Mission:
Kaltreider-Benfer Library is a friendly regional library dedicated to providing the residents of the area with library and information services for their personal enjoyment and educational and professional needs.
The Library prides itself on maintaining a selection of classic and current materials for inquisitive minds of all ages. In particular, our children's library and children's programs are designed to foster and maintain a love of books and reading in children.
The Library provides reference materials on a wide variety of subjects and has access to thousands of other reference sources through county and state interlibrary loan services, the Internet and online databases.
Reference services are available to elementary and secondary students as well as all residents engaged in personal or professional enrichment.
History:
In the early 1960s, the Welcome Wagon of Southern York County wanted to do something for the Red Lion area. A committee chaired by Mary Auten Miller and Margaret Ishler was established in early 1963 to decide how the Welcome Wagon could help. With the encouragement of Mayor H. Norman Fishel, the committee selected the establishment of a public library as the most worthy undertaking.
The committee accomplished much during the summer months, including renting an entire empty storefront at 25 North Main Street. At the same time, the Red Lion Public Library was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Local industries donated shelving and residents contributed books. With the help of many volunteers and 600 books on loan from Martin Library, the Library was dedicated and opened on October 20, 1963. The first fund drive was conducted shortly thereafter. Initially, the Library was staffed only by volunteers, notably Mrs. H. Holland and Jeanette Espenshade.
The Red Lion Public Library was renamed Kaltreider Memorial Library and moved to the intersection of S. Charles St. and Broadway in May of 1968, following the donation of the Kaltreider family home by Janet Kaltreider-Benfer and Dr. Kenneth Benfer.
After another generous gift from the Benfers, the community supported an extensive Capital Campaign that resulted in both a new name and location. The Kaltreider-Benfer Library opened its doors at 147 South Charles St. during the spring of 2000.
On March 15-18, 2000,with the wonderful help of our patrons and community groups, the books were moved to our current facility. April 25-29, 2000 was an exciting week as our Grand Opening activities were enjoyed by the entire community. A Library of Congress Stamp session along with an author visit, a poetry workshop and more led up to our Grand Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, April 29, 2000.
