History of Shamokin Public Library
The Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library was incorporated in April 1941 under the auspices of the Shamokin Woman’s Club. Thwarted by both World War II and a lack of funds, the area’s first Library did not open its doors until September 20, 1953 at 508 North Eighth Street.
In 1963, the library was moved to a more central location at 69 East Independence St.
The Library moved into its present location at 210 East Independence Street in June 1967 following the use of over $135,000 in federal Appalachian grants that were used to turn the former Wolfe’s Department Store into a Public Library.
Currently the Library provides services and programs to the approximately 22,000 residents of the Shamokin Area School District. This includes the communities of Shamokin, Coal Township, Shamokin Township and East Cameron Township.
The Library offers over 54,000 books, magazines, newspapers, videotapes, books-on-tape, equipment, and microfilm to its patrons. In 1996 the Library received its first Internet access computer through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Bell Atlantic. Since then, the Library has added two additional computers with Internet and word-processing capabilities for use by the public.
Through the Power program, the Library now provides its patrons home access to thousands of periodical articles, newspapers, photographs, pictures, charts, maps, and reference materials for all age groups.
Presently the Library employs a professional librarian, four full-time and two part-time employees to handle the informational, educational and recreational needs of its patrons.