About Us

Mission and Vision Statement:

Mission Statement

The Womelsdorf Community Library recognizes its responsibilities as follows:

  • To provide high-interest reading, audio, audio-visual and electronic materials for all ages.

  • To provide materials and story times that will encourage children to read.

  • To sponsor special programs of interest to the community.

  • To provide up to date access to electronic information services to patrons using the library

  • To offer basic reference services as part of the education and cultural life of the Womelsdorf Community.

  • To plan and adjust for future needs of  Community.

  • To act as a Resource Center for the Womelsdorf Community.

 

Vision Statement:

  • To provide access to a vast array of materials and programs that reflect a world of diverse social and cultural ideas. All of this will be done in an environment that is warm, welcoming, and safe.

 

 

The Womelsdorf Community Library was established by Resolution of the Womelsdorf Borough Council on Nov. 28th, 1978.

Founding Board Members were Rebecca Rohrbach, President; Rozanne Meredith, Vice-President; Patricia Hetrick, Treasurer; Mary Moore, Recording Secretary; Anne Coffey, Corresponding Secretary.

The library occupied the back room of the Borough Hall at 101 W. High St. In 1979, library volunteers provided a Summer Reading Program and a Preschool Story Hour for the children of Womelsdorf. The official opening occurred on March 3rd, 1980.

The librarians during the first 20 years of operation were Kathy Rulapaugh (1980), Patricia Hetrick (1980-1985 and 1986-1989), Patricia Stover (1985-1986) and Geraldine Reed (Kramer) (1989-1998).

By the mid 90s the library was in need of more space. The Borough purchased the present building to house the library and the police dept. The library moved into its present location in Feb. 1996 at 203 West High.

In July, 1998, the library joined the Berks County Public Library System providing Womelsdorf patrons access to collections and services from all System Libraries. Computer, internet, FAX and Photocopying services were added. Circulation in 1999 was 10,594, by 2003 it had increased to 33,125 and by 2006, to 56,681 items borrowed. The library was incorporated in 2000.

The 2009 circulation was 69,049. The library provided 282 programs for the public. The Summer Reading Program served 274 participants who read 20,700 books. Outreach programs were held for the Henner apartments and Bethany Children's Home. Collection size was 17,544.

In 2002, the Board of Directors established a Capital Campaign Committee to raise money for library expansion. The Board hired Lee Olsen and Larry Smith Architects to design the addition and renovation work needed. The Campaign was successful due to the generosity and work of MaryAnne and Brad Beamesderfer and many other contributors and supporters. In December of 2006 construction began on the addition to the east side of the building. The Opening Ceremony was held on Sept 23rd, 2007.

Construction on the Restoration and Renovation Phase of the project began in August 2010 with anticipated completion in spring of 2011. The 2nd Phase's success was due in large part to the hard work and financial support of Carolyn and Bruce Edwards, their family and friends. The Renovation Project will be named in memory of their daughter Melissa a library volunteer and an avid reader.

From 2002 to present the Capital Campaign raised approximately a million, one hundred thousand dollars in grants and financial support from numerous organizations and individuals.

A list of staff members and members of the Board of Trustees. The board meets the 4th Tuesday of each month January-June, and August-November. Meetings are listed on our events calendar and are open to the public. Board minutes can be found online.

 

LIBRARY STAFF
  • Library Director: vacant
  • Children's Program Coordinator: Jessica Molinari
  • Desk Clerk: Luona Bair
  • Desk Clerk: Deborah Davis
  • Desk Clerk: Karin Applegate
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
  • President: Sarah Sechrist

  • Vice President: Position Open

  • Treasurer: Aislinn Staaby

  • Secretary: Position Open

  • Board Member: Diane Schwab-Sullivan

  • Board Member: John Fraunfelter

  • Board Member: Debbie Worrell

  • Board Member: Bonnie Paparella

  • Board Member: Wendy Marshall

  • Friends of the Library Representative: Lynn Kreider

  • Borough Liason: Connie Keller

2024 Board Meeting Minutes

January Minutes

February Minutes

 

2023 Board Meeting Minutes

January 2023 Minutes - Not official, board did not have quorum.

February 2023 Minutes

March 2023 Minutes

April 2023 Minutes

May 2023 Minutes

June 2023 Minutes

No Board Meetings Held July and August 2023

September 2023 Minutes

October 2023 Minutes

November 2023 Minutes

No Board Meeting Held December 2023

Donations Policy:

The Womelsdorf Community Library accepts donations during our operating hours. We do not accept textbooks, Reader's Digest, encyclopedias, magazines, or any materials published before 2013.

Please give us a call if your donation is more than one box or bag. We will schedule an appointment with you to drop off your donation at the back of our building in our parking lot.

Give us a call if you have any questions! 610-589-1424

Updated May 2023