How and when did the Cambria Library start?
Originally housed in the Maghetti Store, the small collection that made up the Cambria Library moved to Judge Gay’s home on Burton Drive in 1921. Then it moved to the Bank of Italy building (now Bank of America), then to the Water District office in what’s now the Cambria Historic District. From there it moved around the corner to Burton Drive, very near what’s now the Burton Inn. In 1981, the Library got its own building at 900 Main Street in the West Village.
Why do we need a new library?
Being the only freestanding public library for 78 miles along the coast, the Cambria Branch serves over 8,000 residents. It is one of the most heavily used branches per capita in the County. Cambrians check out over 10,000 items per month, and use the Library’s three computers for more than 300 hours every month. At 2,200 square feet, the Library has been undersized for over 20 years.
How will this Library be funded?
The costs of new Library construction are shared by the County and the local community. The Friends of the Cambria Library are responsible for $1.75 Million of the estimated construction and equipment costs. The Friends have already raised $500,000, and have $1.25 Million to raise over the next two years.
How can I get involved?
Pledge today! Pledges at all levels are welcome; this is a community project. You don;t have to pay all your pledge now; we have payment options to fit your situation. Download a pledge form here.
Where will the new Library be located?
The County is negotiating the purchase of a 5,800 square foot building at the corner of Cambria Drive and Main Street in the West Village. This facility will more than double the space of the existing library, have increased parking, a technology center, enlarged multifunctional areas for children, teens, and adults, and a more efficient staff work area. The exterior of the building is finished. Completion of the interior of the building will begin when the Friends raise the local share of the funding. WITH YOUR HELP, THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON!
Can construction begin without all the funding in place?
No. Construction can begin only when it can be paid for out of local matching funds.
What do the Friends of the Library do?
The Friends have led Cambrians in their efforts to provide money and volunteer time so the Library could stay open as many hours as possible during past budget crunches. The Friends continue to provide money for things the Library needs but the decreasing budget doesn't provide for (e.g., computers, furniture, books, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.). Currently, the Friends provide $3,000.00 each year for Library materials, and 350 volunteer hours every month to keep the doors open. They also support the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Adult Reading Program, and are energetically working to garner funds for the new facility.
What is the economic benefit to Cambria of having a new Library?
A recent Pennsylvania study points out that for every dollar invested in a public library, the local community receives a return of $5.50! More than that, though, Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the ideas and information in a Library is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government. They are places of learning and research for our children.
