This article in the New Castle News, dated July 15, 1910, announced the first head librarian of the New Castle Free Library to be a young woman by the name of Irene Hackett from New York. She accepted the position via letter and was due to arrive in August of 1910.

At this time, it was thought that the library would be open to the public around September 1, however, this turned out to be about two months earlier than reality.

(Information located in History Department.)

Keep coming back for more posts regarding the library’s history.

Glenn Miller, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Library Association, has been working on behalf of all Pennsylvania libraries to help restore funding that has contributed to many libraries (including ours) having to reduce personnel, services, and hours of operation over the past year.

YOUR help is needed NOW! The budget is slated to be passed on June 30.

A message from Glenn, sent yesterday:

Now is a key moment to speak up and urge all your friends to do likewise. Tell Governor Rendell, your State Senator, and your State Representative this one simple message: No More Cuts to Libraries. Tell them that cutting libraries again is unacceptable, especially during this recession when libraries are busier and more needed than ever. Remind them that in this year’s state budget, the four library line items already were cut this year by 3%, 21%, 51%, and 73% respectively.

Send the Governor and your legislators an email here.

Join PaLA’s facebook page, “5.6 Million Pennsylvania Library Card Holders Can’t Be Wrong,” here. Please share the link and invite your friends, too.

Here’s a chart detailing all library funding categories in the state budget.

Thank you for your help!

This year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) explores the world of water and water fun through stories, songs, games, and activities about oceans, rivers, lakes, and pools. Sign-up begins online on June 5 and at the library on June 7 and will continue through June 30. SRP 2010 is open to ages pre-school through young adult. Contact us at 724-658-6659, ext. 106, for more information!

Come to the library during May for special programs in celebration of National Photography Month!

For all ages:
“I Thought I Could Fly” photography exhibit will on display through May downstairs in the lobby. Melissa Hiller, director of the American Jewish Museum, will be at the library on Wednesday, May 12, at Noon, to give a special presentation explaining these photographs taken by accaimed photographer, Charlee Brodsky. Brodsky uses her photos to help lessen the stigma associated with mental illness. (Photo courtesy of Bellevue Literary Press)

For children:

The New Castle Public Library has been awarded 20 pieces of American art through the Picturing America initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. See the artwork on display in the Children’s Department upstairs and take part in our special program, “Art & a Craft in 15 Minutes“.

Are you searching for a special way to honor a loved one?

Place a book “In Memory of” someone who has passed away, or “In Honor of” someone for an Anniversary, Birthday, Holiday, Graduation, or Just Because!

A notification card will be sent to the person you indicate, letting them know about your gift. A plate on the inside of the book will read:

“In Memory of” : or
“In Honor of” : YOUR LOVED ONE(S)
Given by: YOU

To place a request, see our memorials page, or stop in and see Sharon.