Member Spotlight: McBride Memorial Library
“The biggest benefit that the library has seen from our membership in the Chamber is our ability to network and promote through Chamber events. For example, I am able to publish this spotlight and talk about the library through a medium that many individuals who may not visit the library will read about. It also puts me in contact with many individuals who may not be aware of how the library can support their information needs.”
– Nadine Kramarz, Director of Library Services, McBride Memorial Library
McBride Memorial Library was started as the Berwick Public Library on July 16, 1916 by the 20th Century Club and the Delphians. These groups later combined and still exist today as the 20th Century Delphians and continue to support the library.
Like other public libraries, McBride supports lifelong learning and promotes five literacies: basic literacy, information literacy, civic & social literacy, health literacy and financial literacy. It promotes basic literacy and kindergarten readiness for children under age 5, provides after-school programs and STEM opportunities for school-aged children and a safe third space where teens learn how to be an adult. It also provides information, research and relaxation for adults. McBride also supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by offering free space, computers and internet, online databases and opportunities to network with other businesses, including through entrepreneurial breakfasts, the next of which is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. Furthermore, public libraries provide information and support democracy by providing unfettered access to information in both print and electronic form, and are also strong community builders – which includes businesses.
McBride was selected for a competitive Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant to implement a special needs toy library to build pre-literacy skills. This toy library is available throughout Columbia and Montour counties. Additionally, Nadine Kramarz, director of library services, was selected as a 2017 iLEAD participant and is now working with other PA librarians on a community engagement project. McBride has also been awarded several materials through grants offered by the Commonwealth, including 8,000 lego educator bricks for its Lego Club and Lakeshore Building Blocks for Block Parties.
Volunteers are crucial to the success of McBride, which is now accepting volunteers to support its mission by shelf reading, maintaining collections, gardening/landscaping, working at events, baking goods for programs such as Books on Wheels or for events such as the Ice Cream Social. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit here and for more information on the library, visit its website or call 570-752-2241.
Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for July 19 at the Columbia County Traveling Library, located at 702 Sawmill Rd., Bloomsburg.