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Bridgeville library celebrates 60th anniversary with a series of events

By Brad Hundt staff Writer bhundt@observer-Reporter.Com 3 min read
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When Bridgeville Public Library opened in November 1962 on Washington Avenue, it primarily focused on books and periodicals, as almost all small, local libraries did back in those days.

Over the past 60 years, the type of items stocked by libraries has expanded exponentially – six decades ago, you would not have been able to check out movies like “Lawrence of Arabia” or “To Kill a Mockingbird” just a couple of months after they were in theaters – and the card catalogs that were necessary fixtures back then are long gone, now being sold in antique shops if they escaped the scrapheap. But libraries like Bridgeville’s maintain the bedrock commitment of allowing residents to access a world of information free of charge.

The library also functions as a meeting point for borough residents, according to Ben Hornfeck, the library’s director.

“The thing we’ve been focusing on is being a community center,” he explained. “We pride ourselves that we are a community gathering place.”

Although the library’s official 60th anniversary is still almost two months off, the celebration is starting this month to coincide with the Allegheny County Library Association’s “Love Your Library” campaign. A patio party and wine tasting happy hour was set for Saturday, and a Family Game Day is set for Sunday at 1 p.m., featuring miniature golf. The library is also hosting a used book sale throughout the weekend. A 50/50 basket raffle throughout September organized by Friends of the Bridgeville Library is also happening.

Then, on Saturday, Sept. 17, a gala open house is planned, starting at 6 p.m. Registration is encouraged, and though all events are free, donations are welcome.

Bridgeville’s library moved into its current location on McMillan Street in 2011 after spending 40 years in the Penn Central Railroad station and caboose along the railroad tracks on Station Street. The library has since teamed up with South Fayette Township’s library, with South Fayette providing budgetary oversight. Both libraries have separate boards – Bridgeville’s handles fundraising duties and building maintenance.

The library is primarily funded through revenue from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, gaming revenues and state funds. The library also receives funds from an endowment established by longtime Bridgeville residents Bill and Grace McDivitt. The funding supports a collection of 20,000 items that encompasses everything from books and magazines to early literacy kits, DVDs and even cake pans. The library also has an array of computers that can be used by visitors.

The library is “a community asset,” Hornfeck said.

For information on the library and its 60th anniversary events, go online to bridgevillelibrary.org/loveyourlibrary.

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