Ebensburg Cambria Public Library's History
The Ebensburg Cambria Public Library was formed in 1923, when the Ebensburg area citizens organized the first public library. The library formally opened its doors on May 19, 1923 in the YMCA building. The stacks were filled with both donated and purchased books.
Volunteers kept the library open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1923 until 1928. The first librarian, Miss Edna Lehman, was hired in 1928.
In 1950, the library purchased a house along East High Street, where there was room for reading and study tables, an office and storage.
Another move came in 1960. A large room to contain a greatly enlarged library was included in plans for the remodeled Borough Building on West High Street.
Upon the resignation of Miss Lehman, Mrs. Helen Jones was named as librarian. Mrs. Jones served until October 1975. The next librarian was Mrs. Mitzi Shamble, who served until 1988.
Marcia Springer, who assisted Mrs. Shamble, was named the community's fourth librarian in 1988. Mrs. Toni Huber was named as the new assistant.
In 1994, Library trustees, faced with a growing collection and new space requirements for computers, began discussing a proposal to construct a new public library to better serve Ebensburg and Cambria Township. The land, which is adjacent to the Central Cambria Middle School, was donated by the School District. Construction began in the spring of 1998 and on December 8, 1998 the new building was ready to serve its first patrons. Constructed of steel, brick and concrete, this sturdy and attractive structure will satisfy the needs of the area well into the 21st century.
The year 2000 brought many changes to the library. Miss Springer decided to retire in January and Mrs. Mary Ann Miller was named as her replacement. The library's collection was automated and a new Internet connection was established, which enabled all computers to be Internet-accessible.
The Ebensburg Cambria Library continues to grow in the new millennium. New titles arrive almost daily, memorials and donations continue to grow, our patron list increases, and technology is improving constantly.