About Us

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2024 Board of Directors’ Meetings

Board meetings start at 7 p.m. and are held virtually or in-person on the fourth Wednesday of the month except in December, when the meeting is on the first Wednesday. The board will hold 6 meetings per year: February, April, June, September, October and December. Exact dates, format, attendance options and additional meeting dates will be posted at mifflinlibrary.org.

Vision/Mission Statement

The mission of the Mifflin Community Library is to create and promote free and equal access to knowledge for our community through dynamic media, technology and programming in a safe, welcoming environment.

History

The Mifflin Community Library’s story is an inspiring tale of dedication, perseverance, and determination. Founded in 1977 by the Shillington Women’s Club and housed in the former Shillington Community Center, the library struggled for years, able to provide only limited services. When it lost its home in 1996 upon the sale of the Shillington Community Center and its collection was dispersed to the garages and attics of its supporters, its chances of survival seemed slim. But the threat to the library galvanized support. The library found a temporary home in the Mohnton Borough Hall in 1997, and in 1998, a group of dedicated volunteers began work to transform the rudimentary organization into a vibrant, full-service public library. They aimed for a service area that comprised the territory of the Governor Mifflin School District. Thus, the Mifflin Community Library (MCL) came to serve the township of Cumru, and the boroughs of Kenhorst, Mohnton, and Shillington, an area with a population of 26,340 in the 2010 census.

After achieving affiliate membership in the Berks County Public Library System in 1999, the search for a new facility became the top priority. In 2000, two facilities adjacent to each other at an ideal location in Shillington became possible temporary and permanent locations. One was a 1,100 square foot facility at 2 W. Lancaster Avenue that would more than triple the Mohnton space and give the library increased visibility. Concurrently, it was discovered that the Fulton Bank building at 6 Philadelphia Avenue was to be sold. The decision was made to pursue a two-step (later three-step) plan and the library moved into the rental in December 2000 while pursuing the purchase of MCL’s current location. Following the move, usage surged and in August 2001 the library met the requirements to become a state-aided member of the Berks County Public Library System.

A Capital Campaign become public in March 2002 after the purchase of the 6 Philadelphia Avenue building was finalized. In July 2002, after minor renovations that included two small additions were completed, thirty community volunteers walked/carried the library collection of 8,500 books and media into the 2,927 square foot building at 6 Philadelphia Avenue. Realizing from the start that additional space would likely be needed in the future, the third step was planned and a second Capital Campaign launched in 2005. This added a separate teen space and expanded the children’s area and shelving space on the main floor as well as installing an elevator and adding program rooms on the lower level. The new and renovated spaces were opened in March 2008 and the library has operated in the resulting almost 8,000 square feet since that time.