Beaverdale Public Library's History
Helene Krantzler and the late Reverend Stephen Slavik founded the Beaverdale Public Library in 1965. It was first located in a rented building at 313 Stewart Street. Local citizens and the Barnesboro Library donated books, and the Beaverdale Civic Association built shelves.
The first librarian was Olive Dezelon Drager, followed by Violet Prudhoe, Elizabeth Gerko, Ann Andrykovitch, and Danielle Mock. The present librarians are Bernadette Headrick, Michelle Hughes, Agnes Kuska, Jill Crum, and Elizabeth Strayer.
Because of inadequate facilities, a new building was constructed on Jefferson Avenue in 1988. The late Victor Maslar supervised the planning and construction of the library with volunteer help provided by the local citizens. A fund drive was held and major contributions were received from the Beaverdale Industrial Development Fund, Dr. & Mrs. Sidney Goldblatt, the David Glosser Foundation, and the Beaverdale Civic Association. Contributions were also received from former and current Beaverdale residents. Dr. & Mrs. Sidney Goldblatt, and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Krantzler donated the two lots of ground.
The year 2000 brought more changes for the library. The addition of a children's room and an outdoor reading area was made possible by donations from the residents and a very generous contribution from former resident Mr. Larry Phillips and his wife Pam. The new children's room is named "Maggie's Room" in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Phillips' daughter. Mr. Edward Jereb, an architect and former resident, donated his services and designed the addition to resemble a coalmine tipple to honor the coal miners who worked and raised families in Beaverdale and nearby communities. The Construction Group, Inc. of Krayn and Nemeth Landscaping of Salix were responsible for the successful completion of the project. The outdoor reading area and garden are dedicated in memory of Frank and Christine Phillips, parents of Larry Phillips and his sister Donna Jean Phillips. A special feature in the garden is a coal car that was built by Walter Prozialeck of Dunlo. Because of the hard work and generosity of many, Beaverdale now has an attractive and spacious library for everyone to enjoy.