Library on Buffalo's West Side reopens following $2.5 million renovation project

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Isaías González-Soto Branch Library on Buffalo's West Side reopened Monday morning after undergoing a seven-month long $2.5 million renovation project.

The library, located at 280 Porter Ave., now houses new features to enhance accessibility and modernize facilities, a spokesperson said in a release.

Samantha Purpora, the assistant deputy director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries, said the branch was in dire need of renovations.

"We are reopening after phase two of construction," she said. "The upstairs was renovated in the first phase. We did do some fine-tuning, but downstairs was completely renovated."

Some of the branch's renovations include new flooring and paint, a handicap lift, restroom upgrades, parking lot and sidewalk restoration, new outlets and refurbished shelves.

“This renovation honors the legacy of Isaías González-Soto, a beloved leader who dedicated his life to uplifting Buffalo’s Puerto Rican community,” John Spears, director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, said in the release. “It is now better equipped to serve as a gathering place, resource hub, and cultural beacon for generations to come.”

In 2018, the library was renamed after González-Soto, a World War II veteran and founding father of the city's Puerto Rican community. The branch is a tribute to his support of newly-arrived Puerto Ricans with housing, jobs, food and legal assistance, the release said.

The library's new hours are as follows:

• Monday, Thursday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Friday and Sunday: Closed

A community celebration for the reopening is being planned for early 2025.