CRANBERRY TWP — Township supervisors awarded four contracts totaling nearly $700,000 toward renovation of the library that will add a makerspace.

John Kratsas, director of engineering and environment services, said the makerspace area will be used to host classes and education programs focused on crafts and creative projects.

“We're pretty excited about it,” Kratsas said.

He said the makerspace will be located on the eastern wall if entering through the front door.

He said to fit the makerspace into the floor plan, other areas of the library will be rearranged, prompting other renovations.

“We're real happy with the bids we got in,” Kratsas said. “They were really fair.”

Township Supervisor Richard Hadley said the makerspace will offer programs that fully serve township residents, regardless of age.

“It's about envisioning whatever you want to envision,” Hadley said. “I think it's a great addition to the library and what it's about.”

Jerry Andree, township manager, said engineering and robotics programs are what they have lined up already when the construction is completed.

He said the room would offer great potential in adding a wide variety, limited only by the imagination of the people willing to lead classes and programs.

“We already have several people invested into makerspace,” Andree said.

According to Kratsas, construction on the renovation could start in five to seven weeks. The makerspace could open for use by early 2020.

The following contracts were awarded to the following bidders:- General construction, Freedom Enterprises and Associates, $295,600.- Electrical construction, Westmoreland Electric Services, $185,000.- Plumbing construction, Newman Plumbing, $43,067.- Mechanical construction, Central Heating and Plumbing, $167,615.