Reed Library to open community hub at Gilead Church

Reed Memorial Library in Carmel Hamlet will expand its services this fall with the opening of a new community hub inside Gilead Presbyterian Church, creating a fully accessible satellite location that will provide library services, meeting space and a job-training café.

The Reed Memorial Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Reed Library announced that they have leased a 1,900-square-foot suite of classrooms at the church, where the new facility will be located.

The expansion is intended to improve accessibility for patrons who have difficulty navigating the library's historic main building, which has long presented physical challenges despite remaining the permanent home of the library's collection.

The new location will allow residents to borrow and return materials, consult with library staff and access other library services in an ADA-compliant setting.

"As a proud member of the Board of Trustees, I am continually inspired by the thoughtful stewardship and long-standing dedication that shaped this project," Library Board President Vickie F. Causa said. "The space being created meaningfully supports the community we serve today and is intentionally prepared to grow and transform as the needs of tomorrow emerge."

In addition to library services, the satellite facility will serve as a meeting place for nonprofit organizations, civic groups, youth organizations and government agencies conducting outreach programs or informational events.

Library Director Denise Martens said the project addresses a longstanding need for greater accessibility.

"Our historic building is deeply loved, but it has architectural limitations," Martens said. "By establishing this accessible space at Gilead Presbyterian Church, we are ensuring that residents with mobility challenges can access the library's services and resources."

A central feature of the new facility will be a jobs training café operated in partnership with organizations that serve individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The café will provide vocational training and workplace experience while also offering visitors beverages, used books and library merchandise.

Friends of the Reed Library President Kathy Kahng said the new location also fills a broader community need.

"Carmel Hamlet and Kent do not currently have a dedicated community center," Kahng said. "It will serve as a valuable resource for the community."

According to library officials, the Friends group has been working on the project for nearly a year. Vice President Brett Yarris said the initiative is designed to provide employment opportunities for adults with special needs while creating a central gathering place for local organizations and helping raise funds to support library programs.

Library officials thanked the leadership of Gilead Presbyterian Church for making the space available through the lease agreement.

The library said additional details, including a grand opening date, operating hours and procedures for community groups interested in reserving the meeting space, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Article provided by Reed Memorial Library