A Look Inside Berks' Libraries

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There are more than two dozen local libraries in Berks County, and each of these hidden gems has something unique to offer. Not just a place to browse bookshelves, they serve as gathering spots, technology training centers, and places for the community to grow and connect. 

Reading Public Library

Perhaps the most well-known library in Berks is the Reading Public Library. It was the county’s first, opened in 1764. The library endured nearly a century of relocations before finally settling in its current location in 1913, thanks to a donation by Pittsburgh steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Today, there are four locations throughout the city, housing the county’s most extensive catalog of materials. 

Award-Winning Community Outreach

The Reading Public Library is dedicated to supporting the community it serves. In recognition of its outstanding community service, this year it was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for community service, and Reading was one of only 10 libraries selected out of nearly 120,000 across the country.

All four branches offer a portfolio of services to residents of all ages, including events at the library and out in the community. “By taking library services out into the community, we learn what our residents need, what they dream about, and what stumbling blocks they face,” explains Executive Director Bronwen Gamble. Among the many programs offered by the library, some of the most highly regarded include its Opioid Crisis Panel, Storytelling Through Dance, and offerings for adults with disabilities.

When asked how they are able to create so many extraordinary programs, Bronwen explains: “We have an amazingly creative library staff who listen to our customers and have their fingers on the pulse of pop culture. And the Board of Trustees is actively engaged in advancing the library’s mission and supports our message to the Berks County community.” Moving forward, Gamble’s focus is on making the library a place where people gather beyond home, work and school. Reading Public Library is looking to the future to continue to provide a 21st century library experience.

100 S. Fifth St., Reading | 610.655.6350 | readingpubliclibrary.org

Wyomissing Public Library 

Founded in 1911, the Wyomissing Public Library has a history almost as old as the borough itself. But don’t let its age fool you; it offers one of the broadest ranges of books and online resources of any location in the Berks County. It also hosts daily community events including yoga and art in the library, family movie nights, adult education programs and local author visits. 

Teens Taking Control

Of its many incredible programs, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) may be the Wyomissing Public Library’s most unique offering, attracting teens from grades 7 through 12 from all around the county. The TAB is responsible for input on the library’s catalog of Young Adult books, movies and television shows in addition to organizing teen programming and volunteer activities. 

The group is typically made up of 12 to 15 members, including a four-person board. Each member of the board, appointed by program supervisor Maria Long, is given responsibilities like those of any other governing body. The TAB president and vice president organize and promote events, the secretary takes meeting notes and manages communication among members, and the treasurer plans fundraising events and manages the board’s budget. “The teens feel a sense of belonging, safety and great fun — all for free,” Long says of the program. “They know they can come to our library and not be judged based on their interests, background, orientation or religion.” 

Past Teen Advisory Board events and programming have been well received throughout the community. Some of their parties, including Bob Ross and 80s-themed events, were so successful that the library is planning to recreate them for its adult members.

9 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing | 610.374.2385 | wyopublib.org

Sinking Spring Public Library

Although the Sinking Spring Public Library has been serving the informational, educational and recreational needs of the community since 1965. After more than 50 years in Sinking Spring, this library knows what its members want. In addition to year-round educational programming for all ages, it also offers an incredibly broad range of community programming at the library, from crafts to music to essential oil education. You can also find this library staff out and about promoting physical fitness with fun events to get you up and moving. 

Get Out of Town

The Sinking Spring Public Library aims to promote education, wellness and community with its range of materials and eclectic events, but it is also here to help you get out of town. It is one of only three libraries – including Boyertown and Kutztown – to offer passport acceptance services. Their certified passport agents are available to answer your questions about the process over the phone and to help you submit your application in person. Application appointments are available on Monday and Thursday evenings and select Saturday mornings throughout the month.

Passport applications are available at the library or online at travel.state.gov, as are a list of all the necessities to get your application approved. These include proof of citizenship and identity as well as passport photos. The cost per application varies, so be sure to check with one of Sinking Spring’s agents or on their website for a fee schedule prior to your appointment. This unique library service makes passport applications easy; you only need to go down the street to get out of the country.

3940 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring | 610.678.4311

On Facebook @sinkingspringpubliclibrary

Oley Valley Community Library 

The Oley Valley Community Library was opened in 2009 by a dedicated group of volunteers and is one of the newest libraries in Berks. While not yet a member of the BCPL system, it is petitioning to be included in November’s vote to make the changes it needs to become a state-aided library. 

Despite functioning entirely on donations and fundraising, its circulation numbers have tripled since opening and it offers a growing number of books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers to its dedicated members. 

