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The Emmaus
Public Library serves the municipalities of Emmaus, Macungie, and Upper Milford
Township. It is governed by a
policy statement formulated and adopted by a Board of Trustees who meet
regularly at the library. Board meetings are open to the public. The
current Trustees of the Board are:
Jeannette
Lehman, President
Richard D.
Brooks, Ph.D., Vice president
Janie Slamon, Esq., Secretary
Jean Nagle, Treasurer
Lucy Ackerman
Adam Bean
Carl Gingrich
Mary Horkowitz
Dorothy Nicholas
The
history of the Emmaus Public Library had its beginnings in the 1930s,
when the officers and members of the Emmaus High School
Alumni Association recognized the need for a public library facility. In
1938, John D. Weaver donated a building on Main Street in downtown
Emmaus for that purpose. Since it had to be refurbished for library use,
it was not ready until June, 1944 (another building was rented to house
the library until that time).
A
library board was appointed in 1939, and Dr. Gerald S. Backenstoe became
the first president. The new library proved to be a big success in
the little borough--by 1949, book circulation had increased to an
average of 1,900 per month.
By
the mid 1960s, the book collection numbered about 8,000 volumes. Space
in the once spacious Main Street building was no longer adequate. The
borough population had more than doubled since the library had become a
reality. After many citizens devoted countless hours of time and effort
to plan for the future of the library, a new program was put into
effect. An ordinance was enacted that called for the establishment of a
borough library which conformed to the Pennsylvania State Library Code.
In April, 1965, federal funds became available, resulting in the
construction of a new library facility at Main and Ridge Streets.
The
dedication of the "new" Emmaus Public Library took place on
June 3, 1966. Mrs. Sheila Hess was chosen librarian. The next year
she was succeeded by Mrs. Elaine Timbers, who served until her
retirement in 1987. She was succeeded by Mrs. Frances Larash, the
present Library Director.
In
1967, Upper Milford Township was the first municipality to seek a
contractual agreement with Emmaus for library services for its
residents. Lower Macungie was next (1967), followed by Macungie(1969)
and Alburtis(1971). The library continued to grow by leaps and bounds,
acquiring more books and other materials as the membership continued to
increase.
By
1979, the library shelves were bulging with 48,000 volumes--13,000
over capacity. Once again, a committee composed of local volunteer
citizens was formed to study the space problem. The result was the
establishment of a fund drive to raise money for the recommended
addition to the building. Through the generosity of many
individuals, service organizations, companies, businesses, and others,
construction was completed; the dedication of the much-needed addition
was held on September 26, 1982.
In
the early 1990's, a wing dedicated to Margaret Knoll Gardner was funded
by a private donor. This wing is used for library meetings and special
programs conducted by the library and other organizations. Also, in 1993
a computer fundraising campaign was conducted by volunteer citizens to
equip the library for viability in the burgeoning technological age. The
campaign was a great success; in August of 1994, the library began to
use computers for book circulation. A short time later, the library
catalog was computerized as well.
In
1984, the library board approved the establishment of the Endowment Fund
to help create a permanent financial resource to keep the library a
vital part of the community.
In
1998, a new Friends of the Emmaus Public
Library group was established after a group of volunteer citizens
met to formulate plans. The Friends have taken over the library's annual
Book Sale, present various educational programs, and help to support the
library financially. One of the programs they have established is Words
On Wheels, whereby homebound residents can receive materials from the
library delivered to their home. In addition, the Friends are good
ambassadors for the library in the East Penn community.
In
2001, Lower Macungie Township established its own library, and because
of its location, Alburtis became part of the LMT library. This greatly reduced the number of patrons registered at Emmaus Library,
although state-wide residents with PA Access stickers on valid library
cards may check out materials at EPL after registering.
Because
of the reduction in registered patrons, Emmaus Library lost a
portion of its income and state aid. However, the staff, the Board of
Trustees, and the Friends of the Library all work together to assure
that the library will continue to provide the efficient and friendly
service that it has in the past.
 The
success of the Emmaus Public Library is due in large part to its large
force of volunteers. They have been active in all facets of library
operation since its humble beginnings. Volunteers are still very active
today, assisting the fine professional staff in serving patrons and
working behind the scenes. Private citizens from all the supporting
municipalities (and some from other areas), area service clubs, local
businesses, large corporations, youth organizations, and many others
working together have all contributed to the tremendous growth and
success of the Emmaus Public Library.
Some
of the above information was excerpted from a booklet (The History
of the New Emmaus Public Library) issued by the library in 1991 on
the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Top
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