History of Beaver County Library

1914

The Bide-a Wee club was established for study and culture, and loaning books to students and the community.

1942

The Library opened as a WPA (works progress administration) project during the depression to provide jobs for people. Other WPA projects at that time were building bridges, parks, roads etc. The first librarian was Zeta Mae Holmes, her yearly salary was $600.00. The library was located under the county jail, with 1037 total books in the collection.

1963

The library moved to a new location on 2nd street thanks to the Pioneers of No Mans Land Association who quit claim deeded the Pioneer Building to the County with the condition it be used only for a library and the name would be Pioneer Library.

1988

The Beaver Chamber of Commerce and Beaver County exchanged buildings as the library needed more space and the Chamber needed less space. The new building on 2nd street was the former home of the First National Bank known now as First Security Bank. The Librarian at this time was Renita Ediger and a total holding of 9146 books were in the collection.

1991

Voters approved a ( 0.1 percent of $0.01 cent) sales tax to fund the library operations, hours increased to 28 hours per week and Summer Reading had its first program with 330 children in attendance.

1993

A full time director position and 45 hour part-time position opened to the public. The audio and video circulation began at that time as well.

1994

A Title ll grant was received to expand the reference section, add new carpet and install handicapped access. In 1995, a LSTA grant was received thus an automated check-in check –out system was born. Adult literacy was added two days per week, and the director’s salary was raised to $1200.00 per month.

1996

The library joined the tech age and the Internet access opened up many opportunities for the community.

1997

Annette Harness became library director for the next 8 years. The millennium brought about technological grants, and the computer age was born.

2004

The library was totally remodeled. A separate computer room was added, genealogy information as well as, tutoring, and several children’s programs.

Present

At this time we offer many opportunities to the public, for example starting the beginning computer class for adults free to Beaver County residents, and a book review on our newer books given each month with the help of the Friends of the Library group.

We continue to have summer reading programs. Last year we had over 700 children participate. We have started a program for infants and toddlers in the fall and winter called laptime story-time which has been a big success.

We offer free internet access with public computers and now have Wi-Fi.

Every day across the country, libraries are meeting the needs of their communities by providing a wide range of services for people of all ages and backgrounds. The public library plays an even more important role as Americans face tough economic times. Patrons are visiting their library for more than borrowing books, movies, CDs and attending free reading programs. Libraries offer access to computers and the internet, financial literacy skills, assistance with job searches, and resources to help small businesses.

An investment in libraries is an investment in the community. We are checking into investing in the lot next to the library for an outside area for the library. We plan to make this area with benches and seating to bring reading programs outside, this will help promote the library as well as improve the downtown area, especially when the sidewalk project for Beaver is finished. We are hoping to get local donations for this. We already have a donation to purchase the lot. Summer Reading is right around the corner and we depend on community donations for this as well. Your donations and support toward our Library is greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Director
Denise Janko