History:
The Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association opened its first branch library in Forest City on July 10, 1967. Through the dedication and inspiration of the Forest City Lions Club, the library finally became a reality for the Forest City Area.
The Association's Board of Directors in 1965 were approached by the Lions Club with the idea of having a library in Forest City. It had taken two years of planning and work to reach the climax of opening day. The Lions Club had a long-standing interest in this project, close cooperation with the library trustees and financial support. The members redecorated and remodeled, purchased shelving and other equipment for the street level area of the Borough Hall. the Forest City Borough is a big supporter of the library and provides it rent-free, light, heat, and janitorial services. When the desk and chairs arrived, which the Lions Club had purchased, the library had become a reality. Window curtains were furnished and hung by the members of the Forest City Business and Professional Women's Club.
An Open House was held on July 10, 1967, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mrs. Susan Stark was the first librarian with Mrs. Alma Ownes as an assistant, along with Mrs. Helen Andrews, head librarian for Susquehanna County, as consultant.
In 1967, a federal grant was applied for and approved. This was to be overa two-year project. In order to qualify for federal funding, it was necessary to agree to spend and maintain a budget of $10,000.00 for the library. The use of these grant funds help secure additional furniture and books. The total circulation of books for the 1967 was 5300, for 1968 the circulation was over 13,000; with the year of 1969, the amount was 15,000 and for 1979 it was well over 18,000. Circulation for 1980 reached a peak of over 20,000. Each year the circulation increases that 900 people are registered at the library and took advantage of the 32,000 books this past year.
The high quality of the library service in Forest City today can be attributed to the spirit of cooperation among the service organizations, federal government funding, and the Board and Staff of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association.
