Frequently Asked Questions

The library is much more than books: it serves as the heart and soul of the community, and offers opportunities, offering avenues for intellectual growth, entertainment, cultural awareness, and social engagement.  We take pride in providing a place where the community can come together, learn, and grow together. 

Our library is being used because our circulation is increasing! In the past five years, our circulation has been on the rise! In 2023, we achieved a record circulation of 71,546 materials, the highest ever in our history.  That’s a 31% increase since 2019!

One of the most important uses of the library today is pri internet usage: especially in rural areas like Hamburg where many people don’t have access to broadband internet. For many people in the community, the library is the only place they can use the internet: which has become an integral part of life. The unemployed use the library to search for and apply to jobs. Small business owners use it as a workspace, a place for meetings, and for access to computers, WiFi, photocopiers, and more. Students use the library for research and place to do their homework. 

Libraries provide resources, programs, spaces, and services for educational and cultural enrichment for all ages. Families (and other patrons) save money by borrowing books (both print and electronic) and DVDs, rather than buying them outright or spending money on streaming services. Regular library usage, including participation in our summer learning program, helps keep children engaged in learning and reading.

The library is the hub of the community and serves as a town resource. Every individual uses the library in a different way. We support everyone! The new library will have: 

• An inviting Children’s Room with inspiring spaces
• A dedicated children’s programming space
• Safe and welcoming areas to gather together, or to sit quietly and read 
• Flexible design to meet evolving community needs 
• Community Meeting Room for gather of up to 100 people 
• Enhanced technology and technology areas 
• A Welcoming Teen Space for study and programs
• Appropriate space to house library collections in an accessible way
•  ADA Compliant and accessible to everyone

Yes! The addition onto the building will be constructed following all requirements to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act: this means that everyone in the community will be able to access the building. It also means that patrons with baby strollers will be able to bring their young children into the library with ease, to foster a sense of the importance of the library from a young age.

Yes, we have! During the planning phase of this project, we carefully considered several alternatives. Initially, we examined the possibility of installing an accessible ramp into the building. However, this option would have significantly altered the appearance of the original entrance and necessitated the removal of several parking spaces. While the ramp would provide access to the concrete porch, it wouldn’t address the challenge of the large step into the building. Unfortunately, there is no feasible way to make our current entrance handicap accessible without compromising its visual appeal.

Additionally, we deliberated on the installation of an elevator and the completion of the attic alone. However, the weight constraints on the second floor limit the practicality of these options. We also received suggestions to relocate the library out of town, under the premise that constructing a new library from scratch would be more cost-effective than renovating our current building. However, we firmly oppose this suggestion. We are committed to remaining in our historic building, nestled in the heart of our community.  An addition will allow us to serve the community as a viable, modern library and also maintain the integrity, beauty, and civic pride of the original 1903 building.

We take immense pride in our historic library, being the oldest library building in Berks County. Due to its historic designation, we are obligated to adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and our plans underwent approval by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office.

A crucial consideration in designing the library’s addition was ensuring it was “visibly distinct” from the original library, in accordance with preservation standards. This means we could not attempt to match the original library’s design. We planned the addition to be completely behind the original library maintaining the current view from Third Street.  We also looked at incorporating features of the original library, such as  tall windows throughout and curved attic windows. Additionally, there is only a single opening on each floor between the addition and the original building. Any historical materials that are being removed from the original building will be saved, and in many cases reused, in the new building. 

We are also planning on rehabilitating the original library as much as possible.  We hope to restore as many of the original floors as possible, fix the tin ceilings, and preserve the beautiful rotunda.  

We have taken a number of steps to preserve the historic charm of our current library, follow all federal and state guidelines, and design an addition that filled the needs of a busy modern library.  

The library is exploring various funding avenues for this project. Over the decades, the library has diligently saved funds for this expansion and has a dedicated fund earmarked for construction. This project is also supported, in part, through a grant with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Department of Education, with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. . We are thrilled to have been awarded a $750,000 matching grant towards our endeavor. Furthermore, we have secured a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities program.

We are actively seeking additional grants and opportunities for funding. While we have a great start to funding this project, we need your help to make this plan a reality. Learn more about ways to help, by clicking this link.

The current Hamburg Public Library faces significant challenges, with the most pressing issue being the lack of accessibility and access to the building. The 1903 structure can only be accessed by climbing several steps and opening a heavy door.

The current library building does not meet the needs of a busy modern library, which are very different from when it was first built. Some challenges are:

• Limited flexibility and space
• Small children’s area
• Limited room for programs
• No teen area
• No study area 
• No space for community groups
• Computers in busy areas

For 120 years, the library has been an integral part of our educational, social, and economic infrastructure, continually adapting and expanding to meet the evolving needs of our community. It is time to upgrade and expand our building to meet our current and future needs.

We are hoping to break ground in the summer of 2024 with an estimated open date of fall 2025.  These dates might change and we will keep the community updated as we know more.  We will also be able to stay open for a large part of the project with minimal disruption to regular library services.  If the library needs to close the physical library for an extended period of time, we will set up a temporary location to ensure continued access to all library services. Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining uninterrupted service to our patrons throughout the renovation process.

We’re so excited your here and interested in helping your community library grow.  Please visit our Support page to learn more about how to help us write Our Next Chapter.