Martin Library to Host 90th Birthday Bash

Martin Library to Host 90^th Birthday Bash
Event Commemorates Nine Decades of Library Service
 
YORK, PA – Martin Library is hosting a 90th Birthday Bash to celebrate nine decades of serving the York community. The library first opened its doors on Halloween in 1935. The celebration is set for Friday, October 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the festivities inside the library at 159 E. Market Street in York.
 
“This evening will combine a bit of nostalgia with our vision of the future,” says Martin Library Director Mina Edmondson. “Community members will meet living history players to hear about the library’s renovations and progress over time. Rumor has it that they might even meet our founder, Milton Martin.”
 
According to Edmondson, when the library first opened, area residents arrived in costume. In honor of that first night, community members are invited to attend in decade-specific attire or costumes should they wish. There will be treats and literary mocktails. In addition, the event will include opportunities to see the historic Brownstone Parlor and a photo gallery of technology through the years.
 
At 5:30 p.m., the library will unveil a unique piece of art created by York artist Brett Greiman. Titled “Together We Learn, Together We Rise”, the art is framed in one of the library’s historic arched windows. The piece was commissioned to recognize Martin Library’s 90 years of service; celebrating its vibrant past and visionary future. 
 
“When carriage maker Milton Martin dreamed of a library for York, he wanted it to be ‘a place of welcome, instruction, cheer and delight’ for everyone who entered its doors,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “He had a limited education and understood that a library could create opportunities for York’s residents. It is with gratitude that we celebrate Milton’s foresight and legacy during this momentous occasion.”
 
Martin Library, located at 159 E. Market Street in York, PA, has served the community since 1935, and is a branch of York County Libraries. It is recognized as a Gold Star library for its outstanding programs that help community members build the five core literacies championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward® program. Literacies such as basic literacy, information literacy, civic and social literacy, health literacy, and financial literacy provide the framework for balanced programs to meet the needs of the community. Martin Library has the esteemed honor of being the first to receive the Library of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.
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