Rebuilding Community Infrastructure (Rebuild) is a City of Philadelphia program to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to improve neighborhood parks, recreation centers, playgrounds and libraries. Made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Rebuild will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in improving community facilities. Through its projects, Rebuild will: • Make physical improvements to parks, recreation centers, and libraries. • Promote diversity and economic inclusion. Rebuild will support minorities and women who work (or want to work) in the design and construction industries. • Engage with community members to leverage their knowledge, power, and expertise. Community feedback will inform the improvements that are made to facilities.

Community Ventures (CV) is a non-profit developer with a mission to work in partnership with neighborhood-based organizations to improve communities and to increase the supply of affordable housing. Community Ventures was selected by Rebuild to manage the Rebuild project at the Blanche A. Nixon/ Cobbs Creek Library.

After a thorough evaluation of the building and grounds, it was determined that the following items will be repaired or improved upon: Building Interior: • Entry Vestibule Upgrades • Wall Repair & Paint • New Flooring • Mechanical Systems • Interior Lighting Upgrades • Electric Upgrades • Security • Bathroom Upgrades • New RFID System • AV/IT Upgrades • Kitchen Upgrades Building Exterior: • New Front Steps and Ramp to Main entrance • Wall repair/ waterproofing • Door & Window Replacements • Roof Repairs • Accessible site ramps & railings Grounds: • Building and Site Lighting • Sidewalk repairs

After engaging in a robust community focused planning process, construction on the library began in late 2023. Construction will continue throughout the spring and summer, and reopening is anticipated for the fall of 2024.

The library is temporarily closed due to the renovations. Please visit the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library Branch located at 125 S. 52nd Street (52nd and Samson Streets) until the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library reopens in the fall of 2024.

Community input is critical to making this project a success and is a priority for all major Rebuild projects. Rebuild and CV encourage all residents to participate in community engagement activities so that their voice can be heard and inform the changes that are made at the Blanche A. Nixon/ Cobbs Creek Library.

Sign up on our interest form and fill out our community surveys available at neighborhood events or on our website below. You can also email us at NixonCobbsCreekLibrary@community-ventures.org for any questions you may have. We will let you know about all community meetings, focus groups, and other opportunities to get involved and become a partner in the project.