The Hamburg Public Library celebrated its 120th anniversary Saturday with a groundbreaking for a planned addition.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate both our rich history and our exciting future,” said Chelsea Williams, library director. “The library has been a cornerstone of Hamburg for 120 years, and this new addition will allow us to continue providing valuable services to our community for generations to come.”
Officials said the anniversary is especially meaningful as the library on North Third Street embarks on its expansion project as part of an ongoing commitment to serving the community’s evolving needs.
This expansion aims to enhance access to resources, create more space for programming and foster a more inclusive environment for patrons of all ages, officials said.
“This milestone marks over a century of community service as the library continues its mission to provide a welcoming space for learning and growth,” library officials said in a statement.
Officials said the library has been dedicated to enriching lives and building community through information, discovery and lifelong learning since its founding in 1904 and remains a vital and beloved institution.
Its collection and services include books, digital resources, community programs and educational workshops.
Plans for the Hamburg library began more than 90 years ago when Berks County School Superintendent E.M. Rapp wrote to Andrew Carnegie, telling him of the need for a library in the area, according to the library’s website.
Carnegie, a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist, donated funds to help build 2,509 libraries between 1883 and 1929.
He agreed to contribute $10,000 to build a public library for Hamburg, provided the school district provided a suitable site and agreed to maintain it at a cost of not less than $1,000.
The library’s deed and responsibility for its operation were transferred to the borough in 1958.
The two-wing brick and stone building with a center turret and arched vestibule was designed by local architect Monroe Dreibelbis.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
An estimated 500 people visited the library on opening day, Nov. 5, 1904, and 77 library cards were issued that day. Within a few weeks, hundreds of cards were given out.
Today the library serves more than 14,000 residents, and more than 34,000 items are circulated each year, according to the website.
As a member of the Berks County Public Library System, Hamburg Public Library makes countywide library connections available to its patrons. Through the ACCESS PA system, local borrowers can acquire books from many libraries throughout the state.
For more information visit the library’s website.
Source: Berkshire mont
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