There are many nonprofit organizations within Schuylkill County that provide resources and services to community members. It’s amazing that our county alone boasts more than 800 nonprofit organizations, all with missions to improve the quality of life for those who call Schuylkill County home.
Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. is one of these organizations and truly appreciates the hard work and time our volunteers spend helping us continue our mission. Many of our DSI volunteers also dedicate their time to more than one nonprofit displaying the generosity of our county. One right down the street from DSI is the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library.
Shenandoah Area Free Public Library
One of Shenandoah’s valuable community resources is The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, which is part of a larger countywide network. The Pottsville Free Library serves as the District Center for 14 public libraries in Schuylkill County. The Shenandoah location is part of this system and provides residents with “quality information, resources, and services to educate, entertain, enrich, and strengthen our diverse community.”
The Shenandoah Free Public Library is located at 19 West Washington Street, next to Borough Hall. It was established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 1976 thanks to the passion and commitment of five Shenandoah residents, Dr. Bill Krash, Edith Sinkiewicz, Virginia Morris, Estelle Nojunas, and Kenneth Jones. Today, an active board of trustees, all volunteers oversee the day-to-day activities. They are:
- President: Mary Ellen Matunis (also a DSI Board Member)
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Vice President: Julie Buchinsky
- Treasurer: Mary Luscavage (also a DSI Board Member)
- Secretary: Mary Ann Mickelonis
"Our library provides a welcoming community which encourages our patrons to engage in lifelong learning experiences through the utilization of our library staffs expertise, library resources, programs, and services," said Mary Ellen Matunis, President.
Books, Computers, Free Wi-Fi, Puzzles, & More
If you haven’t visited the Shenandoah library, you are in for a treat. There are shelves and shelves full of books for all ages to check out, free wi-fi to browse online, a computer lab featuring five personal computers, and an ongoing puzzle you can help put together. You can even access AXIS 360, a service to check out a book and read it online. You can borrow audio books, DVDs and books featuring large print. All you need is a library card to take full advantage of everything they offer. Simply visit the library and ask for an applicaton.
"The Shenandoah Library was a life saver for me in times when I had no computer or a car available. Funny enough, it was this library's computer and help from one of the librarians when I applied for a start up business competition and won $5,000. I bought my own computer then but I will always advocate for local libraries that can offer not only reading pleasure but also support," said Marky Barto, owner Art By Marky.
Find Books By Shenandoah Authors
You are always welcome to stay awhile in their comfortable seating areas and read the daily newspaper or peruse their magazine collection. Check out books that are really close to home in a section dedicated to Shenandoah and Schuylkill County authors. There are books by Darryl Ponicsan, Andy Ulicny, Ann Chaikowsky La Voie, Jerry Wolman and Steven Pytak. You can even reminisce about the good ole days reviewing past Shenandoah Valley Highschool Yearbooks. Want a book to keep for your personal book collections? Shop in the "books for sale" corner where you are invited to fill a bag for $5! Most of the books for sale are donated and the selection changes frequently.
Throughout the year, they hold special events, fundraisers and fun activities for the children that encourage reading and inspire learning. Follow them on Facebook for updates. Currently the Shenandoah Library is looking for a paid part-time team member. Those interested can get an application in person at the library. And they are always looking for friendly volunteers.
