Patton Public Library's History
Patton Public Library opened its doors for the first time on Friday, April 13, 1962, at 405 Magee Avenue. Since then the library has changed location twice. The first move became necessary because of the library's rapid growth. On May 6th, 1963, the library moved to larger quarters at 408 Magee Avenue. The second move was a result of a fire on January 27, 1984, which destroyed the library building. Thanks, however, to the efforts of the firemen and volunteers, the books were saved and eventually transferred to the library's present location, 404 Magee Avenue, which opened April 1984.
Interest in starting a free public library in Patton gained momentum in the late 50's early 60's with the biweekly visits of the State Library Service sponsored Book Mobile. Response to the Book Mobile was so impressive with the long lines of people waiting to borrow books and the large number of books circulated that town fathers and mothers came together to organize what became the Patton Public Library. The first meeting to take action toward establishing a library was held November 1, 1961.
The first elected president of the library was Mrs. Helen Nuss. Fred Kuhnley was elected vice-president; John Dluzansky, treasurer; Mary Sue Warner, secretary.
People connected with the library include:
Librarians: Jessie Lamont, Marie Wyland, Jeannine Yahner, Mary Lesnak, Eleanor Heishman, Monica Rohac, and Monica Burkhart.
Assistant librarians: Eve Crowell, Lucinda Peppetti, Ann Wagner, Pauline Patrick, Bess Flora, Eileen Cordell, Marnie Thomas, Mary Wylie, and Sandy McNulty.
Board presidents: Helen Nuss, Jeannine Yahner, Eve Crowell, Gilbert Fregley, Jack Swab, Ray Wendekier, Mundy Nuss, Harold Gabrielson, Jerry Kelly, Nancy Karal and presently Donna Depto.
Other board members: Elizabeth Helbig, Mildred Whiteford, Mrs. John Barnard, Mrs. John J. Bender, Dr. Edward Haluska, Joseph Valentine, Mrs. John Lesnak, Mrs. Richard Rhody, Fred McCann, Mrs. Gerald Crowell, Donald Resko, James Haluska, Linda Rosian, Madeline Sherry, Patrick Adams, Richard Rowland, Joseph McNulty, Dennis T. McNulty, Mrs. John Nagle, Joseph A. Lacue, Michele Garay, Fred Laurito, Mrs. Dean Smith, Leopold Wendekier, Joseph A. Lacue, Jr., Charlene Ellenberger, Bobbie Cammarata, Rita Horne, James Sheehan, Patty Ridinger, Patricia Willet, Paula Albright and Sedona O’Hara.