Cumberland County library to open learning and book sale center

Construction is nearing completion on a Cumberland County library's new learning and book sale center.

The 8,600-square-foot facility is located at 45 W. Allen St. in Mechanicsburg, just a few blocks from the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library's main building.

Officials say the second facility — the Simpson Library Learning & Book Sale Center — is needed because the library lacks sufficient programming and meeting room space, and that the Friends of the Library Book Sales, which raises upwards of $40,000 for the library each year, needed a permanent space.

"The Learning & Book Sale Center is a timely and innovative way for Simpson Library to meet the community's growing needs for library programs," Karen Cochran, chair of the Volunteer Capital Campaign Committee, said in a news release. "And with a permanent home, the Friends of the Library can build on their history of successful fundraising for Simpson."

Simpson Library has raised about 75 percent of the $2 million needed to complete renovations. Donations can be made to the Simpson Library at www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/SIM_Capital_Campaign_2023 .