The history of the Womelsdorf Community Library is important because the library is a central resource for residents of the Borough of Womelsdorf. How the library was born, how it has developed and grown, and how it thrives today are all critical to the future of the library, as well.
In addition to the historical record of the library, we maintain an archive of historical documents about the library.
Timeline of Womelsdorf Community Library
The Early Era
| 1872 | According to records at the Pennsylvania Secretary of State's office, a "Womelsdorf Library Association" was founded on December 9, 1872 (corporation ID 6001948). The founders are unknown, or not disclosed in the public records. That corporation is currently in an "orphaned" state. No other information about that association is available at this time. |
The Modern Era
| 1978 |
The Womelsdorf Community Library was established by Resolution of the Womelsdorf Borough Council on Nov. 28th, 1978. Founding Board Members were
The library occupied the back room of the Borough Hall at 101 W. High St.
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1979 |
Library volunteers provided a Summer Reading Program and a Preschool Story Hour for the children of Womelsdorf. |
| 1980 |
The official opening occurred on March 3rd, 1980. The librarians during the first 20 years of operation were:
By the mid 1990s the library was in need of more space. |
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1995 |
On the 8th of August 1995 Womelsdorf Borough purchased the property at the corner of W High Street and N 2nd Street for $140,100. The purchase included the old post office and former Bank of Pennsylvania buildings, located on the site of the former Filbert Store, as well as the parking lot. It was the intention of the borough to house both the library and police department at this location. |
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1996 |
The library moved into its present location in February 1996. |
| 1998 |
In July 1998, the library joined the Berks County Public Library System. The system provided Womelsdorf patrons access to collections and services from all System Libraries. Computer, internet, FAX and Photocopying services were added. Strong growth in library circulation began. |
| 2000 |
The library was incorporated as a non-profit corporation with the State of Pennsylvania on Feb 24, 2000 (#2926195). On November 13, 2000 it was further recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. |
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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. |
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2006 |
Construction began in December 2006 on the addition to the east side of the building (Phase 1). |
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2007 |
The Opening Ceremony for the expanded library (Phase 1) was held on Sept 23rd, 2007. |
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2009 |
Library activities were expanding, providing 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. |
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2010 |
Construction on the Restoration and Renovation Phase of the project (Phase 2) began in August 2010. It was estimated to last 9 months. |
| 2011 |
The Restoration and Renovation of the library (Phase 2) was completed in the spring of 2011. The project'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 was named in memory of their daughter Melissa a library volunteer and an avid reader. The Capital Campaign raised approximately $1.1 million dollars in grants and financial support from numerous organizations and individuals.
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