Youngsville Library
History part 3 of 3
The 1970's and the 1980's saw a progression of librarians with Miss Florence McKinney, Pauline Wilcox and Jolene Sandberg taking turns at the helm. The aging library building, originally constructed in the early 1900's, was getting too small and needed continuous repair. Discussions were constant in the board meetings about making renovations or replacing the building. In 1979, the Youngsville Public Library joined the Warren County Library system, which gave its patrons borrowing capabilities from the other libraries in the county. In 1988 an Access PA sticker was added to all the library cards allowing patrons to borrow books from libraries all over the state. Edolph Johnson retired as treasurer of the library board in 1982, after 47 years of service. Mr. Johnson had been treasurer since the library's inception in 1935. At this time also, the library was lending out 875 books, 32 magazines and 44 vinyl records monthly. There were 62 children attending after school story hour sessions sponsored by the Girl Scouts.
Article Photos
ROY Meeting
With plans for downtown renovations continuing Friday, April 16, EG&G Architect Paul Roszak shows the proposed design plans in detail to Youngsville Borough Council Vice President Doug Peterson, ROY President Nancy Holmberg, Regional Main Street Coordinator Kathy Reitinger, EG&G Planner Rich Cleveland. Present but not shown in the photo are Sonia Probst, Terry Williams, Helga Laibacher, and Joanne Oviatt. The plans are on display at Holmberg Hair Salon, 235 East Main Street.
The end of the 20th century brought more new librarians; Luann Forton, Nancy Theuret and Brittany Davis and more talk about replacing the library. Finally in 2001, after almost 25 years of discussion, the decision was made to organize a massive fund raising campaign to build a new library. Harold Bull from Jamestown was the architect for the new building, which was to be built directly behind the old library. $300,000 was raised by community and business members to give the Youngsville Public Library a mortgage-free new building. The new building was handicapped-accessible, air conditioned, had radiant heating, a computer center and a community meeting room. As a community service project, the Junior Class of YHS provided the labor to move all the 12,000 books to the new library. It opened its doors at its new (current) location, 100 Broad Street, on April 1, 2002.
In 2009, librarian Kristy Wallace reported over 16,500 patrons used the library and over 250 adults and 60 young people logged on to the computers each month. More than 300 DVDs were loaned out monthly. Today the library sponsors a Rouse Readers Program for the elderly readers at the Rouse Home, a Summer Story Hour Program for young children, a Christmas Story and Santa program, a Summer Reading Program for students in Kindergarten-12th grade, a monthly Book Club, tax preparation assistance, faxing services, computer classes, and craft sessions. In 2008, due to receipt of a special LSTA Pre-school grant, the library has also been able to update its children's/family area to include an inviting reading area, family and parenting magazines, a train table, and much more.
Now the Youngsville Public Library serves 3 municipalities: Youngsville Borough, Pittsfield Township and Brokenstraw Township and all residents of Warren County. Oh, how far we have come in 75 years! From one shelf of books in the back of a drug store to a modern library with air conditioning, computers and over 12,000 books, the Youngsville Public Library has proven that where there's a will, there's a way. With community help and involvement, anything is possible.
The library invites all community members to enjoy the upcoming 75th Anniversary festivities at the library and to be a part of the 2010 Giving Campaign to help the library secure the necessary funding to continue serving the community in the 21st century. "Communities Thrive @ Your Library" is the slogan for April's National Library Month.
Golden Eagle
Award nominations
Nominations are being accepted until May 13 for Youngsville High School's 7th annual Golden Eagle Award. The Golden Eagle recognizes YHS students in grades 10-12 who have volunteered at least 30 hours with organizations outside of school during their high school careers. The volunteer activity must represent a long-term commitment to service and not be a one-time activity. Students may be nominated by churches, youth groups, Scout troops, or any other volunteer organization. Nomination forms are available at the YHS office or from Terry Williams at the Youngsville Borough office, 37 Railroad St., Youngsville.
Clean-up Saturday
On Saturday, April 24, the Revitalization Of Youngsville Association (ROY) invites the community to join them cleaning up the downtown and bring their own tools, wheelbarrows, buckets and trash bags. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Artist Co-Op / Allegheny Artistry, 106 East Main, Youngsville. The rain date is the next Saturday, May 1. For information, call Joanne at 563-4286.
Heritage areas promote
tourism assets
Youngsville is fortunate to be located in three of Pennsylvania's 12 Heritage areas: the Lumber Heritage Region, the Pennsylvania Wilds, and the Route 6 Heritage Corporation.
Each heritage area program helps to promote the area's tourism assets. One Youngsville asset is the local artist Co-Op / Allegheny Artistry who is emerging with a collection of fine art, with works from many artists widely recognized throughout the state and region.
Because all three heritage areas recognize the importance of the arts in reviving the economy they have joined forces to register all of the artists and artisans in the area.
Therefore, two Artisan Trails have been established: the PA Wilds Artisan Trail and the Route 6 Heritage trail. Youngsville's Local Artist Co-Op/ Allegheny Artistry currently partners on these two trails. Trail maps are available at the Warren County Visitor's center and at all partner locations along the trails including the co-op.
The public is invited on Friday, April 23 to an opening reception from 5:30-8:00 for Fred Lawrenson, a Juried PA Wilds "Nature" artist. His work is very different from that produced by any of the other Co-Op members. By showcasing the talents of a variety of artists, the Co-Op strives to bring an awareness of the whole spectrum of art and its importance in our culture and economy.
For one month following his reception, Fred's work will continue to be on display. Fred has also written and illustrated a children's book. An artist can become a PA Wilds JURIED artist by submitting his/her work to the committee for approval. The Youngsville Co-Op has two members that are juried among their artists. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information call Joanne Oviatt 814-563-4286
Chicken BBQ
Youngsville Free Methodist Church, at the Joy Hall behind the church at 240 East Main Street, Youngsville, is hosting a Barbecued Chicken dinner on Friday, April 30 from 4 p.m. until sold out. The menu is barbecued chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, roll and dessert. The price is an $8 donation. All proceeds go to support the church's local Mexico Missionaries. For information, call 814-563-9009.