The Lehighton Area Memorial Library is indeed a place to gather, create, explore, discover and grow.

That was the message as library board members, school board members, borough council members, and others gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the library at 124 North St.

The library also launched its capital campaign, which will help equip the building and replace some of the funds that will be taken from its operating reserve.

Library board member Jane Roberts welcomed those in attendance and said it was an exciting day for the library and the borough.

“We think this is the best place for us to continue to serve our patrons,” Roberts said.

Library board President Jim Blakeslee discussed the history of the library, and said the expansion project was the result of the dedication, hard work and ongoing commitment of many individuals whom he thanked.

Lehighton Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the expansion project is one that’s near and dear to her heart.

Beckett then referred to the occasion as a celebration of the library’s past, present and future.

Lehighton School Board Director Rita Spinelli said the library has great programs that are well-attended, and that the school board is proud to have such an active community library.

Also in attendance were Brad Hurley, representing state Sen. John Yudichak’s office, as well as Timm Berger, representing state Rep. Doyle Heffley’s office.

Berger congratulated the library for moving forward with its expansion.

Tom Gerhard, representing Congressman Dan Meuser’s office, said it was a great day for Lehighton, the library, and Carbon County.

“Today, we congratulate you on your groundbreaking,” Gerhard said.

Kathy Henderson, Director of Economic Development for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp., said it’s a testament to the library that it is expanding in this age of social media.

Henderson said it’s especially a testament to the library board of directors, as well as library Director Melissa Hawk, whom she specifically complimented.

“You do an excellent job,” Henderson said. “We are so lucky to have you.”

Hawk described the importance of the expansion project.

“The addition will give us enough extra space to accommodate the community’s needs while ensuring that we can maintain the facility and continue serving you into the future,” Hawk said.

Hawk said that on Wednesday, the library launched the public phase of its capital campaign, and noted that it has raised one-third of its goal.

On Wednesday, the Lehighton Area Leo Club made a donation of $100.

Hawk told those in attendance she can’t wait to welcome them back for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“With extra space and updated accommodations, we’ll add new activities for children and adults, including concerts, speakers, arts programs and more,” she said. “With an enclosed tech-ready area, we’ll host larger computer classes, job skills, workshops, makerspaces, and many other programs that benefit our community.”

Last month, borough council awarded the bid for the library expansion project to R.C. Construction Associates Inc. in the amount of $391,122.

The bid award was based on the recommendation of Keystone Consulting Engineering Inc. and the library board for the building addition at the library at 124 North St.

R.C. Construction was the low bidder for the project, with two other companies turning in proposals.

Proposed work will include the construction of a proposed 29-by-50-foot addition.

The proposed improvements will also include all the required site improvements; the construction of a new ADA access ramp; and all necessary utility service connections.

Hawk said the library plans to use a Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund Grant it received in the amount of $169,699 toward the building addition. She said it’s a matching grant, and the library will have to contribute to help meet the project cost.

The grant will be used for the construction project, which includes the 1,433-square-foot addition for youth services, community room, two ADA restrooms and a renovated front entrance.

Hawk said the addition will give the library many more options as far as programs are concerned, more space for the programs, and make it easier for people to come and spend time at the library.

She said it will also allow the library to move all of the children’s items into another area, give the library more room in the current area for adults to stay and be able to read, and the community room will give them a private place to meet.

The project had to be bid out a second time after borough council in November rejected the bids that were received after they came in between $100,000 to $200,000 over the library’s budget.

The borough received three bids at that time, including CMG Easton, $496,215; Bracy Construction, $548,500; and Multiscape Inc. $576,821.

As a result, the borough — in conjunction with the library — requested a 12-month extension from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, for which the library has been granted.