If indeed a library is only as strong as its community, then the Lititz Public Library (LPL) is flexing its muscles. LPL's current expansion project signifies health, growth and evolution.

It is a literacy expansion.

"We get to reach so many people," said Carolyn Reiste, the executive director of the LPL over the last two years. "I love being able to welcome people into the library, just being able to serve people. Lititz is something so special. Everyone loves the library. They're so supportive, and we love them. I enjoy being able to make their day and give them something to look forward to."

LPL, which is located at 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, recently embarked on a $1.7 million expansion project that will allow it to better serve the community. After foundations were laid, the structure will take shape during the summer, interior work will be performed during the fall months, and the entire expansion project could be complete by December.

During renovations, patrons can expect minor inconveniences.

"When I asked staff what we need for the patrons, basically they told me we need more space," said Reiste. "There's been a 17% population growth in the community since we built this building. We've had to wait list some of our programs, both for kids and adults. We see ourselves as a community space, and we haven't been able to be a community space."

The expansion project will provide enhanced programming space for kids, for activities like educational projects and arts and crafts. In addition, the new addition will include two small study/tutor rooms, a small conference room and a new office.

The project will add 1,865 square feet to LPL's existing 16,200-square-foot structure.

"People are coming, they're using the library more and they're doing it in different ways," said Reiste. "The library is evolving to meet the needs of what the Warwick area is asking for. We want (patrons) just to be able to attend. We'll have less competition for our space."

Discussion about the expansion project began in February of 2025, and about two months later, LPL launched fundraising efforts to support it. Currently, LPL has raised about $1.35 million of the $1.7 million needed to finance it, through generous business partners and community members.

"Donors have been very supportive of us," said Reiste, a resident of Manheim Township. "It's kind of a combination of grants and businesses and private donors. We also sent out campaign letters. We're still working on it."

LPL offers patrons free WiFi, receives more than 175,000 visits each year and has an information collection that includes 66,000 items - books, audio books, large-print books, DVDs, games, music and educational and activity kits. The local public library also sponsors dozens of programs, like story times, summer reading programs, concerts, Lititz Historical Foundation presentations, technology assistance and outreach to local retirement communities.

LPL is one of 14 independent libraries that operate as part of the Library System of Lancaster County and serves the areas of Lititz Borough, Warwick Township and Elizabeth Township, where a total of more than 33,000 locals reside.

"A lot of our patrons are families," said Reiste. "They're lifelong learners. Little ones come, but we also have the elderly coming to learn."

"I think reading is the foundation of everything you do," continued Reiste. "We focus on different literacies at the library - health literacy, recipe literacy, information literacy, social literacy, arts and humanities financial literacy. To do any of those, you need basic literacy as a start."

After its founding in the 1930s, LPL moved to its current location from Main Street in Lititz Borough in 1999. LPL, which receives state and county government funding and funding from the municipalities it serves, employs 28 workers - three on a full-time basis and 25 part-timers - and benefits from the support of 50 dedicated volunteers.

"I think a lot of people think of us as a book depository, and we are that, but I see us as a community hub, a community meeting place," Reiste said. "Everything we do is for our community, and we're so grateful for our community. We really want and value feedback. We want to answer the calls we're receiving. I want us to be a trusted entity."

For additional information, go to https://lititzlibrary.org.