The Story of Our Library

Our story begins 25 years ago when a small group of people at a Lion’s Club picnic thought it would be nice if White Haven had its very own library. This library would not only be the keeper of many books and reference materials, but also offer access to technology, education, recreation, socialization and enrichment programs for children, adults, seniors, tourists, and teachers. At that time the nearest library was 8-10 miles away.

This group organized and formed what would be the charter board of directors. The following people were part of that team: Reverend Michelle Kaufman, Debbie Murphy, Susan Sainclair, Geraldine Mosbauer, Judy Gallagher, Joseph Lehman, the Honorable Richard Hughes, Susan Belisle, Nancy Andres and me.

We have the Lion’s Club to thank for our start in our fund- raising efforts. They provided the funds we needed to file for the “501C3” non-profit designation and Judge Richard Hughes provided the legal services we needed for the filing of documents. We were and continue to be very grateful for the support we have received over the years from many individuals and organizations.

There were donation jars in every business in White Haven, we sold candles, throws, t-shirts, Christmas ornaments, pins and really whatever we could think of. We held fund raisers, some of which were events called “Rocking for Reading” featuring Vince D’Angola and his band, “Riding for Reading”, a motorcycle ride organized by Bob Lamson.

We held what seemed like the largest flea market in the County, the” Taste of White Haven”, which has evolved into our “Hops and Grapes” event featuring restaurants, wineries, and brewing companies in the area. There were even more events along the way and of course continue to this day.

Tom Ridge was our governor at the time and as luck would have it, Mrs. Ridge was a librarian. She was a strong advocate for the preservation of Pennsylvania history and very passionate about the importance of reading. The strong support and dedication of our volunteers was just what I needed to make a phone call to Mrs. Ridge’s office.  You, see I thought who better to get advice from than the first lady of Pennsylvania who happens also to be a librarian. I thought surely, she could set us off in the right direction for funding sources and basic ideas of setting up a library.

Within a day or two after I left a message for her, the then Deputy Chief of Staff Lisa Baker called me back. She was so gracious and helpful and gave us some suggestions for funding possibilities and contact information for the larger libraries in the area. Senator Baker was here with us for the ribbon cutting when we officially opened our doors here at the Engine House. (Mention the Citation).

While all of this fundraising and organizing was going on, we took up residence in the White Haven Water Authority building in Wood Haven. That is where we held our first book drive. The community was very generous, we received more books than we could have ever imagined!  We also received donations of office furniture and even items from some of the libraries in the area that were upgrading their equipment.

Next, we needed to find a home for this new little library, so we approached PNC bank and talked them into letting us use the space on the second floor and in October of 1997, we had a ribbon cutting and opened our doors to this new adventure. The Lion’s Club pitched in to build shelves for the many books in our collection.

We stayed there for a few years and then moved to the Canal Building. First in the coffee shop side and then next door in our own space. We soon realized we really needed a home of our own and began the search.

This magnificent building where we are today was truly a diamond in the ruff. When I say it was ruff, I really mean it. As we looked around the borough though, we always came back to this building as a possible location for our library. We fell in love with it immediately and those of us on the board of directors at the time could see this becoming our new home one day. We began investigating who the owner was and started negotiating. OK, so now we had the place, but how in the world would we pay for this?

We approached the White Haven Borough Council with a proposal for them to buy the building. They could then lease it to us and we would be the trustees and caretakers to oversee the Adaptive Rehabilitation of this building.

If I am being honest, we were met with some opposition at first. We attended many council meetings and walked the streets of White Haven asking residents to sign a petition to buy the Engine House.

We really needed the support of the community in order for the acquisition of this building to move forward. There is a lot of rich history that surrounds this building and so we felt like the effort was worth it!

Once the borough agreed they would make the investment we were off and running.

Our fundraising committee went into high gear, planning lots of opportunities for folks to “buy” into this project. The community responded and soon many of the items offered as naming memorials or honorariums were purchased.

As you walk through the building you will notice the many plaques that represent this endeavor. It felt good to have that support and it was just what our volunteers needed to push forward.

