For more than 120 years , the Glenshaw Library has been a treasured part of the community . Located on Butler Plank Road , it continues to be a symbol of the oldfashioned style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries .
The Glenshaw Public Library was established in 1895 by Reverend J . T . R . Currie in the basement of Glenshaw Valley Presbyterian Church . As community church members raised money , collected and donated books , Currie selected and catalogued the books , serving as its first librarian .
The library quickly outgrew its designated space , and in 1905 moved from the church to the first floor of the White Elephant — the building that currently serves as the public library . The White Elephant was originally erected by a fraternal organization of Glenshaw residents , but was purchased in 1895 by community members who came together to form the Glenshaw Hall Association . The building was used for several local businesses including a paper hanger , bakery , gown shop and confectionary . When the library moved to the first floor in 1905 , the second floor was designated for club meetings , plays and dances .
In 1913 , once again , the library outgrew its space . It moved to the Building and Loan room in the back of the J . W . Edgar Building that was being used as a grocery story . The library remained there until 1924 , when it moved back to its present location . In 1944 , the Lower Glenshaw Library Association purchased the White Elephant , and the Glenshaw Public Library received its permanent home .
“ The Glenshaw Public Library ’ s history is quite extensive ,” says Sandy Russell , the current librarian . “ It has many , many articles , artifacts and information about Glenshaw of old , and provides an opportunity to view and visit this hidden treasure .”
Russell became librarian in June of 2012 after the former librarian of 46 years , Violet Rowe , retired . Russell lived in Glenshaw for over 20 years and raised two sons in the area . She holds a Master of Library and Information Sciences degree from the University of Pittsburgh and additionally works full time as a Management Assistant at Duquesne University ’ s Speech- Language Pathology Department . “ When I discovered the librarian position would be part time , I applied and have happily been here since ,” says Russell . She recently moved closer to Pittsburgh and enjoys a little more of the city life .
The Glenshaw Public Library is unique in many ways . “ We have no internet access and no computers ,” says Russell , noting that the books are borrowed and returned to the community building only , as the library is not part of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system . “ It ’ s like stepping back in time , really . It ’ s quiet , relaxed and friendly .”
Funding for the library is primarily obtained from the renters who live in the lower , back half of the building . Additional sources of income include group rentals for activities and local community and business donations . “ We are fortunate to have funds donated in many ways , including donations of materials from local companies as well as the talents and expertise of individuals ,” says Russell . “ We also have a wonderful network of volunteers who afford an opportunity for the library to be open on Monday evenings and at noon each Wednesday .”
The Glenshaw Public Library has a large collection of fiction and an impressive history room , available as a reference area . “ The history room is our niche ,” says Russell . “ We have a truly unique collection of materials and documents that draws people who are interested in history to visit .”
Additionally , the library has a small children ’ s room . For the past three years , an annual “ Cookies and Cocoa with Santa ” event has been hosted to increase donated revenue . According to Russell , “ the relaxed experience is genuine for everyone involved , from the children to the parents , Shaler Area High School elves , and Santa Claus — everyone has a wonderful time .”
A multitude of other programs are also offered at the library including a Quilters Group , a Prayer Group , a Botany Art Group , multiple art classes , a Book Club and an outsourced children ’ s reading group .
“ We truly consider our building and materials unique , and hope to draw more groups in to continue in the success and future development of the library ,” notes Russell . “ We ’ ve also had quite a few renovations , and we are eager to ‘ show off ’ our great space !”
For more information about the Glenshaw Public Library , visit glenshawpubliclibrary . org . n
Did You Know ? In 1944 , the Lower Glenshaw Library Association purchased the “ White Elephant ” when the owners threatened to tear it down . The first floor room became a memorial to Miss Mary Simmons . In the front windows of the library , two lamps burn nightly . These lamps are replicas of the old oil lamps of stagecoach days . They were given by Mr . and Mrs . G . P . Thomas as a memorial to their sons , Robert and Edgar . The ceiling lights in the library were presented by Mrs . Louis Statler in memory of her son , Louis .
-The Shaler Township Blueprint for Action , Bicentennial Issue , July 1976
The Glenshaw Public Library 1504 Butler Plank Road Glenshaw , PA 15116
Hours of Operation : Monday : 6 to 8 p . m . Tuesday : 5 to 7 p . m . Wednesday : Noon to 8 p . m . Saturday : 10 a . m . to 2 p . m .
Shaler | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 21