Efforts underway to make Aspinwall library/community center accessible 'for all'

With its tree-lined streets and walkable neighborhood, Aspinwall could benefit from a community center that offers game nights, book-borrowing, gardening and a café.

That’s according to residents Amy and Christian Lima who are spearheading a nonprofit effort to open the Aspinwall Library — the name of which belies the variety of programs to be hosted inside.

“These days, a library doesn’t need so many books to be the center of the community,” Christian said. “We hope for a place where people can congregate, study, have day care and meetings, all with a good wireless connection.”

Fundraising is underway at aspinwall-library.org.

Christian, a family physician, and Amy, a stay-at-home nurse practitioner, admit the lofty goal is a bit out of their comfort zone.

“Honestly we still don’t know what makes us think we can pull this off, but we are going to try our best,” Amy said.

“We love libraries, and we have three kids who all love books. We like being part of the community, and there is a demonstrated need for a nice facility that can provide these things.”

The plan is to purchase a building not too far from the municipal offices and repurpose it with energy efficient features to create a space easily accessible by walking and where everyone is welcome.

There will be study space, activities for senior citizens, indoor play space and an art room with 3D printers.

Other ideas include toy lending, book clubs, painting classes, bingo and outdoor theater.

The Lima’s are eyeing a 12,000 square-foot space along Center Avenue but the deal is not yet formal. If approved, they expect the purchase and renovations to top $1.3 million.

“After the initial costs, we hope to be sustainable without the need for continued donations,” Amy said.

Operating expenses would be covered by renting space to a daycare and café.

Aspinwall council has heard initial plans but has not yet seen a formal proposal. The project would need to meet borough zoning codes.

A realistic timeline puts a grand opening in two years, though they are tapping into the experience and knowledge of friends and strangers to fast-track it.

“There are a ton of brains in this area who have done this kind of thing before, and we are fully relying on their help,” Christian said.

On board is resident Randy Stanger, who is helping with marketing and web design.

Stanger said support for the effort is gaining strength, largely because Aspinwall is a close-knit borough that thrives on a strong sense of community.

“The library and community center is an initiative to benefit the residents by providing a location for people to gather and socialize,” Stanger said.

Since the initial proposal, residents have been chiming in with suggestions for programs they would like to see, including bike fix-it training and gardening clubs.

“Of course a library and promoting reading is intended as the central function, with walkability and accessibility as a driving factor,” Stanger said.

A recent holiday decorating contest and a fundraiser with live music performed from the Limas’ front porch along Brilliant Avenue helped pulled in more than $2,000. Other events are planned for coming months.

To people who ask why a separate facility is necessary with a community center only a few miles away in O’Hara, Amy said she is driven by accessibility.

“This won’t be a membership center,” she said. “And a lot of folks in town don’t drive. That includes the teens and the older residents. They need somewhere to study, read the paper, shoot the breeze.”

To learn more, visit aspinwall-library.org.