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 MissionIn support of an informed citizenry, Peters Township Public Library provides printed and recorded materials, programs, equipment and staff services to meet the community's educational, professional, and recreational needs. The library strives to enrich and empower every patron by fostering a love of learning.Adopted by Library Board 3/9/2004 Back to top HistoryThe Peters Township Public Library is located in McMurray, Washington County, in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. The library was founded in 1957 by the Women's Club of Peters Township and originally located in a section of the Peters Township High School. In 1961, the library was moved to the basement of the school administration building and in 1965 sponsorship was officially transferred to Peters Township. The library moved in 1976 to a 7,000 sq. ft. renovated township maintenance building, and constructed an addition in 1985 to increase the total size to 11,000 sq. ft. A fully automated catalog and circulation system was introduced in 1993. Due to tremendous growth in the township and a corresponding greater demand for library materials and services, planning for a new library began in 1997. A ground breaking ceremony was held on April 4, 1998 for a 23,000 sq. ft. two-story facility. The new library opened its doors to the public on February 16, 1999. In 2000, the library received national recognition from the Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), which ranked the library fourth in the nation among public libraries serving populations of 10,000 – 24,999. In 2008, construction was completed on a 4,800 sq. ft. expansion, which added a Teen Room, a Family Activity Center, a Local History Room, a Conference Room, and expanded shelving capacity on both levels of the library. Today, the Peters Township Public Library is open 7 days a week from September – May, and 6 days a week from the end of May to the beginning of September (closed on Sundays during the summer). The library contains over 136,000 items including books, magazines, DVDs, music CDs, books on CD, eReaders, Playaways, Teaching Company “Great Courses” CDs and DVDs, circulating video games for Wii and Xbox consoles, BiFolkal “Memory” kits, interactive books for children, LeapPad Electronic Platforms and books, and much more. Services include free public computers, online databases, e-audiobooks, wireless Internet access, a self check-out machine, homebound delivery of items, meeting rooms, resources for those with sight or learning disabilities, book clubs for all ages, a free weekly e-newsletter, library blogs for teens and adults, and more. A multitude of programs for patrons of all ages is also offered throughout the year. Back to top Annual Report2012 Annual ReportBack to top Library Board The Library Board is appointed by the Peters Township Council and assists in setting library policies, works with the Library Director to prepare the annual budget and oversee the expenditure of funds, and appoints a Library Director and approves the appointment of other library staff (as recommended by the Director).Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the library. The public is welcome to attend.
Back to top Timeline1957Founding of the Peters Township Library by the Women's Club of Peters Township. Located in a corner of the Peters Township High School Library.1959Holdings: 2,500 volumes. Circulation: 1,950. Open: 6 hours per week.1961Location: basement of school administration building. Holdings: 3,043 volumes. Circulation: 3,718. Open: 9 hours per week.1963First township tax money given to the library.1964Library Board of seven members appointed by the Women's Club.1965Transfer of library sponsorship from Women's Club to Peters Township.1967Library awarded a Library Services and Construction Act, Title 1 Grant of $78,000 for books.1968A full-time professional librarian employed. Holdings: 16,704 volumes. Circulation: 55,938. Open 26 hours per week.1971Board appoints a Building Committee to plan a larger library. Holdings: 19,175 volumes. Circulation: 55,697. Open: 36 hours per week. Staff: 3.1973The Friends of the Peters Township Library organized.1975Bond issue of $159,931 to finance renovation of the township's former maintenance building for the library. Holdings: 24,151 volumes. Circulation: 82,068. Open: 45 hours per week.1976The new library opens -- 7,000 square feet. $30,000 raised by township residents for library furniture and equipment.1977A large variety of 205 programs for children and adults is added. Holdings: 27,609 volumes. Circulation: 106,331. Open: 56 hours per week. Staff: 5.1980The first newsletter appears. Holdings: 35,023 volumes. Circulation: 132,257. Open: 57 hours per week. Staff: 6. Programs: 396.1982Peters Township Library becomes a part of the Washington County Library System as of July 1, 1982.1984Groundbreaking for