The Mission of the Brandywine Community Library is to encourage learning by providing free and equal access to information, technology, resources and services, be a gathering place for the community, and promote the love of reading.
The Brandywine Community Library will:
- Circulate collections of current high-demand, high-interest materials in a variety of formats.
- Offer programs and services for all ages that encourage reading, learning and cultural enrichment and informational entertainment.
- Promote school district cooperative programs that support students at all academic levels.
- Provide reference tools to adults and children including Internet access and computer software.
- Offer interloan services through the statewide ACCESS PA service and the countywide system.
- Welcome all person’s to the library and courteously assist them in fulfilling their needs
- Promote an inclusive safe space
Brandywine Community Library, a non-profit incorporated public library, was established in 1989. A study by the Berks County Library Planning Project in 1985 concluded that there was a strong need for public library services in the area based on rapid growth and the lack of public library facilities.
The Brandywine Community Library Association was established in May 1988. Community support was solicited and the Lutheran Home of Topton provided a site for the library. In September 1988, the Brandywine Community Library was officially recognized by the Pennsylvania State Library and was accepted as a member of the Berks County Public Libraries. A librarian was hired in February 1989 and the library was officially opened on March 11, 1989.
On November 1, 1995, Brandywine Community Library became part of ALIN (Advanced Library Information Network). In February 2003, the library moved to its new site on the premises of the Lutheran Home at Topton, doubling its size to provide expanded service to meet the growing needs of the community.
LIBRARY STAFF
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Library Director: Heather Wicke
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Youth Services Coordinator: Amber Hadley
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Circulation Clerk: Morgan Larese
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Circulation Clerk: Dona Schlegel
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Circulation Clerk: Kathryn Loring
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Circulation Clerk: Lily Fenstermacher
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Circulation Clerk: Joyce Housh
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Brandywine Community Library meets in the Library Meeting Room monthly at 6:30 pm. Pending on the circumstances, these meetings may need to move to virtual meetings. Please call the library to confirm location prior to each meeting. Meetings are open to the public and are listed on our Events Calendar.
BCL Board of Trustees Meeting Notice 2024
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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President: Amy Portzline
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Vice President: Karen Winegardner
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Secretary: Jessica Bortz
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Treasurer: Doug Sherry
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Board Member: Amity Grim
- Board Member: Melissa Hartman
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Board Member: Nicole Miller
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Board Member: Mary Shoemaker
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Board Member: Colleen Kristula
To contact members of the board please email bclibraryboard@gmail.com.
MEETING AGENDA
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MOST RECENT 12 MONTHS:
2024
2023
Previous minutes are available upon request. Please contact the Library Director at 610.682.7115 or bcl@brandywinelibrary.org
Brandywine 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.
A variety of programs are offered for all ages. Children's programs include baby lapsit, preschool story time, family story time and the summer reading program. Adult programs include craft demonstrations, musical concerts, local history lectures, health related information sessions, basic computer training classes, and local art programs.
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 accepting faxes.
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.
Brandywine Community Library has an expansive large print collection available to those who need this format of reading material. In addition to this, the library provides an outreach program to residents of the Lutheran Home who are unable to visit and select materials.
Policies
Berks County Public Library System Borrowing Policies
Berks County Public Libraries System User Privacy Policy
Code of Conduct
Collection Development Policy
Inter-Library Loan Policy (ILL)
Internet Policy
Library of Things Borrowing Policy and Waiver
Meeting Room Policy
Policy on Internet Access for Berks County Public Libraries
Public Comment for Board of Trustees Meeting
Reference Policy
Service Policy
Unclaimed Prize Policy
Volunteer Policy
