About Us

Bernville Area Community Library is a vital public resource that serves to connect people of all ages to all forms of knowledge (books, movies, music, and more) and to programs that not only educate but also inform, entertain and enrich.

The library is committed to being a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.

Well-informed and unbiased staff with a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and range of opinion offer helpful services to patrons of all ages.

As a hub in the community, it provides an atmosphere that allows for lifelong learning.

 

In the fall of 1993, a group of people met to discuss the need for a library in the Bernville area. Determined a valuable asset for the community, a suitable location was found for the Library. A book drive and fund drive followed.

On November 11, 1994, the Bernville Area Community Library opened to provide service to the Borough of Bernville and the Townships of Jefferson and Penn as well as residents of the surrounding communities. The Library was located in an 1100-sq. ft. office space along Rte. 183 in Bernville owned by DeLong Realty. Initially, the library was staffed by volunteers and open ten hours a week. In 1997, the Bernville Area Community Library became a member of the Berks County Public Libraries System. In April, a librarian was hired and by September service hours were increased to twenty hours a week.

In 1998, Redner's Markets investigated the feasibility of purchasing the building complex and expanding their Bernville Quick Shoppe. The plan proposed the demolition of the entire complex that included several businesses, apartments, and the Library. With concerns of where the Library could be relocated, Redner's Market representatives reviewed with the Library Board Members the possibility of providing space for the Library. After review of the needs and financial projections of the Library, Redner's presented a generous proposal to provide space for the Library on the 2nd floor of the new building. The 3,000-sq. ft. Library was to include areas for children's books, reference, fiction, non-fiction, magazines, and computer centers. Also included were office space, a multi-purpose room, and an elevator for access by persons who could not use the steps.

To accomplish the transition to the new building, Redner's accommodated the Library by providing temporary space above the existing store in September 1998. The new Redner's Quick Shoppe and Library were constructed at the north end of the building site. The Library was completed in January 1999.

In 2010, Redner's replaced the elevator with a ramp to the library entrance. The ramp was dedicated on November 12, 2010 by State Senator Michael O'Pake and State Representative Jim Cox.

In 2019, the library was able to do some minor renovations which included adding more seating and privacy for our patrons.

The Library is currently open 45 hours a week and is staffed by a Library Director, a Children's Librarian, an ILL Librarian and 4 Library Assistants. Along with a great selection of books, magazines, DVD's, books on cd and music CDs, the Library also holds programs for adults and children. Other services include inter-Library loans, Internet and computer use, wireless access, a children's early learning computer, and fax, scanning, and copy services.

Bernville Area Community Library provides reference assistance for research, homework or for people interested in locating materials for leisure activities and hobbies. We strive to meet the needs of all inquiries either through materials in our collection, online reference or by locating the requested item through other library branches in Berks County. If an item is not available in the county we can also request that it be located through inter-library loan from other libraries in Pennsylvania or the United States. There is no fee for this service.

The library provides a comfortable reading environment for children and adults and tables for homework or other work.

A variety of programs are offered for all ages. Children's programs include preschool, baby, and toddler story times, American Girl and Wellie Wishers club, Super Hero club, and the summer reading program. Adult programs include guest speakers, Wine events, and Flower arranging classes. Events are published in the Bernville Borough Newsletter and other local sources.

People using our public computers are welcome to ask for assistance with basic computing and internet functions. Our staff is well trained and knowledgeable in using computers and in most cases can resolve or troubleshoot problems you may encounter working online.

We offer outgoing fax service for a small fee.

The library stocks many brochures and pamphlets for community events, travel guides, public assistance. During tax season most federal, state and local tax forms are available.

A meeting room is available to use for non-profit groups at no charge. A nominal fee is charged for all other organizations. Reservations are required.

A list of staff members and members of the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustee meetings are open to the public and are listed on our Events Calendar. Meeting minutes from Board of Trustee meetings are available at the library.

 

LIBRARY STAFF
  • Director/Children's Librarian: Debe Donley

  • Assistant Director:  Naida Borreli

  • ILLs and Library Assistant: Barbara Orkis

  • Library Assistant:  Caitlin Keinard

  • Library Assistant:  Jennifer Franklin

  • Library Assistant: Logan Oxenreider

  • Library Assistant: Stephanie Miller

  • Library Assistant: Lauren Bryant

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
  • President: Jason Wenrich

  • Secretary: Sarah Jones

  • Treasurer: Christel Wenrich

  • Trustee: David Fisher

  • Trustee: Betsy Reifsnyder

  • Trustee: Robert Stoltzfus

  • Trustee: Vacant

  • Trustee: Vacant

  • Trustee: Vacant

 

 

Board Meetings 2024 -- 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the library

January 11
February 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8
September 12
October 10
November 14
December 12

 

 

 

 

Board of Trustees 2024 Minutes

January 2024 Minutes
 

 

Board of Trustees 2022 Minutes

January Minutes
March Minutes
May Minutes - Corrections for these minutes-See December 2022 Minutes
June Minutes
July Minutes
September Minutes
November Minutes
December Minutes