an addition financed by a Library Services and Construction Act, Title II Grant of $97,125 along with matching funds from the township, $10,000 from the Friends of the Library, and $50,000 contributed by township residents.1985Dedication of the new addition (4,110 square feeet) on June 2, 1985. The library is now a member of Access Pennsylvania, a state-wide library card system.1986Holdings: 50,000 volumes, 1,200 records, 500 video tapes, 155 puppets and 300 audio cassettes. Also available: many magainzes and newspapers, a microfilm reader, a coin-operated copy machine, typewriters, computers, large-print books, cameras, interlibrary loan service, over 600 educational and recreational programs, and the opportunity to donate books in memory or honor of friends and family. Full and part-time employees: 10. Circulation: 187,022. Open: 67 hours per week.1987October 10, 1987, 30th anniversary of Peters Township Library. Circulation reaches over 200,000 for the first time.1989First phase of library computerization initiated. Computer center officially opens.1991Peters Township Library becomes a member of the Access Pennsylvania CD ROM database.1992Installation of computer terminals to begin library automation.1993April 5, 1993, library automation completed. Patrons now access collection via a computer terminal and the online public access catalog.1995Holdings: 70,845 volumes. Four databases available for public use: Business Newsbank, Access Pennsylvania, Magazine Article Summaries (MAS) and Social Issues Resources (SIRS). Circulation: 279,450. Programs: 720.1996Addition of two Internet terminals, as well as a PC in the children's room loaded with "World Bank Multimedia Encyclopedia."1997Planning for new library begins. New building to be financed by a $2,000,000 Peters Township bond issues, as well as a $200,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education Keystone, Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund grant.1998Groundbreaking for new library on April 4, 1998. Construction of new library begins April 14, 1998. A fundraising drive to purchase library furninshing and equipment raises over $300,000. Time capsule installed in new library on December 5, 1998.1999January 15 - February 15, 1999 library closed for moving. April 17, 1999 dedication of the new library building. Name officially changed to Peters Township Public Library.2000Library receives national recognition by receiving a high ranking in the Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR). Among public libraries in teh United States serving populations of 10,000 - 24,999, the Peters Township Public Library receives fourth place.2001Holdings: 96,188. Circulation: 307,193. Programs: 834.2002Launched the Peters Township Online Book Clubs. Installed the iBistro electronic library. Established the Blind / Low Vision / Learning Disabled Center. Hosted a "Local Authors Dinner."2003Work begun on Oral History Project. Became a distance learning center for library students from Clarion University. Redesigned the library's website.2004Holdings: 117,590. Circulation: 394,127. Programs: 939.2005Celebrated 6th anniversary in the new library on Feburary 14, 2005. Initiated a travel series. Hosted an Art Auction fundraising event.2006Installation of Wireless Internet Service. Library ranked 6th in the nation by the HAPLR survey. Holdings: 118,893. Circulation: 411,845. Programs: 1,132.2007Construction of 4,800 square foot library addition. Total cost $1,000,000, with partial funding by a $500,000 Keystone Grant. Library fundraising drive raises $500,000 in matching funds. Campaign slogan: "Here We Grow Again! @ Peters Township Public Library." April 15, 2007 celebration of 50th anniversary of the library. July 14, 2007 groundbreaking for library addition2008April 13, 2008: Dedication Ceremony for library addition.2009Library ranked 5th in the nation by the HAPLR survey. Launched downloadable audiobooks. Subscribed to Mango Languages database. Holdings: 138,886. Circulation: 413,856.2010Library receives "Voice of the People Award for Excellence" as a result of resident satisfaction with library services as determined by a National Citizen Survey (developed in conjunction with the International City/County Management Association) conducted in 2009. Library ranked 7th in the nation by the HAPLR survey. Launced downloadable electronic books, Universal Class Courses (offering 500 free online classes), and three databases (Global Issues in Context, Global REference on teh Environment, Energy and Natural Resources (GREENR), and Grizmek's Animal Life).2011Began circulation of Pandigital eReaders and Kindle eReaders. Launched Freegal (downloadable music).2012Peters Township Public Library Cookbook published. 11th annual Taste of the Township welcomes 450 guests and raises over $40,000 for the library. Launched new library website.Back to top |
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