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About Us

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The Kutztown Community Library’s mission is to provide resources, programs, and services that will satisfy the informational, educational, and recreational needs of everyone in our community.

 

Library History

The Kutztown Community Library traces its beginning to a bequest in 1941 from Louisa M. Gonser, who donated her home on West Main Street to be used as a public library and a YMCA. The library became a reality in 1949, when the Business & Professional Women's Club established a children’s reading library.

By 1958 the library had outgrown its quarters and was moved to the old town hall on Whiteoak Street. In 1989 the library was moved to the lower level of the newly completed Borough Hall.

The current building was purchased in 1997 from plumber John Printz and has a varied history. The central structure was an 18th-century barn. A back portion was used as a slaughterhouse in the early part of the century. The library opened as the Louisa Gonser Community Library in 1998. In 2011 it was renamed the Kutztown Community Library, and the building was named in honor of Louisa Gonser.

Board Minutes

Staff & Trustees

The Kutztown Community Library Board of Trustees meets at the library on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm. No meeting in July. Meetings are open to the public and may be held via Zoom. Board minutes are available online or at the circulation desk.

 

LIBRARY STAFF

  • Director: Janet Yost

  • Assistant Director: Jackee Sharayko

  • Youth Services Coordinator: Tara Sanders

  • Clerk: Mary Beth Friedle

  • Clerk: Lori Balthaser

  • Clerk: Danielle Martin

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • President: Linda Foulke

  • Vice-President: Sue Neumann

  • Treasurer: Harry Heffelfinger

  • Secretary: Ann Pirnot

  • Corresponding Secretary: Gerry Hynes

  • Members: Cathleen Brown, Kathryn Landis, Jennifer Lau, Joanne Yoder

 

Policies & Reports