Extra Extra-Curricular

The Oley Valley Community Library provides so much more than just reading material to its members. It offers daily programming not only for children and students, but also for knitters, readers, genealogists, writers and beyond. Numerous volunteers and sponsors from across the county assist in hosting book clubs, writing workshops, family game and movie nights and beginner computer classes. 

In addition to fun, family-friendly events, the library places a singular focus on expanding learning beyond schools. Its board includes three retired school teachers who run structured pre-school story time and summer reading programs in addition to regular tutoring, homework help and science fair assistance.

Oley Valley also offers a homeschool program that is open to students throughout the county. The monthly classes are designed to meet the needs of homeschool students and to supplement the lessons they have been studying in their home curriculum. Students and parents also take home additional resources to aid with continued learning.

The growing library’s programs have the full support of the Oley Valley School District. “In the age of technology, one may assume the traditional brick and mortar library is a commodity of the past,” says Oley Valley High School Principal Michael Stauffer. “I assure you that is not the case and firmly believe every community should have equal access to a quality local library where the demands of the 21st century are met.”

339 Main St., Oley | 484.491.1278

On Facebook @OleyLibrary 

Muhlenberg Community Library 

This hidden gem has been serving the public for more than 50 years. It boasts a full schedule of community events and a substantial catalog of books and online resources, including several special collections. 

Its Autism Collection was created through a partnership with the Autism Society of Berks and includes juvenile fiction and non-fiction titles as well as books for parents, caregivers and teachers. The collection also includes resources related to Tourette Syndrome and other learning differences. The Literacy Collection includes materials to assist with learning English and preparing for the GED or US Citizenship Test and supplements the expanding selection of available bilingual and Spanish titles for children, teens and adults. Finally, the Muhlenberg Library has more than 160 items in a Local History Collection.

Not Your Average Book Club

In addition to its wide variety of resources, this library has something unique from the others: a Teen Reading Lounge. Muhlenberg has created a non-traditional book club for teens, funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Instead of just discussing what they’ve read, teens engage in discussions about topics within the books by exploring different humanities. 

While literacy skills are important in the program, participation also strengthens communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills. For its first session the group used John Green’s Turtles All the Way Down to explore the topic of self-identity and self-expression. In addition to leading discussions about the work, members created a project that included working with a local artist to create self-portraits and doing an in-depth study of the blues. The project allowed them to explore the way art and music allow for emotional expression. The program’s second session is underway now, with so much more to come.

3612 Kutztown Rd., Laureldale | 610.929.0589

On Facebook @MuhlenbergCommunityLibrary

Exeter Community Library

With circulation exceeding 260,000 items and nearly 500 free programs for children and adults throughout the year, it’s no wonder that the Exeter Community Library is one of the busiest branches in the county. Exeter is also the second largest library in Berks, after the Reading Public Library. The open space, stocked shelves and 20 public computers invite more than 14,000 visitors per month, and the caring and friendly staff keep them coming back.

Discover Lost Arts

While many libraries — including Exeter — arefocusing on the future, the staff at Exeter Community Library also wants to be sure we don’t forget the arts of the past. On Monday, Aug. 13, the library will host a Lost Art of Letter Writing program to work with residents on the proper formatting and contents of a formal letter. Local stamp collectors Wayne and Leah Gehret will be bringing vintage stamps for sale as well. This event will be the first of a new monthly series of writing socials featuring different topics, to include envelope art and calligraphy, typewriters, and holiday and thank you cards.

All this practice leads up to something even greater. Our local Exeter Library is partnering with the Exeter Library in Devon, England, for a pen pal project. Members will be matched with a correspondent overseas to test their new skills and make a new friend. Attendees of the Lost Art of Letter Writing program will go home with the contact information for their new pen pal.

4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading | 610.406.9431

On Facebook @theexetercommunitylibrary

Berks County Public Libraries  

The Berks County Public Library (BCPL) system was established as a federated system to coordinate services across many area libraries. It currently includes 19 libraries and three branch locations. While each local library is independently governed, BCPL provides county-wide programming, networked technology and centralized support services. 

BCPL Library Card: Your Local Library Passport

A BCPL library card grants you access to thousands of materials across the county and online. County card holders can visit any of the system’s 22 locations to search and check out materials or to take advantage of their many free programs and events. A library card is free and can be obtained at any participating location.

Not only does your library card grant you access to reading material, each library also has family passes to the Reading Public Museum. These passes give up to four people the chance to visit the museum and participate in events for free. Select libraries also have passes for the Berks History Center, Elmwood Park Zoo, Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles and Da Vinci Science Center.

County-Wide Convenience

If your local library doesn’t have what you’re looking for, almost all materials county-wide can be requested through the integrated library system. Materials are delivered across each location daily, and the resource you need can be delivered to the library of your choice.