Sewickley Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School District |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sewickley Public Library located at 500 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania | |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1873 |
| Location | Sewickley |
| Coordinates | 40°32′19.32″N 80°10′53.4″W / 40.5387000°N 80.181500°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 94,766 |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 374,711 |
| Population served | 13,934 |
| Members | 8,003 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $987,000 |
| Director | Carolyn A. Toth |
| Staff | 35 Includes Part and Full Time |
| Website | http://www.sewickleylibrary.org |
| Phone number | 412-741-6920 |
The Sewickley Public Library is a public library that serves the Quaker Valley School District. You can find it in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. This town is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) west of Pittsburgh, right along the Ohio River.
Since 1873, the library has been an important place for the community. It offers free services to everyone living in the Quaker Valley School District. People from Allegheny County and other qualified visitors can also use it.
The library has a huge collection of materials. It owns over 90,000 items, including books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks, and magazines. Plus, it can get materials from other libraries in the Allegheny County Library Association.
The main funding for the library comes from the Quaker Valley School District. It also gets some money from the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Contents
What Does the Library Offer?
The Sewickley Public Library provides many helpful services for its visitors. It's a great place to learn, relax, and connect with others.
Easy Access and Technology
- The Library is open seven days a week, making it easy to visit.
- You can drop off books anytime, day or night, using the book drop at the back.
- Need a computer? The library offers free use of PCs with word processing and other software.
- You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and Internet access.
- They have many online databases for research and learning.
Programs and Resources
- You can access most public library collections in Allegheny County.
- The library hosts fun and educational programs for kids, teens, and adults.
- If you can't visit, they offer homebound delivery services.
- There are also meeting and study rooms available for use.
A Look Back: Library History
The Sewickley Public Library has a long and interesting history, starting way back in 1873.
How It All Began
The idea for the library started in the winter of 1872-73. A local resident, Mr. Bayard H. Christy, explained that some people wanted a better place for young men to spend their time. They hoped a library would offer fun and educational activities.
Because of this idea, the Young Men's Library Association was created in 1873. They first rented a room at the Mozart Hall. Later, they moved to a nearby building called Choral Hall. In 1880, the library's ownership was given to the Sewickley School Board.
A New Home and Growth
In 1923, the library moved to its current building. Mr. William L. Clause donated this building in memory of his wife, Elizabeth Ann Clause. He hoped the library would serve the entire valley, even though it was officially given to the Sewickley School District.
Over the years, other school districts like Osborne and Edgeworth also helped support the library. In 1956, eleven towns joined together to form the Quaker Valley School District.
In 1967, the Quaker Valley School District officially chose the Sewickley Public Library to provide library services to its residents. They also promised to help support the library.
Historic Recognition
The library building is very special. In 2003, the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation recognized it as a Historic Landmark.
Awards and Recognition
The Sewickley Public Library has received several awards for its excellent services.
- The library has been named one of the country's best public libraries for four years in a row.
- Library Journal (LJ) gave the Sewickley Public Library a four-star rating out of five. LJ looks at over 7,000 libraries and picks fewer than 300 for their quality service. They check things like how many people visit, how many items are borrowed, and how often public computers are used.
- The Sewickley Public Library is often listed among the top 25 largest libraries in the Pittsburgh Business Times Book of Lists.
- The library also earned Gold Star status through the PA Forward Star Program.
