Information on: Add an Article Add an Event Edit

Hyndman Londonderry Public Library

161 Clarence Street
814-842-3782

The Library early beginnings came from a committee formed by the Hyndman-Londonderry Educational Committee. The library committee first met on July 25th 1990. Verona Harclerode (a retired librarian from the high school) was appointed Head Librarian. In August of 1990 meetings where held with Leslie Rock and Col Richard Barry from the county library system. The purpose was to get information on starting a public library. Officers were elected and Trustees were named. By-Laws were started. A phone survey was conducted to see if the community would support a library. The phone survey was positive, bank accounts were opened, etc. The board also met with local officials. In 1991 the board received a commitment of $ 2.00 per capita from the Hyndman Borough Council and .50 cents per capita from the Londonderry Township Supervisors. Mayor Tom Cunningham offered the use of his railroad car. In Feb. 7,000 books were donated by Terry Leffler and Gordon Ebersole of PG County Md. It was decided not to continue renovations on the railroad car and instead to rent the former Carpet Warehouse building. On June 24th the Hyndman/Londonderry Public Library opened a children's summer library in the carpet warehouse. In the fall, after several meetings it was decided to purchase and renovate the former Dr. Topper's office on Clarence Street. The cost of the building was $24,000. Books were boxed up and the summer library closed.

In 1992 renovations began. Books were moved from the carpet warehouse building to the new building for storage. Renovations continued throughout the year. In May, Representative Dick Hess presented a Legislative Grant to the new library in the amount of $ 3,000. Also in May, Dick Leonard (President of AirCon Engineering and Hyndman resident) donated a central air conditioning unit. Steel book shelving was ordered and delivered. 1993 In 1993 the renovations were completed and the shelving was installed. The library opened for business. An open house was held on August 1st. In October a farewell party was held for Head Librarian Verona Harclerode who was moving to Martinsburg, Pa. 1994 to 2003 From 1994 to the present, many changes have taken place. The flat roof was leaking and was replaced with a pitched roof. Ten Little Indians were started (people volunteered to make the monthly mortgage payments). Replacement Librarians were hired and left (Ellie Kuhn and Janet Willis). Present Librarian, Mary Ellis was hired to replace Janet Willis. Minor renovations were done to get ready for the new Internet Computer (Provided by Online at PA Libraries, through a grant from BELL ATLANTIC). The reference room was moved. The carport was also enclosed and made into a meeting room. An anonymous donor paid off the loan for the roof in 1997.In 2003 a large room was added on to the front to make a computer/children's room.



Hyndman Londonderry Public Library is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media

Photos