In celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2013, the Parkland Community Library is pleased to share this retrospective.

2. 1973
> A volunteer group of
women establish a
community library in the
growing Parkland area.
> Parkland Community
Library opens its doors
in a small building in
Guthsville.

3. Remember When
Marjorie Stevens, first library
director and co-founder, still serves
as a librarian today.

4. 1976
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ESTABLISHED

5. Remember When
To expand, a new library
is proposed on
Walbert Avenue in
South Whitehall Township.

6. 1981
> 5,500 sq. ft.
> Paid for with contributions
> Volunteer-driven

7. 1998
> Technology grows and so does
the use of the library’s public
computers.
> The card catalog and microfiche
are obsolete.
> Voters pass a referendum to
financially support the library as
an independent entity.

8. 2003-2008
>
The PCL Board appoints a steering
committee to assess feasibility for a new
library.
>
Referendum funds are put aside for new
library construction.
>
A telephone survey of residents reveals
80% want new library.
>
Post-9/11 economy hurts fundraising
efforts.
>
New logo designed by Parkland High
School student representing growth.

9. 2003-2008
>
>
>
>
Architectural design for new
library under way.
More than 30 sites investigated
in three townships for new library
with no success.
The “quiet phase” of fundraising
continues.
Library offers digital services,
audio formats, video games,
DVDs and e-books.

10. 2009-2010
After a seven year search
for a new site, six acres of
land are secured for $1 a
year for 100 years with
Upper Macungie Township.

11. 2011
> Third Library Executive
Director, Debbie Jack, appointed.
> Free public Wi-Fi installed.
> The public phase of the
capital campaign begins.
> New user-friendly website is
created.

12. 2012
Friends of the Library pledge a
$250,000 contribution to
campaign.

13. 2012-2013
> Karl Siebert elected new volunteer
library board president.
> Land for new library increases to
12 acres due to permit regulations.
> All phases of the capital campaign
raise $3.4 million since 2003.

14. Corporate Sponsors
>Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
> Bracy Contracting Inc.
> Keystone Savings
> Ocean Spray
> PPL Corporation
> Many small local businesses

15. 2013
40TH ANNIVERSARY
NEW REFERENDUM READY TO GO