Parkland Community Library has reported on the progress of its building campaign and new construction plan.

According to a press release emailed to The Press, Friends of Parkland Community Library met May 9 at Morgan's Restaurant for their annual dinner.

The library Volunteer Appreciation luncheon was held the next day at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

"There is a lot of preparation taking place right now, a lot of pre-construction planning going on for the new library and we know that neighbors and residents are curious as to the construction schedule," Parkland Library Board Chairman Karl Siebert said. "You are our ambassadors, and we know you are getting questions. Here are some official statements that will bring our members and the public up to date on our plans."

With a groundbreaking planned for fall 2013, here are the critical steps that must be undertaken to start construction by year's end:

·The finance plan must be approved by the Parkland Community Library board of directors in late June.

·Construction financing will be possible through the savings PCL has accumulated, with individual and corporate contributions included, plus additional funds from reassessment based on the existing referendum.

·Some permitting is being carried out now to finalize the plot plan. PCL will be approaching the Upper Macungie Township on the remaining permits during the June/July time frame.

·After the plot plan has been finalized, PCL will finalize the lease with Upper Macungie Township, too.

"This is the status of the construction project at this time," continued Siebert. "It is wonderful to be able to think that this new library groundbreaking will take place in fall, right after the 40th anniversary celebration.

"We have waited a long time as a community for this event. There will be some new communications over the next few months to keep people up-to-date with all the plans on a consistent basis."