About Us

Vision/Mission Statement - Library EIN: 23-2980611

The mission of the Mifflin Community Library is to create and promote free and equal access to knowledge for our community through dynamic media, technology and programming in a safe, welcoming environment. 

Services

The Mifflin Community Library collection includes materials for children, teens, and adults, including books, large-print materials, periodicals, media, and other resources for education, research, and leisure. Library staff are available to assist patrons with finding materials and using library resources. We also have a library of things featuring physical items such as games, electronics, puzzles and much more.

If an item is not available through the Berks County Public Libraries system, eligible patrons may request materials through Interlibrary Loan from libraries outside the county. Interlibrary Loan requests are available to patrons with a Berks County Public Libraries card in good standing. While the library does not charge a fee for submitting an Interlibrary Loan request, lending libraries may charge fees that are the responsibility of the patron.

The library provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for reading, studying, completing homework, and working. Public computers are available free of charge on a first-come basis, and the library also provides free Wi-Fi. A scanner and printing and copying services are also available. Black-and-white copies are 15 cents per page and color copies are 50 cents per page.

Mifflin Community Library offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. Children's programming includes storytimes for preschoolers and toddlers, bedtime storytime, summer reading and learning activities, STEM programs, arts and crafts, and special performances. Adult programming includes book discussions, arts and crafts, and other special events and activities. Program offerings change throughout the year, so patrons are encouraged to check the library's calendar for current events.

The library also provides opportunities for community involvement and information sharing. A community bulletin board is available for local events, public programs, personal services, and library-related job postings, subject to library guidelines and available space. 

Mifflin Community Library serves the residents of the townships of Brecknock and Cumru  and the boroughs of Kenhorst, Mohnton, and Shillington as well as the rest of Berks County. 

History

The Mifflin Community Library’s story is an inspiring tale of dedication, perseverance, and determination. Founded in 1977 by the Shillington Women’s Club and housed in the former Shillington Community Center, the library struggled for years, able to provide only limited services.  When it lost its home in 1996 upon the sale of the Shillington Community Center and its collection was dispersed to the garages and attics of its supporters, its chances of survival seemed slim.  But the threat to the library galvanized support.  The library found a temporary home in the Mohnton Borough Hall in 1997, and in 1998, a group of dedicated volunteers began work to transform the rudimentary organization into a vibrant, full-service public library.  They aimed for a service area that comprised the territory of the Governor Mifflin School District.  Thus, the Mifflin Community Library (MCL) came to serve the township of Cumru, and the boroughs of Kenhorst, Mohnton, and Shillington, an area with a population of 26,340 in the 2010 census.

After achieving affiliate membership in the Berks County Public Library System in 1999, the search for a new facility became the top priority. In 2000, two facilities adjacent to each other at an ideal location in Shillington became possible temporary and permanent locations. One was a 1,100 square foot facility at 2 W. Lancaster Avenue that would more than triple the Mohnton space and give the library increased visibility. Concurrently, it was discovered that the Fulton Bank building at 6 Philadelphia Avenue was to be sold. The decision was made to pursue a two-step (later three-step) plan and the library moved into the rental in December 2000 while pursuing the purchase of MCL’s current location. Following the move, usage surged and in August 2001 the library met the requirements to become a state-aided member of the Berks County Public Library System.

A Capital Campaign become public in March 2002 after the purchase of the 6 Philadelphia Avenue building was finalized. In July 2002, after minor renovations that included two small additions were completed, thirty community volunteers walked/carried the library collection of 8,500 books and media into the 2,927 square foot building at 6 Philadelphia Avenue. Realizing from the start that additional space would likely be needed in the future, the third step was planned and a second Capital Campaign launched in 2005. This added a separate teen space and expanded the children’s area and shelving space on the main floor as well as installing an elevator and adding program rooms on the lower level. The new and renovated spaces were opened in March 2008 and the library has operated in the resulting almost 8,000 square feet since that time.

Board of Directors’ Meetings

Board meetings start at 7 p.m. and are held virtually or in-person on the fourth Wednesday of the month except in December, when the meeting is on the first Wednesday. The board will hold 6 meetings per year: February, April, June, September, October and December. Exact dates, format, attendance options and additional meeting dates will be posted at mifflinlibrary.org.

2026 Minutes -

February - April - June 

September - October - December

Older Minutes are available upon request to Director by emailing mifflinlibrary@mifflinlibrary.org.

 

Board of Directors’ Meetings

Board meetings start at 7 p.m. and are held virtually or in-person on the fourth Wednesday of the month except in December, when the meeting is on the first Wednesday. The board will hold 6 meetings per year: February, April, June, September, October and December. Exact dates, format, attendance options and additional meeting dates will be posted at mifflinlibrary.org along with a  list of staff members and members of the Board of Trustees.

LIBRARY STAFF

  • Natasha Donaldson – Library Director
  • Andrea Hunter – Youth Services, Part-time

  • Alex - PR Coordinator

  • Melissa C. - Library Assistant, Part-time

  • Melissa I. - Library Assistant, Part-time

  • Jenny C. - Library Assistant, Part-time

  • Liz – Library Assistant, Part-time
  • Lisa - Library Assistant, Part-time

  • Madelyn - Library Assistant, Part-time

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • President: Veronica Martin, represents Shillington

  • Vice President: Rosanna Lindquist, represents Brecknock

  • Secretary: Haley Vogel, represents Mohnton

  • Treasurer: Colleen Stamm, represents Kenhorst

  • Board Member: Alison Kalbach, represents Cumru 

  • Board Member: Brandon Perrone, represents Mohnton

  • Board Member: Lauren Kern, represents Shillington

  • Board Member: Kristine Bonfitto, Represents Cumru