damage was to ceilings, drywall, shelving and flooring.
- Only a very small percentage of the non-fiction print and audio collections were damaged (about 100 items).
What We’re Doing:
- Contracted crews have been on-site since Friday with powerful fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas
- We are moving collections and equipment out of affected zones
- We are continuing to monitor air quality to ensure a safe environment for all visitors and staff
When Will the Library Reopen?
As of 9/23, the library remains CLOSED until further notice.We reopen on Thursday, September 25 at 1:00pm!- We are still determining when we can reopen. We hope it will be soon. Please know we are just as eager to bring our services back as many of you are and we will share opening information as soon as possible.
What about the Broadside Terrace Garden Party?
We are still hosting the Broadside Terrace Garden Party as planned on Thursday, September 25.[Due to unfavorable weather, the Broadside Terrace Garden Party event will be moved to thescheduled rain date: Thursday, October 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm.] The only change to that event would be if the weather does not cooperate. All updates regarding the Garden Party will be shared on our Library Calendar.
What’s Available When the Library Does Open?
- The outside book drop remains open to return materials.
- The Community Room (second floor), Non-Fiction Adult Collection (first floor) and Adult Computer Area (first floor) will be closed for repairs.
- A limited selection of popular non-fiction titles will be available to browse and borrow.
- A select number of computers will be temporarily relocated in the Adult Department for access. Some services may be limited during this time.
- Any items on hold that were scheduled to expire during the library’s closure will be extended through Monday, September 29. Please call if you have questions about your holds.
- All program/event changes or cancellations will be posted on our Library Calendar.
Where Do I Find More Information?
The most up-to-date information will be posted here on our website at www.sewickleylibrary.org.
POSTED: 9/19/25
The Sewickley Public Library experienced a facilities emergency on Friday, September 19, when an air conditioning HVAC unit part malfunctioned causing major water damage throughout the building. Areas affected include our community room, non-fiction section, computer area, and staff workrooms.
The library will be CLOSED from FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 as our team and contractors work to clean up and assess damaged areas. While we plan to reopen on Wednesday, September 24, the closure may be extended, if necessary.
During the closure:
- All scheduled library programs, events and room reservations, are cancelled
- The outside book drop will be OPEN
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share messages of support and love for SPL during this time. Library staff and work crews are working hard to get our facilities back in action!
We will keep the community informed as we learn more about our timeline for reopening. Please check our website, sewickleylibrary.org, for the most up-to-date information.
