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About Us

Open or close Our History Our History

The Birdsboro Public Library first opened in 1936 through the efforts of the Birdsboro Sponsor’s Club. Facilities were housed in the then Community Memorial Hall, now the Birdsboro Community Center. The Library ended its service in 1952.


In 1963, the Birdsboro Junior Women’s Club opened a “Children’s Library” in the old Ruano Brother’s Dodge dealership property on the north side of Main Street and Water Street. It was later moved to the Community Memorial Hall, now the Birdsboro Community Center. However in 1972, the Library, including its materials and furnishings were completely destroyed by the Agnes flood. The public responded to this crisis with donations or book collections from various other sources like private collections or excess inventory from libraries not involved in the flood. The entire area was cleaned, and shelves were restocked by volunteers. Within one year, the Birdsboro Community Library had regained its pre-disaster status.


Space had always been a major concern at the Birdsboro Community Library. Materials soon filled the allotted space, and the need for a larger space became apparent. After considerable review of available property in the borough, in 1983, the Library relocated to 105 S. Furnace Street, where the Birdsboro Borough Council then appointed a Library Board and the Library joined the Berks County Library System. The Library remained at this location until 2002.


After many years on Furnace Street, the Birdsboro Community Library was again seeking a new location after outgrowing its current location. In 2002, an agreement was reached with bank officials to lease 129 N. Mill Street, which had previously been a manufacturing site. With the assistance from many volunteers, the new location was transformed into a modern library. In May 2003, the Boone Area Library was ready for occupancy.


In 2004, a combination of state grants, local government funds, and financial contributions from the private sector enabled the Library Board to purchase the property from the bank. Carol Lewis served as the first Library Director at the new location.


Today, the Boone Area Library now boasts almost 30,000 volumes with several collections being added including Library of Things materials, large print books, DVDs, and video games as well as a variety of programs for all ages.

Open or close Library Staff Library Staff

LIBRARY STAFF:

  • Library Director: Rachel M. Stewart

  • Program Coordinator: Amber Hamel

  • Library Assistant: Carina C.

  • Library Assistant: Diane W.

  • Library Assistant: Katie S.

  • Library Assistant: Raven A.

  • Library Assistant: Will C.

Open or close Library Board of Trustees Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Community Room. Library Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public and are listed on our Events Calendar. Library Board minutes are available online or upon request by calling the Library.

 

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

  • Chair: Ashley Hoffman (Amity Township)
  • Vice-Chair: Nicole Sapna (Union Township)
  • Treasurer: Brian Welch (Amity Township)
  • Recording Secretary: Heather Ellis (Borough of Birdsboro)
  • Trustee: Brooke Halter (Amity Township)
  • Trustee: Lenny Brown (Borough of Birdsboro)
  • Trustee: Kim Odenweller (Borough of Birdsboro)
  • Trustee: Victoria Bishop (Union Township)
  • Trustee: Vacant (Union Township)

If you are interested in filing a position on our Library Board of Trustees, please reach out via email to Rachel Stewart, Library Director, at director@boonelibrary.org.

 

Boone Area Library Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule 2026:

  • Tuesday, January 20th
  • Tuesday, February 17th
  • Tuesday, March 17th
  • Tuesday, April 21st
  • Tuesday, May 19th
  • Tuesday, June 16th
  • Tuesday, July 21st
  • Tuesday, August 25th
  • Tuesday, September 15th
  • Tuesday, October 20th
  • Tuesday, November 17th
  • Tuesday, December 15th

 

Boone Area Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes 2026:

 

An archive of past meeting minutes remains available for public viewing.

Open or close Library Policies Library Policies

Open or close Services Services

The Boone Area 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 story times, activities for elementary school-age children, and the Summer Reading Program. Adult programs include computer classes, special events, book discussion groups, and an adult Summer Reading Program.

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 fax service, both outgoing and incoming.

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

A meeting room is available to use for local non-profit groups at no charge. Other organizations and individuals may rent the room for parties and events. An application is required; inquire at the library.