Charlotte Carter stepped up to take on the management of the rehabilitation of the Engine House.  She led the team that would be busy researching grant possibilities, touring other libraries and securing just the right team of architects to restore this beautiful building and make her something the entire community would be proud of.

Once the plans for the overall project were final, the project was broken up into several phases. The first phase of the project was awarded to Richard Angelo Construction as were the subsequent phases. Richard and his crew have been with us through every phase of the construction of the interior of this building.

Charlotte worked closely with the architects and the construction company to ensure that the distinct characteristics of the Engine House were preserved and just the right colors and finishes were perfect!

I am sure there are days when she wishes she had not answered the phone when I called to asked her to be the PR person for the library!

As we began working with the architects and they began their research into the history of this building we knew right away we were destined to be the caretakers of what was once a place where tired and broken engines came to receive new life.

Along the way, the library formed a partnership with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor organization. They have been and continue to be a valuable asset and benefactor.

The library eventually moved into the Engine House in 2013.

Capital improvements to this building are not yet complete, however. The second-floor mezzanine is the next phase to be worked. We continue to search for grant opportunities and private donations in order to expand our current fiction and non-fiction areas and technology stations.

Providing research and technology services is only a part of what we offer here at the library. Committees of volunteers plan programs for both children and adults.

In 2021, one of our board members, Steven Reiss directed and performed in “Love Letters”, a play by A.R. Gurney. It was so successful that Steve once again directed a performance of “Murder on the Menu” this year. This performance included a larger cast and dinner. The proceeds from the event were shared with our partner for this fundraiser, the Penn Lake Community Association. Tickets sold out quickly, so I want to warn you, if you get word that Steve and his theater friends are performing again, don’t wait to buy your tickets!

One of the most recent kids’ programs was held this summer in coordination with the YMCA called “Food and Fun”. White Haven area children were welcomed here at the library for eight weeks from 10-2 Monday through Friday. Lunch was included and fun activities were planned each day.

A class reunion for the White Haven Area schools was held here recently and the White Haven Historical Society held an open house showcasing the many articles of history of White Haven and surrounding areas.

The library is happy to host Scrabble Club meetings, the Fiber Arts Group and Garden Club.

Be sure to visit our website and Facebook page to see what types of programs are planned for the future.

The John Murphy room, part of the building that was renovated over the past few years is dedicated to its benefactor. This room is available to rent for meetings, seminars, and social events. It has been used for many different functions since its completion.

Please take a walk in our newly dedicated Rail Yard Park, recently completed thanks to a very generous private donor and matching grant opportunity.

I would like to thank Deb D’Angola, the anniversary committee and our board of directors for organizing our celebration this evening.

Please allow me to introduce our current board of directors: Lois Hammer, President, Dr. Kathleen Benyo, Vice President, Kathy Nuss, 2^nd Vice President, Patty Horn, Secretary, Frank Migneco, Treasurer, Charlotte Carter, Deb D’Angola, Jack Kalena, Linda Kiesel, Dr. Renee Monahan, Stan Spolowich and myself.

The screens throughout the library display some of the many photos that were taken and newspaper articles that capture our beginning and show the progress over the years.

Before I close, I would like to invite you to become part of this legacy to our community.

There is room for you here, room to volunteer at the desk, room to be on one of our many committees, and or to support us through your monetary donations. The library receives no state funding and relies solely on private donations and grants.

It is because of the tenacity and persistence of our volunteers and the support of our generous donors over these 25 years that we can say our future is bright and we remain a valuable asset to White Haven and the surrounding communities.

While doing some research recently for the White Haven Schools reunion, we discovered that in 1950, a group of folks including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts led an effort to establish a library in town. Each resident was asked to donate two books and a few cents. The story was so important at the time that it made the front page above the fold of the April 14, 1950, edition of the White Haven Record.

So that the small group of people in 1996 at a Lion’s Club picnic had a dream for a community library, but what we later discovered was, they were not the first. We are just very glad those dedicated volunteers in 1950 were not the last.