Peters Township Library TimeLine

1957

Founding of the Peters Township Library by the Women's Club of Peters Township. Location : a section of the Peters Township High School Library

1961

Location : Basement of school administration building. Holdings : 3,043 volumes. Circulation : 3,718. Open : 9 hours per week.

1963

First township tax money given to the library.

1964

Library Board of seven members appointed by the Women's Club

1965

Transfer of library sponsorship from Women's Club to Peters Township.

1968

A full-time professional librarian employed. Holdings : 16,704. Circulation : 55,938. Open : 23 hours per week.

1973

The Friends of the Peters Township Library organized.

1975

Bond issue of $159,931 to finance renovation of the township's former maintenance building for the library. Holdings : 23,151. Circulation : 82,068. Open : 45 hours per week.

1976

New library opened -- 7,000 square feet. $30,000 raised by residents for library furniture and equipment.

1982

Peters Township Library becomes part of the Washington County Library System as of July 1st.

1985

Dedication of the new addition (4,110 square feet) on June 2nd. 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. The library now becomes a member of Access Pennsylvania, a state-wide library card system.

1987

30th Anniversary of Peters Township Library on October 10, 1987. Circulation reaches over 200,000 for the first time.

1989

First phase of library computerization initiated. Computers available for public use. Computer classes offered.

1993

April 5, 1993 : library automation completed. Patrons now access collection via a computer terminal and the online public access catalog.

1995

Holdings : 70,845. Circulation : 279,450. Programs : 720.

1996

Addition of two Internet terminals.

1997

Planning for new library begins. New building to be financed by a $2,000,000 Peters Township bond issue, as well as a $200,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education Keystone Recreation, Parks, and Conservation Fund grant.

1998

Groundbreaking for new library on April 04, 1998. Construction of new library begins April 14, 1998. A fundraising drive to purchase library furnishings and equipment raises over $300,000. Time Capsule installed in cornerstone of new library on December 05, 1998.

1999

January 15 - February 15, 1999 library closed for moving. February 16, 1999 new library opens. April 17, 1999 Dedication of new library.

2000

Library receives national recognition by receiving a high ranking in the HAPLR ratings. Among public libraries in the United States serving populations of 10,000 - 24,999, the Peters Township Public Library received fourth place.

2001

Holdings: 96,188. Circulation: 307,193. Programs: 834.

2002

Launched the Peters Township Online Book Clubs. Installed the iBistro electronic library. Established the Blind / Low Vision / Learning Disabled Center. Hosted a "Local Authors Dinner."

2003

Work begun on Oral History Project. Became a distance learning center for library students from Clarion University. Redesigned the library's website.

2004

Holdings: 117,590. Circulation: 394,127. Programs: 939.

2005

February 14, 2005 celebrated 6th anniversary in the new Library. Initiated a travel series. Hosted an Art Auction fundraising event.

2006

Installation of Wireless Internet Service. Library ranked 6th in the nation among public libraries serving populations of 10,000 – 24,999 by the HAPLR survey. Holdings: 118,893. Circulation: 411,845. Programs: 1,132.

2007

Construction of 4,800 square foot library addition. Total cost approximately $1,000,000 to be partially financed by a $500,000 Keystone Grant. Fundraising drive to raise $500,000 in matching funds. Campaign slogan: Here We Grow Again! @ Peters Township Public Library. April 15, 2007 celebration of the 50th anniversary of Peters Township Public Library. July 14, 2007 Groundbreaking for library addition.

2008

April 13, 2008 Dedication Ceremony for library addition.