Library Spearheading a Busy Fall

“Things are gearing up here at the library and we are excited for our upcoming events,” Williamsburg Public Library’s Head Librarian Roane Lytle said. 

He said the Thursday book club held during the spring and summer months which featured local authors who talked about their books was successful.

“We got such a great response from patrons and attendees, we wanted to keep the momentum going and bring in the authors again,” Lytle said. 

Kevin Stiver, Patty Wilson, and Jim Snyder Jr. will all be coming to the library.

Stiver started the series, by discussing his new book, “Overcoming the Alleghenies”.

“Kevin’s story is just so neat, he was one of the favorites from last time,” he said.

The library also added local musician Brody Bond for a concert and a songwriting workshop on Thursday, November 21.

Other events at the library include story hour with Cathy Over on Wednesdays until November 6, and the Dairy Princess will be visiting with the preschoolers. 

“We are getting as many adults as we are kids there,” Lytle said.

Juniata College will be presenting an upcoming youth program beginning December 5, and a wreath workshop will be on Tuesday, December 10.

“We just want to keep up the momentum from the Farm Show – it was a huge success for us,” he said. 

Williamsburg Farm Show President Jeff Walason spearheaded the Lego Competition, which had 11-12 entries, according to Lytle. 

“The competition was just head and shoulders above the rest, far beyond what we expected,” he said. “It’s something we are going to continue next year.” 

Lytle also said Williamsburg resident Cynthia Potter and her animal skull collection along with the robots were also very successful at the Farm Show, too. 

The library will soon be sending out its Fund Drive letters to accept funds for the upcoming year. 

He said at the top of the library’s to-do list is to work on HVAC problems the building is currently experiencing. 

“I can’t thank the residents enough, they always support the library and that is so very appreciated,” Lytle said. Residents will also be able to use credit/debit cards at the library, thanks to the local bank, Penn Crest. 

The library is also gearing up for next year’s 75th Anniversary Celebration for the Williamsburg Public Library. 

The library was first started by the Women’s Civic Club in 1950, and half of the library board is made up of Civic Club representatives. 

Lytle fondly remembers the library being first housed in the borough building, and then a bucket brigade heading to the Second Street location, the former Farmers and Merchants Bank building, before moving to the present location in 2000. The date has not been announced for the celebration as of publication.  

“There’s just a lot to look forward to and we are excited,” Lytle said.