The quest for a public library in this area started in 1967. While other areas were selected by local government or facilitated because of large populations, the community of the Upper Perkiomen Valley was the driving force behind establishing our library. A group of residents recognized a need for library service beyond what public schools were providing. After looking for many months and into many options, this group (now known as the Library Association) found that becoming a local supported library was the most feasible idea. A locally supported library would have to be funded with local tax support. In July of 1969, petitions were presented to the Borough Councils and Township Commissioners to place the question of granting tax support for a local library. All responses were not favorable to the question but every borough and township felt it was a question for the people to decide. The November elections came and the people decided against tax support for a library. People were afraid taxes would be raised.
In spite of this blow, the Library Association still believed a library was important and went to Montgomery County library to see what could be done. In 1970, Montgomery County heard the Library Association's request and helped create the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library as a branch of the Montgomery County Library. Today, the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library is located in the annex section of The Lofts Apartments on Main Street in Red Hill, PA. The library has called this location "home" since 1992. The library provides 4,000 sq. feet of space to house its collections and an additional 4,000 sq. feet for use as multipurpose meeting rooms. The library also provides informative classes and services for every age group. Upper Perkiomen Valley Library serves residents of East Greenville, Green Lane, Marlborough, Pennsburg, Red Hill, and Upper Hanover and extends the Montgomery County library collection through Inter-Library Loan. The staff and board are proud to serve the people of the Upper Perkiomen Valley and will strive to continue meeting the needs of our growing community.
