New Northland
Northland Public Library Opens “New Northland” Space
Yearlong construction project ushers in a new chapter for community asset
McCANDLESS, Pa., December 19, 2025 – Northland Public Library has officially opened the doors to its renovated and expanded space after a yearlong construction project. The “New Northland” features a two-story building extension, new accessible lower-level entrance, a Commonplace Coffee cafe, expanded and dedicated teen space, a mezzanine reading level with panoramic views, and a new Conference Room on the upper level.
“We are ecstatic to start writing the next chapter in Northland’s story,” said Amy Steele, Executive Director of Northland. “The New Northland continues to serve our mission and to position the library as a third space for the communities we serve.”
Entering through a brand-new accessible main entrance patrons will be met with a centralized service desk where checkouts, customer service and material pickups will occur. A new, non-spiral, staircase leads to the mezzanine reading level and to the upper level of the library. The Book Nook, Northland’s used bookstore, welcomes a new, more visible space on the lower level. On the upper level a new Conference Room is available for library sponsored programs and public rentals and new collaborative seating in the expanded floorspace.
Commonplace Coffee Northland is prominently featured on the lower level with towering glass windows, long banquette seating, collaborating tables and a special nook under the stairs for patrons to grab a coffee and scratch made baked goods from Commonplace’s Bakery.
“It’s a partnership very much with a shared passion for care and craft,” notes Steele. “Commonplace’s focus on the entire coffee experience from sourcing and roasting their beans to their cafe experience and connection with the community to the alignment of our missions and ethos, we’re truly looking forward to our partnership.”
The New Northland project is the first major reimaging and construction project to take place at the building since 2004. As one of the busiest libraries in Allegheny County, Northland’s need for expansion was necessary to continue serving their mission and impacting local communities.
“The renovation was driven not by a desire for better aesthetics (although it is awfully beautiful), but by Northland’s ongoing mission to create a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for all. Now our ever-growing population of after-school teens have the perfect environment to build community. Our new meeting room’s glass wall invites everyone to peek in on even more expanded programming. Our patrons can grab a latte and muffin in our cafe and then find a peaceful nook to enjoy the free Wi-Fi or maybe connect with new friends. And we have stairs that are safer and more accessible for all of our patrons,” notes Dana Getz, President of the Northland Public Library Authority Board.
The Library is planning for an “Open House” type event on an upcoming Saturday in January. Watch their social media for an announcement for the event.
Northland is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. during Northland’s “regular schedule” (the weekend after Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend) when the library is open on Sundays.
The Library worked with local architects R3A, FMS Construction, Sargent Electric, Vrabel Plumbing,, Combustion Services and Equipment, Inc. and numerous local companies and partners.
More information on Northland can be found on the Library’s Facebook or Instagram pages @NorthlandLibrary.
