The Union Library of Hatboro

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History

 

THE UNION LIBRARY OF HATBORO

243 South York Road
Hatboro, PA 19040
215-672-1420
Harriet Ehrsam, Librarian
E-mail: hat.lib@verizon.net

Library Hours:
Mondays - 1 pm to 5 pm
Tuesdays - 10 am to 6 pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays - 10 am to 8 pm
Fridays - 10 am to 4 pm
Saturdays - 10 am to 5 pm
(Summer 10 to 2)

Sundays - Closed

Meetings:
Union Library Civil War Round Table The organization is dedicated to the study of the Civil War. The non-profit group meets at the Union Library on the third Wednesday of every month. For more information, visit their website - http://ulcwrt.org

Union Library of Hatboro

 

LIBRARY RESOURCES


click to access
The Access PA Power Library is now available to members. Use your library card to access library information from your home computer! Click on the button, type in your library card number, and you can access the databases below:

 EBSCOHOST - stores full-text articles
 AccuNet/AP - searchable collection of photos from the Associated Press & others.
 Access Pennsylvania - catalogs more than 1,500 libraries in the state.
 SIRS - provides an an encyclopedia,almanac,maps, biographies and more.


  • Adult "Best Sellers," fiction and non fiction
  • Reference books, services in person or by phone
  • Primary, Junior and Young Adult books
  • Interlibrary loans
  • Circulating record collection for children & adults
  • Magazines & newspapers

  • Paperback collection
  • Videos & 16mm films from County Library
  • Large Print books
  • Suggested reading lists for children
  • Books-on-tape
  • Suggested reading lists for young adults

ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES
Income Tax forms
Voter registration forms & absentee ballot forms
Community activities board of information
Vertical file of pamphlets

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY SERVICES
The Library's beautiful new Children's Wing was dedicated September 10th, 2000.

Story Hour for preschoolers - Tuesdays at 10:30 am
(September to May only)
Summer reading program
Summer Science Program sponsored by Smith, Kline, & Beecham
Library tours & visits during the school year for classes
Special children's programs during the year

SPECIAL LIBRARY FEATURES
Archives Room featuring Pennsylvania history, local history and artifacts
Genealogical books
A collection of Railroad books and memorabilia
A large collection of rare books published before 1900
A display of local artifacts and souvenirs
Computer CD ROMs

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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Memberships:
If you reside and pay property taxes in Hatboro, you are entitled to a free Library card. Those who work in Hatboro are also eligible for a free Library card.

Borrowing Information:

Overdue Materials:

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UNION LIBRARY HISTORY

Union LibraryIn August of 1755, Joshua Potts, Charles Beatty, John Lukens, and Joseph Hart met with other interested citizens at the Crooked Billet Tavern. Thirty-eight men signed an "Instrument of Partnership", thus bringing into existence the "Union Library of Hatborough". Each member paid an annual donation of ten shillings for the purchase of books, and by August, 1756, the first shipment of books arrived from England. Some of these original books are still in the library's possession.

In 1848, Nathan Holt, a member of the library Company, bequeathed $5,000 to the library; $2,000 to be invested and the interest to be used to buy books; and $3,000 to buy a lot and build a permanent library building. The Greek Revival style building was completed in 1850 at what is now 243 South York Road.

On May 8, 1978, the building was placed on the State Registry of Historical Buildings. Later, on November 27, 1979, it was granted a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

In December, 1991, ground was broken and construction began on a new additional room. This was made possible by grants and private donations. On April 26, 1992, there was a Dedication and Open House for this new addition.

On September 10, 2000, a new Children's Wing was dedicated.

The Library continues to operate under its original charter (the second oldest Library in Pennsylvania to do so) with a board of Directors elected by shareholders.

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