The Blanche A. Nixon Library after renovation (rendering image).

Rebuild Philadelphia, the City’s program that invests in public spaces, broke ground on a major renovation project for the historic Blanche A. Nixon Library located in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of West Philadelphia (at 58th and Baltimore).

“Built in the 1900s, the Blanche A. Nixon Library requires critical accessibility improvements to equitably meet the needs of all the residents it serves,” Mayor Jim Kenney said at the groundbreaking ceremony held last week. “The renovations at Blanche are set to transform and restore this historic building into a clean, safe, modern, and accessible community asset for many generations to come.”

A community staple within the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, the Blanche A. Nixon Library is undergoing major renovations thanks to Rebuild’s $8.5 million investment, which includes nearly $1.7 million in grants including $250,000 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and $1.4 million in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) for ADA upgrades to the library, secured by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).

“With this funding, Cobbs Creek Library will be able to install ramps and host more educational and public activities for all community members to enjoy,” said Casey.

The Blanche Nixon Library was built in 1925 and will soon celebrate its 1ooth anniversary. It is known for its rich history and the critical resources provided to community members of all ages. This Free Library of Philadelphia branch was renamed in 1990 to honor Blanche Nixon, a Cobbs Creek community activist and library volunteer.

The renovations and upgrades include:

• A new outdoor amphitheater
• Upgraded walking paths
• ADA upgrades including a new ramp, toilet rooms, and an elevator
• New outdoor playful learning area with interactive play panels and seating
• Updated furniture and finishes
• Newly installed windows, exterior doors, HVAC and lighting
• A brand new family toilet room
• The Blanche A. Nixon Memorial Art Sculpture made in partnership with Percent for Art

To date, Rebuild has invested more than $14 million into the Cobbs Creek neighborhood renovating sites  such as Cobbs Creek Nature Playground, Cobbs Creek Environmental Center, Johnny Sample Recreation Center, and Blanche A. Nixon Library.