The
History of the Friends of the Library
(with
some revisions made in 7/2008)
The Friends of the Uniontown Public Library, a nonprofit,
all volunteer organization, was founded as an auxiliary to
provide additional programs and channel supplemental public
support into the library. The library had been operated by
a community group, The Uniontown Library Association, since
1927.
After the Association sold its building and assets to the
City of Uniontown in 1966 coincident with construction of a
new building, the Friends provided the continuity of
volunteer service.
On March 31, 1967, the executive board of the new Friends
met at the home of President Jo Hook Ruse to organize and
plan for the future. They were functioning when the new
building opened in 1970. Since then the Friends have
promoted library usage with special programs and services
of many different kinds, for both adults and children, but
including a special emphasis on reading by children. In
this, they continue to carry out the service to young
people set forth by the founder of the first "reading
room," The Women's Civic League in 1912.
Through the years the Friends of the Library have raised
thousands of dollars annually for the purchase of new
books, equipment and supplies much of which could not have
been obtained in any other way. The climax for years of
hard work and dedication came in 1986, when the Friends
received an Award of Merit from the Pennsylvania Citizens
for Better Libraries as the "Best Community Library Support
Group" in the state. The award was won in open competition
with libraries throughout Pennsylvania, including
metropolitan areas.
When Gov. Casey came to Uniontown for his "Capital for a
Day" program, the Friends hosted a luncheon for his wife
Ellen (on 24 hours notice). The Friends sponsored
publication of "Our Uniontown," a brief history written by
the late Jean Brownfield and illustrated by Eleanor Ulmer.
They received nationwide acclaim for publication of an
index of the sixteen volumes of the Colonial Records of
Pennsylvania, undertaken by one of its members, the late
Dr. Mary Dunn. This was the first time this huge task had
ever been undertaken; the Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission accepted a copy with thanks and praise.
Annually in February or March, the Friends of the Library
send out a letter requesting donations to help fund our
work at the Uniontown Public Library. This has been a very
successful campaign that allows us to contribute thousands
of dollars to the library for the purchase of books and
other materials. With the cutbacks in funding, the
semi-annual donations made by the Friends are vital to
building the library's collection. We could not provide
such generous assistance without donations from the public.
Each summer, children flock to the library for special
programs. All children are accepted, whatever their
residence, for a mixture of fun and a gentle push toward
more reading. For many years, the Friends and other
community volunteers entertained the children with
storytelling, music and crafts during this annual summer
program. In 2002, the shift was made to providing outside
entertainment and educational presentations for the summer
program. Once again, the Friends of the Library stepped up
to help with funding and volunteers.
The Scholastic Book Fair. which has been sponsored annually
by the Friends of the Library since the 1980s, provides an
opportunity for children to be rewarded with a free prize
coupon to shop at the Book Fair for reading a designated
number of books during the summer.
The Perpetual Used Book Sale which has raised so much money
for the cause continues from its own niche on the first
floor of the library. The Friends also have other items for
sale to help fund activities and book purchases at the
library. This year we have a selection of mugs and tote
bags available for purchase.