Construction of the new Kennett Library & Resource Center is about to reach a new milestone with the placement of the last steel beam. To be held on July 14, this event marks the “topping off” of a project that has been planned for more than 20 years and will serve the community for generations to come. 

The event site at State and Willow streets will open at 7 AM for anyone who wants to sign the beam. The formal ceremony will begin at 8:30 AM, followed by the raising of the beam at 9 AM. Light breakfast refreshments will be offered. 

“Predominantly, topping-off ceremonies are reserved for projects that hold significant meaning to the organization and, most importantly, to the community,” said Jeff Yetter, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “Completing the steel for this building gets us one step closer to opening the new Kennett Library & Resource Center that will transform this community.”  

As part of the ceremony, representatives from the PA Library Association will present the Kennett Library with Gold Certification for exceeding state library standards.

“This is the highest level of achievement for Pennsylvania libraries.  I’m really excited by the work we do and to be recognized as one of the top performers in the state is a true honor,” said Library Director Chris Manna. 

A topping-off ceremony is a long-standing tradition of construction workers, particularly steel workers, to commemorate the completion of a building’s structure – specifically the placement of the final steel beam. In keeping with the tradition, the beam placed atop the Kennett Library & Resource Center will be adorned with an evergreen tree on one end and an American flag on the other.  

The Kennett Library & Resource Center will serve the Borough of Kennett Square, as well as East Marlborough, Kennett, Newlin, New Garden, Pennsbury, and West Marlborough townships.

For more information, contact Development Associate Mary Hutchins at 610-444-2702 ext. 114 or mary@kennettlibrary.org.