Catherine Alloway, Library Director
Has the Internet made public libraries irrelevant in today’s world? Not if you consider the stories of Schlow Centre Region Library patrons:
· A man facing ear and throat cancer surgery overcame his concerns after librarians helped him research treatments.
· A speech therapist used Schlow’s online children’s books with audio and text to successfully coach long-distance students.
· Precious family photos were preserved when a patron was shown the best ways to physically and digitally store valuable visuals.
· One homebound delivery patron said, “I can’t say enough good things about being able to have books delivered since I can no longer get to Schlow in person.”
These are a few of the 292,000 people who have embraced Schlow Centre Region Library. In 2016, they used collection items over 850,000 times, attended engaging storytimes and educational programs, and made heavy use of free public computing and Wi-Fi.
On January 17th 2017, Schlow Library celebrated its sixtieth birthday. Since 1957, the Library has grown from a collection of 3,000 books to a state-of-the-art institution with 3-D printers, meeting rooms, and over 160,000 items in its collection. The landmark building at Beaver and Allen Streets in State College is “Downtown’s Living Room”, a popular gathering place for clubs, crafters, and board game enthusiasts who meet regularly for companionship and fun.
At the turn of the 20th century, State College residents desired a public library. After several unsuccessful attempts, a library was finally realized in 1957 when Charles Schlow, a local civic-minded businessman, renovated a rent-free space for books in one of his properties. Named for his late wife Bella Schlow, his generosity prompted an outpouring of donations and volunteer support.
“Our grandfather would be so very proud of what astounding transformations the library has gone through in the past sixty years,” declared Ruth Zipser and Judy Lang, Charles Schlow’s granddaughters. “It’s a true testament to the amazing community he loved, and the library was an important way for him to honor his wife, our grandmother.”
Within a couple years, the Library gained the public funding support it needed to continue. Today, Schlow Centre Region Library is an agency of the Centre Region Council of Governments, supported by revenues from the Borough of State College and the townships of Ferguson, Patton, Harris, College and Halfmoon. All residents of Centre County, including Penn State University students, are eligible for library cards.
“It is my second home! I use daily the computers, DVDs and books of interest. It is a safe comfortable place to spend the day,” wrote a patron. Plan to attend the Library’s Community Open House on June 3 to mark Charles Schlow’s birthday. Additional events will be announced throughout the landmark year at www.schlowlibrary.org.
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