West Chester Public Library

Specialties

Founded in 1872, West Chester Public Library serves the greater West Chester community with materials, programs, and information for all ages.

Special programs include children’s story times for ages 0 months to 5 years, and Summer Reading Club.

Our Tweens/​Teens program meets weekly with crafts, games, and snacks. We’re a great meeting place with free Wi-​Fi and Internet access.

Member Chester County Library System.

History

Established in 1872.

At first WCPL rented space. In the 1880’s Hannah Darlington, 411 N Church St, donated part of her property for a library building. The cornerstone was laid July 4, 1887; the building, designed by T. Roney Williamson, was dedicated Feb. 1888. Stained-​glass windows were installed March 1888.

In 1916 a wing was added for the children’s department.

Early on, funding for the library come from donations and entertainments. In the early 1900’s the Borough of WC agreed to contribute to the library’s operating funds. That contribution still forms the largest single share of the library’s income. State, county and other municipal funding also supports WCPL. The balance of the operating budget comes from grants, fundraising and donations.

The WCPL is a true community library. People come to this library precisely because of its character, because it is part of a small town, and because they have formed an attachment to the physical aspect of the library, its building.

Meet the Manager

Victoria D.

Manager

I have served as Library Director for WCPL since May 1993. I have my undergrad degree from De Sales University; my MLS from the University of Pittsburgh and an MA from Lehigh University.

West Chester Public Library also recommends

Chester County Historical Society

5

reviews

Museums

,

Libraries

Victoria D. says,

«Excellent collection on local and Chester County history; resource for Chester County genealogy.»

Chester County Library & District Center

2

reviews

Libraries

Victoria D. says,

«Partner in helping us provide library service to our community.»