Lackawanna County Awarded Library Repair Contract
Commissioners approved a bid to restore the facade of the historic Children's Library in Scranton.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Construction
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Lackawanna County commissioners have unanimously awarded a $296,000 contract to D&M Construction Unlimited for repairs at the Children's Library. The project will address critical masonry issues on the historic building located on Vine Street.
Why it matters
The repairs are necessary to ensure building safety and preserve the aesthetics of the structure, which has served the community since the late 1980s. The contract award follows a delay caused by initial funding concerns.
The $296,000 contract includes a $217,000 base bid for masonry work and $79,000 for additional stone restoration. D&M Construction Unlimited is mandated to complete the repairs within a six-month window.
The players
Lackawanna County Commissioners
This board of officials serves as the governing body responsible for overseeing county-owned properties and budget approvals.
D&M Construction Unlimited
Based in Dalton, this firm specializes in construction services and will execute the masonry restoration project.
The details
Crews will focus on replacing missing stones, resetting loose masonry, and repairing cracks throughout the facade. This work continues efforts initiated last winter when scaffolding was first installed at the library site.
Timeline
The building on Vine Street was originally constructed in 1914.
The structure was converted into a library facility in December 1987.
County officials officially opened bids for the repair project in late May 2026.
Commissioners finalized the construction contract in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The project reflects a broader trend of local governments investing in the long-term maintenance of historic municipal assets. By addressing structural needs, the county ensures the continued viability of the library building in a competitive urban real estate environment.
Residents should expect ongoing work and potential detours around the Vine Street library site during the six-month construction phase. These repairs will secure the facility for continued use, though winter weather may extend the project timeline.
The takeaway
Historic building maintenance requires proactive investment to prevent significant safety risks. Residents can support these efforts by staying informed on local library access changes during the repair period.
Further reading
For more updates on regional infrastructure, visit Scranton Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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