Sewickley Public Library

Introduction

The Sewickley Public Library is a nonprofit organization serving as a community and cultural resource for the Quaker Valley School District in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1873, it is the oldest library in Allegheny County and provides a wide range of services and resources to its patrons.

Mission and Services

The library's mission is to serve as a center for lifelong learning by offering free access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources. It caters to the interests and needs of both children and adults in the greater Quaker Valley community through educational and enrichment programs, a welcoming environment, and competent staff and volunteers.

• Collections and Resources: The library houses over 90,000 titles, including fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks, and magazines. It offers access to materials from other participating Allegheny County Library Association libraries.
• Facilities and Services:
  • Open Seven Days a Week: The library is accessible seven days a week and offers free parking.
  • Book Drop: A 24-hour book drop is located at the back of the building.
  • Technology: Free use of PC computers with word processing and other software, along with free Wi-Fi and internet access.
  • Programs and Events: It provides children’s, young adult, and adult educational and recreational programming.
  • Meeting and Study Rooms: Available for community use.
  • Homebound Delivery Service: Offers delivery of library materials for patrons who cannot visit the library in person.
  • Fine-Free Policy: The library does not charge late or overdue fines on loaned items.

History

The origins of the Sewickley Public Library date back to the winter of 1872-73, following the arrival of a whiskey boat that caused a riot in the area. Concerned individuals recognized the need for a place for "proper and rational amusement and self-improvement," leading to the formation of the Young Men's Library Association in 1873. Initially, the library operated from Mozart Hall and later moved to Choral Hall. In 1880, the library's property was transferred to the Sewickley School Board.

In 1923, the library relocated to its current location, a building donated by Mr. William L. Clause in memory of his wife, Elizabeth Ann Clause. Over the years, other school districts supported the library until the formation of the Quaker Valley School District in 1956. In 1967, the Quaker Valley School District officially designated the Sewickley Public Library as its agency for public library services.

Funding

Major funding for the library comes from the Quaker Valley School District, with additional support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Recognition

The library building was awarded Historic Landmark status by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 2003, reflecting its significant cultural and architectural contribution to the community.

Special Initiatives

The library participates in various community initiatives, including digital collections and unique equipment programs. It also offers tax forms and free tax preparation assistance. Additionally, the library is involved in local history preservation, maintaining a history room with digitized images and documents related to the Sewickley area.