History

On March 31, 1967, the executive board of the new Friends met at the home of President Jo Hook Ruse to organize and plan for the future. They were functioning when the new building opened in 1970. Since then the Friends have promoted library usage with special programs and services of many different kinds, for both adults and children, but including a special emphasis on reading by children. In this, they continue to carry out the service to young people set forth by the founder of the first "reading room," The Women's Civic League in 1912.

Through the years the Friends of the Library have raised thousands of dollars annually for the purchase of new books, equipment and supplies much of which could not have been obtained in any other way. The climax for years of hard work and dedication came in 1986, when the Friends received an Award of Merit from the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries as the "best community library support group" in the state. The award was won in open competition with 
libraries throughout Pennsylvania, including metropolitan areas.

The Friends have taken advantage of the freely offered talents and creativity of the many area people who offer their services at little or no cost. (Frequently, if payment is refused, the Friends will donate a book to the library in the provider's name.) They have also worked with other local institutions such as Penn State Fayette Campus in cooperative ventures. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, students and other volunteers have helped.

Programs have included Art Club exhibits, the Great Books Series, 
noontime book reviews, Spanish lessons, Nationality Day (ethnic groups) and Black History Month, cooking demonstrations, style shows, local historians, author's workshops and book signings, sing-a-longs, musical performances by students, antique information, a slide show and video of local history and a historic drama held in the courthouse.

Special guests have included

• Poet Samuel Hazo 
• International newspaper writers
  George Esper and Bob Dvorchak (both county natives)
• Children's author Pat Harrison Easton
• Craig Eisendrath of the Pennsylvania Humanities 
  Council with two grant workshops

When Gov. Casey came to Uniontown for his "Capital for a Day" program, the Friends hosted a luncheon for his wife Ellen (on 24 hours notice). The Friends sponsored publication of "Our Uniontown," a brief history written by the late Jean Brownfield and illustrated by Eleanor Ulmer. They received nationwide acclaim for publication of an index of the 16 volumes of the Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, undertaken by one of its members, the late Dr. Mary Dunn. This was the first time this huge task had ever been undertaken; the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission accepted a copy with thanks and praise.

Each summer, children flock to the library for special programs. All children are accepted, whatever their residence, for a mixture of fun and a gentle push toward more reading, enjoying story telling, music, crafts, etc.

Special guests in the past have included Mr. McFeely from the 
Mr. Rogers PBS television program, puppeteers, Winnie the Pooh, 
Jack in the Beanstalk, goats, sheep and horses from county farms, 
cowboys, jugglers, clowns, magicians, city firemen (with truck) and even star gazing scientists.

The Scholastic Book Fair provides an opportunity for children to be rewarded with a free prize coupon to shop at the Book Fair for reading a designated number of books during the summer.

The Perpetual Used Book Sale which has raised so much money for 
the cause continues from its own niche on the first floor of the library.

The Friends have comparatively few male members but no prejudice exists against them--all are welcome. There are about 350 members, who enroll during an annual campaign.

Past presidents of the Friends have been

• Betty Barasch 
• Rosella Carolla
• Marion Chambers
• Jerry DeAngelo
• Dr. Mary Dunn
• Nancy Jenkins
• Neil Mancini
• Ruth Miller
• Ruth Monaghan
• Natalie Hunter
• Mrs. Vincent Ross
• Jo Hook Ruse
• Polly Storey

For A Printed Copy of This History