About the Library

The McBride Memorial Library is an information center for the Berwick community made possible by funding from the Berwick Area United Way, state and local governments, and contributions and bequests from individuals and groups. We hope you find our site useful. If you have questions or need further information please feel free to contact us so that we may assist you further.

Visit our Virtual Library & Online Resources

See our Online Resources page for information and links to our virtual library that is always open. You will find thousands of books and magazines, home work & research help for students, practice tests, writing & math courses, genealogy resources and even repair manuals for your car.

Library Staff

Richard Miller
Director of Library Services
Alice Zaikoski
Director of Staff & Circulation

Betty Pressler: Assistant to the Librarian
Ruth Broder: Circulation/Periodical Collection/Tech. Services
Paula Madish: Circulation/Children's services
Midge Shoemaker: Circulation/Technical Services
Christine Wright: Circulation/Paperback Collection/Memorials
Pat Demmy: Books on Wheels Library Clerk
Melanie Bogle, Sandy Kile & Lauren Miller -Library Clerks

Hours

Monday & Tuesday 10 AM to 8 PM
Wednesday - Friday 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
Address: 500 Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603

Library History

The Berwick Public Library Association was formed on January 16, 1916 and the first Berwick Public Library was opened on July 16, 1916. The library was located at City Hall in the Jackson Mansion on Market Street in Berwick. There were 1,400 books available for circulation, all donated by residents of the community. Miss Jesse Wilson was the first librarian. The Jackson Mansion, original home of Berwick Public Library

A larger full-time facility was built in 1967 at the corner of Second and Chestnut Street, the site of the former Berwick Water Company. The building campaign was spearheaded by the Berwick Lions Club. Earl V. Wise, founder of Wise Potato Chip, was also instrumental in the establishment of the new library building. The new facility, open 24 hours per week, offered an extended collection of 10,000 books and a larger staff consisting of a librarian, one paid clerk, and many volunteers.

Today, the library has over 35,000 items available to the public and is open more than 50 hours in a typical week. The staff has also grown to include two directors, each sharing different responsibilities, and employs 8 or more staff members on a regular basis.

On Wednesday, January 16, 2008 the McBride Memorial Library opened its doors at 500 Market Street, opening another chapter in library service to the community of Berwick. The McBride Memorial Library was built at a cost $2.35 million.

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