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