Demolition, site work and addition to a library in Darby, Pennsylvania. Completed plans call for the addition of a library; for the demolition of a library; and for site work for a library.

As of May 13, 2025, the awarded general contractor has commenced construction. All trades have been awarded EXCEPT HVAC which is being bid under separate cover. The previous solicitation is for reference purposes only. The Darby Free Library - Phase 1 Elevator Addition Bid Package 1 - General, Plumbing, and Electrical Construction The Library has obtained funding to provide equitable access to the Darby Free Library, America's oldest free library, and to make repairs to the building envelope and structure of the library building at 1001 Main Street, Darby, Pennsylvania The Library will administer and manage the Project. Project financing includes a Pennsylvania Keystone Grant for Public Library Facilities (Grant No. KPL-23-0011) that requires matching funds supplied by other grants awarded to the Library. The scope of work includes site demolition and site improvements, and construction of an elevator addition including general construction, plumbing, and electrical trades required to construct the project in accordance with the architect/engineering plans. To be considered bids shall include the bidder's completed qualifications statement. The Library and Borough reserve the right to reject any bid and to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder whose services are judged to best meet the interest of the Library and Borough. Project Description Located at the intersection of Main Street and North 10th Street in Darby Borough, The Darby Free Library (the Library), was established in 1743 "to encourage and foster among the residents of the Borough of Darby and its vicinity, the spirit of self-improvement by the establishing and maintenance of a Library and the promotion of the moral and intellectual growth, without profit to said Company." The Library is part of the Delaware County Libraries system but is owned, operated, and administered by the non-profit Darby Library Company, a 501(c)3 corporation. The Library provides essential services to the local community, which includes many underserved and disadvantaged residents. Many borough residents rely on the library for access to computers and internet, as well as books, homework help, and programs for their children. The Library is a community center that provides much more than typical library activities in striving to serve the community's needs. The Library building is eligible for nomination to the National Registry of Historic Places. As an institution it has national significance as the oldest library in the country providing continuing service, and because of its association with the Darby Friends (Quaker) Meeting established in 1682. The Library is situated on property purchased from William Penn by John Blunston, Founder of Darby and Speaker of the Colonial Assembly. The current building, designed in Italianate style, was completed in 1872 and was designed by Benjamin D. Price, an architect known principally for his catalogue sales of plans for churches. Price reportedly sold over 6,000 copies of his church plans, and several of the churches he designed are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library has been awarded funds through the following programs to undertake The Darby Free Library Rehabilitation and Resilience Project: - Pennsylvania Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2023 Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund. This portion of the Project funding will be reimbursed through the Borough of Darby (the Borough). - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding under Objective evaluation criteria as specified in the bid will be used to determine the lowest responsible bidder. The Library and Borough reserve the right to waive any informalities or minor irregularities during the evaluation of the bids. Attention of Bidders is called to all the requirements contained in this bid packet, including a bid bond in the amount of 10% of the bid price, and particularly to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, various insurance requirements, and various equal opportunity provisions. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required by the successful bidder in the amount of 100% of the contract price and shall be required at the time of contract execution. Bonds are to be issued by a surety licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The successful Contractor shall respond within ten (10) days of the contract award. The performance period shall be 210 days, weather permitting, following the Notice to Proceed. *This project has been awarded and all trades have been let.