CENTRE HALL — The Centre County Library & Historical Museum (CCLHM) has announced a major milestone in its ongoing effort to expand and revitalize the Centre Hall Area Branch Library.

The Hamer Foundation has awarded a $750,000 grant, providing significant funding toward creating the accessible and vibrant community space for readers, learners, workers, and families in the Penns Valley region the library has imagined.

The expansion project will double the size of the existing facility, creating a modern, 5,000+ square-foot space.

Key features of the project include:

— A dedicated Community Meeting Space: Quiet study areas and a flexible meeting room to host library programming, public events and community gatherings;

— Expanded Collections: Increased shelving capacity to accommodate more books, digital resources and physical materials.

— Improved Accessibility & Amenities: Upgraded energy-efficient systems, an enlarged entrance vestibule, and enhanced family-friendly amenities such as a family restroom, a dedicated nursing room, and a baby-changing station.

“The expansion of the Centre Hall Area Branch has been a need for many years. We are so grateful to The Hamer Foundation for recognizing the importance of literacy, technology access and lifelong learning,” said Denise Sticha, project manager. “With their support, the Centre County Library & Historical Museum can ensure that future generations of Penns Valley residents will find the enlarged space to be a welcoming community hub.”

Originally built in 1997, the Centre Hall Area Branch Library currently serves more than 12,500 residents across the Penns Valley region. The grant from The Hamer Foundation, alongside a $750,000 Keystone Grant, provides essential momentum to push the capital campaign toward completion.

Members of the public interested in learning more about the Centre Hall Expansion Project, viewing architectural renderings or contributing to the capital campaign can visit www.CentreCountyLibrary.org/expandingcentrehallareabranchlibrary.