|
Elk County Libraries Online
The catalogs of resources in the St. Marys, Johnsonburg and Ridgway Public Libraries are now available on both online public-access computers and via the Internet. This has been made possible through a Library Services and Technology Grant administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, as well as generous support from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation.
Getting a Library Card:
Any resident of St. Marys six years or older may request a library card by providing identification with a current address. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Library cards are valid for two years, and may be updated free of charge. Replacements for lost cards are $2.00.
The St. Marys Public Library participates in the Access PA Statewide Borrowing Program. Your St. Marys Public Library card is accepted at hundreds of libraries in Pennsylvania that participate in the program.
Non-residents may obtain cards through using a valid Access PA card from another library or effective January1, 2004, by paying $35.00 for a per household membership fee. Residents of Fox Township should inquire about a reimbursement of the membership fee.
Lost or stolen cards and changes of address should be reported to the circulation desk.
Top.
Using Your Library Card:
Adult and juvenile books, audio cassettes, books on tape, pamphlets, magazines, and kits can be borrowed for two weeks. The library's holdings include over 50,000 items, including subscriptions to 85 periodicals.
Videotapes can be borrowed for one week.
Top.
Renewals:
Items can be renewed for another two weeks by bringing them into the library for renewal, or by calling the circulation desk at (814) 834-6141. Books may be renewed three times unless a request for them is placed by another patron.
There is a limit of ten items per family member. Some materials may be limited to four day loan periods or placed on reserve (for in-library use only) if a school project is due and many students need them.
Top.
Holds:
If an item has been taken out by another patron, you may place a hold on it and you will be called when it is returned. If there are already other holds placed on it, your name will be placed on the waiting list and you will be called when your turn comes.
Computers and Internet Access :
A valid library card is required for computer use, and acceptable use guidelines must be followed. Please register for computer use at the Circulation Desk.
Top.
Fines:
The fine for overdue books, periodicals, and cassettes is 10 cents a day, with a maximum of $25.00 per family. The fine for overdue videotapes is one dollar per day per item with a maximum of the cost of the video. Interlibrary loan late fees are 25 cents per day per item. Lost cards can be replaced for $2.00.
Top.
Interlibrary Loans:
If the St. Marys Public Library does not have the resource you need, we can try to get it through Interlibrary loan. You must have a valid library card to obtain materials through Interlibrary loan. Please make Interlibrary loan requests at the Circulation Desk.
Top.
Patron Requests:
If there is an item that you would like the Library to consider adding to its collection, ask for a Patron Request Form at the Circulation Desk.
Top.
Donations:
Libraries welcome donations of books in good condition. Some of these are added to the library's collection. Others are sold at book sales to raise funds for materials and equipment. We also welcome contributions made in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one. These contributions help to purchase books of lasting value which have a special bookplate showing that the book is a gift in memory of a special person.
Although we receive support from the City of St. Marys as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Library will grow through charitable gifts from groups, individuals and volunteers.
Top.
Children's Area:
The Children's' Area provides books and videos for the children of the local community. In addition, there are a number of programs to encourage use of the library by children, including story hours and tours. Please watch for upcoming events! In addition, the St. Marys Public Library participates in the Accelerated Reader Program. Reading levels for materials in this program are indicated on each book.
Top.
Meeting Room:
The St. Marys Public Library has furnished meeting and conference rooms that are available for rental. If your group needs a place to meet, please inquire about rates. The meeting rooms may be reserved for public use during library hours and are subject to the Director's approval of request. Non-library sponsored recreational activities shall be permitted only when they are part of an informational or educational program. Reservations will be assigned in the order that applications are received, and will be made for only three months at a time.
Top.
Local History Room:
The St. Marys Public Library has a Local History Room with a microfilm reader, as well as selected tools for doing genealogical research. The Daily Press is available on microfilm, as are other St. Marys newspapers going back to the 19th Century. We would like to thank the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their support of Local History resources. Other local history materials are also available, and quality contributions in the area of local history would be greatly appreciated.
Top.
St. Marys Public Library History:
The City of St. Marys had no library service at the turn of the 20th Century. A group of women interested in cultural improvement named The Literary Circle was formed in St. Marys in 1909, and one of its projects was the foundation of a public library. The first public library in St. Marys was opened on July 2, 1912, and was housed in the Town Hall along with the City Council chambers, the police department, and the jail.
In February of 1921 Dr. Eben Russ and his wife, nee Clare Hindl, presented their former house on Center Street to be used as a library, upon completion of construction of their new house across the street. After the relocation, Ruth Sweeney was hired as Librarian, and served until 1928. Her successor, Rose Fannin Thiel, was Librarian for over three decades, from 1928 to April 1, 1960. Like many small-town librarians, Mrs. Thiel performed many of the duties at the Eben J. Russ Public Library, including book repair and cleaning.
In 1959, library board member Ted Smeal promoted a project to renew the library. As this project was implemented, the Eben J. Russ Library closed for renovation from April through October of 1960. Later, with the impetus of the Library Service and Construction Act of 1964, plans for a new library were developed. The new library was built on the old Center Street site and was constructed from Federal government funds, as well as money from the Stackpole Foundation and generous local support. Library service continued from a temporary location on Lafayette Street in St. Marys during the construction. The present library building was dedicated on April 17, 1966. Ted Smeal was the first librarian of the new St. Marys Public Library.
The St. Marys Public Library has had a number of Librarians since its dedication in 1966. Their efforts, as well as those of its staff and library boards both past and present, have made it the community resource that it is today. Thanks to the efforts of library director, Joseph Petrick, the library has had its first major renovation since 1966. New lighting, carpeting, and shelving have been added to the existing library. In addition, a new Children's room was designed and constructed in the lower level of the library. We thank all of the generous donors for their help in making the renovation a success. As we move into the 21st Century we expect to see technological change, and continued improvements in library service.
Top.
|
