History:
The Grove City Community Library, originally named “The Little Library,” was started in March, 1958, by 187 members of the Grove City Junior Woman’s Club. It was located at the Karfes Building on Majestic Alley (which is now the parking lot in front of Steigerwald’s Kitchens and Baths). These women contributed $800 to start the library, and almost all of the clubs in town, along with many businesses and individuals, donated labor, materials, books, and money.
In the first week the library was open, 500 people joined as members and 100 books were being circulated each day. By the next year, the library was able to expand to an adjoining room and hire a librarian.
In 1966, the library moved to a larger building at 243 South Broad Street and in 1978 the library became a part of the Pennsylvania State Public Library, qualifying the library for state funding. In the following years, surrounding townships began to contribute to the library, which allowed their residents access to all of the library services. In 1981, the library moved again to 131 South Broad Street where inter-library loan service was first introduced, and reference service, children’s programs, and summer reading were all expanded.
In 1986, after a major fund drive, the library was able to move into its current location in the Borough Council Building Complex at 125 West Main street. With the increased space, the library provided expanded children’s programming, more staff, and more material for circulation.
In the early nineties, the library was the first public library in Mercer County to automate. By 1997, the library was providing Internet access to patrons and access to CDs and DVDs for entertainment and educational purposes.
In 2011, the library received a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund matching grant. This grant provided half the funding necessary for a 2,700 square-foot addition to the Library. The rest of the funding was raised through a year-long capital campaign, “Growing for Generations.” With the increased space, the library provided increased computer access for the public, a meeting room for youth and adult programming, quiet study/reading areas with adequate outlets for Wi-Fi users, additional shelf space for collection growth, and additional office space for staff.
In 2011 and 2012, the library saw the addition of many online reference databases, available both in the library and externally with an Internet connection. In addition, the library began adding eBooks to the collection, linked to the library catalog. The library also updated their ILS software: it allows patrons to take control of their own accounts by renewing their items online.
Today, the library has the largest summer reading program in Mercer County and provides programming for children, teens, and adults throughout the year. It is also a member of Access PA, which gives patrons access to a wealth of informational databases, along with an extensive inter-library loan program.
The library has come a long way, thanks to a loving and caring community of people dedicated to the purpose of our library.
