St. Marys Public Library History:
The City of St. Marys had no library service at the turn of the 20th Century. A group of women interested in cultural improvement named The Literary Circle was formed in St. Marys in 1909, and one of its projects was the foundation of a public library. The first public library in St. Marys was opened on July 2, 1912, and was housed in the Town Hall along with the City Council chambers, the police department, and the jail. In February of 1921 Dr. Eben Russ and his wife, nee Clare Hindl, presented their former house on Center Street to be used as a library, upon completion of construction of their new house across the street. After the relocation, Ruth Sweeney was hired as Librarian, and served until 1928. Her successor, Rose Fannin Thiel, was Librarian for over three decades, from 1928 to April 1, 1960. Like many small-town librarians, Mrs. Thiel performed many of the duties at the Eben J. Russ Public Library, including book repair and cleaning.
In 1959, library board member Ted Smeal promoted a project to renew the library. As this project was implemented, the Eben J. Russ Library closed for renovation from April through October of 1960. Later, with the impetus of the Library Service and Construction Act of 1964, plans for a new library were developed. The new library was built on the old Center Street site and was constructed from Federal government funds, as well as money from the Stackpole Foundation and generous local support. Library service continued from a temporary location on Lafayette Street in St. Marys during the construction. The present library building was dedicated on April 17, 1966. Ted Smeal was the first librarian of the new St. Marys Public Library.
The St. Marys Public Library has had a number of Librarians since its dedication in 1966. Their efforts, as well as those of its staff and library boards both past and present, have made it the community resource that it is today. Thanks to the efforts of library director, Joseph Petrick, the library has had its first major renovation since 1966. New lighting, carpeting, and shelving have been added to the existing library. In addition, a new Children's room was designed and constructed in the lower level of the library. We thank all of the generous donors for their help in making the renovation a success. As we move into the 21st Century we have seen many technological advances, and continued improvements in library service. We received full computer system upgrades in 2004 and again in 2011. 2012 will also be a year of technological growth for the St. Marys Public Library as we welcome Ebooks and Audio Book Downloads as part of our collection. In July 2012 we will celebrate 100 years of library service in St. Marys, PA.
In 1959, library board member Ted Smeal promoted a project to renew the library. As this project was implemented, the Eben J. Russ Library closed for renovation from April through October of 1960. Later, with the impetus of the Library Service and Construction Act of 1964, plans for a new library were developed. The new library was built on the old Center Street site and was constructed from Federal government funds, as well as money from the Stackpole Foundation and generous local support. Library service continued from a temporary location on Lafayette Street in St. Marys during the construction. The present library building was dedicated on April 17, 1966. Ted Smeal was the first librarian of the new St. Marys Public Library.
The St. Marys Public Library has had a number of Librarians since its dedication in 1966. Their efforts, as well as those of its staff and library boards both past and present, have made it the community resource that it is today. Thanks to the efforts of library director, Joseph Petrick, the library has had its first major renovation since 1966. New lighting, carpeting, and shelving have been added to the existing library. In addition, a new Children's room was designed and constructed in the lower level of the library. We thank all of the generous donors for their help in making the renovation a success. As we move into the 21st Century we have seen many technological advances, and continued improvements in library service. We received full computer system upgrades in 2004 and again in 2011. 2012 will also be a year of technological growth for the St. Marys Public Library as we welcome Ebooks and Audio Book Downloads as part of our collection. In July 2012 we will celebrate 100 years of library service in St. Marys, PA.
