Each Monday we shine a spotlight on one of our members! This week’s Member Feature shines that spotlight on Grove City Community Library. Here is a Q&A to help you get to know more about our library and the wonderful programs they offer to our community.
Please provide a short description of what you do and what you offer to the community.
The Grove City Community Library is not just a brick and mortar library full of books. We offers so many more FREE resources than just books. We offer audio books, large print titles, DVD’s, magazines, Internet usuage, hot spots, computers, free wifi, tech support classes, children’s programming, adult programming, tax forms, homebound delivery services, partnerships with local business & organizations such as storytime at the local nursing homes. We are more than just books, we are the center of our community.
What is the story behind our community library?
The Grove City Community Library, originally named “The Little Library,” was started in March, 1958, by 187 members of the Grove City Junior Woman’s Club. It was located at the Karfes Building on Majestic Alley (which is now the parking lot in front of Steigerwald’s Kitchens and Baths). These women contributed $800 to start the library, and almost all of the clubs in town, along with many businesses and individuals, donated labor, materials, books, and money. In the first week the library was open, 500 people joined as members and 100 books were being circulated each day. By the next year, the library was able to expand to an adjoining room and hire a librarian.
In 1966, the library moved to a larger building at 243 South Broad Street, and in 1978 the library became a part of the Pennsylvania State Public Library qualifying the library for state funding. In the following years, surrounding townships contributed to the library allowing their residents access to all of the library services. In 1981, the library moved again to 131 South Broad Street where inter-library loan service was first introduced and reference service, children’s programs, and summer reading were all expanded.
In 1986, after a major fund drive, the library was able to move into its current location in the Borough Council Building Complex at 125 West Main Street. With the increased space, the library provided expanded children’s programming, more staff, and more material for circulation.
In the early nineties, the library was the first public library in Mercer County to automate. By 1997, the library was providing Internet access to patrons and access to CDs and DVDs for entertainment and educational purposes.
In 2011, the library received a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund matching grant. This grant provided half the funding necessary for a 2,700 square-foot addition to the Library. The rest of the funding was raised through a year-long capital campaign, “Growing for Generations.” With the increased space, the library provided increased computer access for the public, a meeting room for adult and youth programming, quiet study/reading areas with adequate outlets for Wi-Fi users, additional shelf space for collection growth, and additional office space for staff.
In 2011 and 2012, the library saw the addition of many online reference databases available both in the library and externally with an Internet connection. In addition, the library began providing access to both electronic books (eBooks) and downloadable audiobooks through the OverDrive platform. The library also updated their ILS software which allowed patrons to access their library accounts remotely.
Today, the library continues to provide programming for children, teens, and adults throughout the year. It is also a member of Access PA, which gives patrons access to a wealth of informational databases, along with an extensive inter-library loan program.
The library has come a long way thanks to a loving and caring community of people dedicated to the mission of our library.
What is the most popular program the library offers? Why do you think that is?
The most popular program that the library offers would be our “A Night at Hogwarts” special event. The reason this program is so popular is because it makes the Harry Potters book series come to life. We make this event as realistic as possible, so the children feel as if they are actually attending classes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From receiving a Hogwarts letter in the mail, getting sorted in their Hogwarts houses, to attending classes, and ending with a magical feast in the Hogwarts great hall. The details in this event are what makes it so magical.
When is your busiest time / season?
Summer is our busiest time because of our Summer Reading Program for both children and adults. We host approximately 65 children’s programs and 30 adult programs in 6 weeks. School is out and kids want to relax and read for fun.
What is something people would be surprised to know about the library?
The library currently offers Internet Hot Spots for patrons who do not have access to internet at their homes. We also have a Career/Job center computer to help those with job applications & resumes. In addition to these services we also offer one computer that is specifically designated for “Ancestry.com” and other genealogy resources. All of which are FREE to our patrons. In addition to the resources we offer, the community may not realize that the library is 60% of our budget is private donations not tax dollars.
Can you tell us about a memorable or favorite customer experience?
Our most memorial customer experience is when our youngest patrons get their very first library card. They are so excited to print their name on that card and use it for the very first time. It’s a magical moment for them.
How is the library responding to COVID-19?
During the Covid-19 situation and the currently phsing, we have and are still offering virtual programming, such as weekly Pub Quiz Nights, a bi-monthly children’s cooking/baking challenge class, an Adult Book club as well as a kids book club, Dungeons & Dragons, an adult Quaran-Tea Party, and many many, more programs to come.
Currently we have just re-opened for curbside services and hope to open soon for our patrons to come inside.
How can the community support you now and going forward?
One way that our community can help the library is by checking our website for virtual programming to sign-up for and by participating in curbside service. Due to the fact that the library has been closed for 2-1/2 months, this has brought a limitation on funding to the library.
Is there anything else you’d like us to talk about?
Please visit our website www.grovecitypalibrary.org and our Facebook page to see all the wonderful services and resources that our library offers for FREE!