Officials Announce $9.5 million State Grant to Free Library of
Philadelphia Central Branch

PHILADELPHIA, September 18th -- State Representative Dwight Evans today joined Library
Board Chair W. Wilson Goode and Library President Elliot Shelkrot in announcing a $9.5 million
state grant for the Central Branch expansion and renovation project. Representative Evans and
Governor Edward G. Rendell led the efforts to allocate state funds for the Free Library’s capital
campaign to expand the 79-year old Central Branch of the Free Library system.

"The Free Library of Philadelphia has stood as a beacon of learning and opportunity in this city for
nearly eight decades," Representative Dwight Evans stated. "I am proud to partner with Governor
Ed Rendell in bringing these state resources to the Free Library so that generations of future
Philadelphians can benefit from the critical services this invaluable city treasure provides."

The historic Central Branch building is in need of repair and expansion. The facilities are
inadequate and overcrowded, and special collections are at risk of damage or loss. Plans call for
expanding the library space by fifty percent, adding 160,000 square feet to welcome all
Philadelphians and visitors to its expansive offerings.

“Educational opportunities, higher literacy rates, and increased economic development are all
critical to moving Philadelphia and the entire Southeastern Pennsylvania region forward,” said
Evans. "The expansion and renovation of the Central Branch presents us with the rare opportunity
to improve on all three of these factors at once. The residents of Philadelphia deserve nothing less
than a modern and vibrant Free Library, and this capital improvement project promises to provide
this.”

The New Central Now capital project is expected to cost $150 million and will break ground
sometime in 2007. The Free Library Foundation is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise the
funds. Public funds have been a cornerstone of capital improvement efforts; the City of
Philadelphia has contributed $30 million.

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Last Updated: September 27, 2006