Library History

    Your library began in 1911, when a committee of citizens solicited donations of books and cash to provide a library in a room of the new Neighborhood House, which the New Jersey Zinc Company completed in that year.
     In 1928, the Palmerton Library Association was formed with a board of nine trustees, and governance of the Library passed from NJZ to private citizens of the community, although the bulk of financial support still came from the company and its employees still staffed the Library.
    In 1952, the Neighborhood House became the Borough Hall, and the  Borough Council was in charge of the library.
    In 1973, the library declared its independence from both NJZ Company and the borough by accepting the gift of the directors of the First National Bank - their building at Fourth and Delaware Avenue.  Throughout the next few years the library added a two-story annex, which now houses a children’s room (first floor) and a gallery and conference room (second floor).  Also, a new extended mezzanine, elevator and remodeled basement were completed.  During 2007 the library’s catalog was put online and the circulation system was automated.
    The library currently hosts an annual  art show, photography show,  and quilt show as well as ongoing computer classes, yoga once a week, a monthly knitting club, a Reading to Dogs program, Third Monday Book Club and free workshops on various topics.
 Your library raises about 60% of its yearly operating budget from  private sources and local donations.  Please support your Library.
 Gold Card Membership
   Consider becoming a sustaining patron of the library by contributing $100.00 or more annually. 
 Art work by Katrina Pugh  2009
 The Palmerton Area Library Association is supported by the Palmerton Area School District and by the following municipalities:  Palmerton Borough, Bowmanstown Borough, Lower Towamensing Township and Towamensing Township.

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