oCTober 3-9, 2013
The CenTre CounTy GazeTTe
PaGe 13
East Penns Valley Branch Library closes in Millheim By SAM STITZER
pennsvalley@centrecountygazette.com
MILLHEIM — Sept. 28 was the last day of service for the East Penns Valley Branch Library, located in the Millheim Municipal Building (the former East Penns Valley High School) along state Route 45. The Centre County Library board of trustees, following a recommendation from a library consultant, voted on Sept. 26 to close its East Penns Valley branch. The board recommended that the branch’s books, shelves and other resources be turned over to the Friends of the East Penns Valley Branch Library, who may wish to re-open the library as an independent community library. Centre County Library officials called the closure “a regrettable but necessary action, due to cumulative system-wide losses, as well as financial support lost during the recent economic downturn.” The Centre County Library, which operates five locations, has lost about $2 million in state and federal funding since 2007. Officials have used their reserves to balance budgets for the past two years. “The library board felt like they had
done all the cutbacks they could. This (closure) was the end result of several years of budget cuts,” said East Penns Valley branch manager Charlotte Musser. East Penns Valley patrons are being directed to the Centre Hall Branch Library, 13 miles away. Library assistant Sue Downes noted that this might be especially difficult for members of the large Amish community in the East Penns Valley area. Musser said the Centre County Library’s Bookmobile will be at Burkholder’s Market in Millheim on Thursdays. She noted that the community was not informed of the possible closure until less than two weeks before it was done. “It was a hard hit for the community,” said Musser. Cardholders from the East Penns Valley branch will be transferred to the Centre Hall Branch Library, which will offer extended hours to accommodate the increased traffic, and cards will still be valid at any branch library in the county, as well as at the Bookmobile. The Books by Mail program will continue for those in the county unable to physically visit a library. E-books and online services will still be available at www.centrecountylibrary.org.
SAM STITZER/For The Gazette
BRANCH MANAGER Charlotte Musser, left, and assistant Sue Downes sit at the front desk on the final day of business at the East Penns Valley Library.
Schlow to host ‘Dadurday’
Rotary names raffle winners
Coat giveaway set for Nov. 2
STATE COLLEGE — Schlow Library will host a Dad Saturday (“Dadurday”) celebration at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 19. This special event is derived from author Robin Pulver’s picture book “Saturday is Dadurday,” which tells the story of a young girl and her father spending a Saturday together. Events include a 9 a.m. block party where children can build things from blocks or Legos, and an 11 a.m. story time when local fathers will read to their children. Pulver will also be at Schlow’s community room at 2:30 p.m. to talk about writing “Saturday is Dadurday” and her other books. She will also autograph books after her presentation. For more information, contact Paula at pbannon@ schlowlibrary.org.
PLEASANT GAP — The Rotary Club of Pleasant Gap recently thanked everyone who contributed to the success of its annual beef raffle, which was held at the Grange Fair. The 2013 winners of the beef raffle were Rylee Butler, of Milesburg, $500; Russ Dolan Jr., of Howard, $200 and George Bartley Sr., of Howard, $100. The money from the fundraiser supports many charitable causes, including the fight to banish polio and helping foreign exchange students during their time in the United States. The money raised will also go toward the free Christmas banquet the Rotary Club will host on Dec. 5 at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology.
SPRING MILLS — New Hope Lutheran Church will be hosting a free clothing a coat giveaway from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 119 Cobblestone Court in Spring Mills. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing will be available. Clean and gently worn clothing donations will be accepted until Wednesday, Oct. 30. Donations for the food pantry will also be accepted. For more information, call Jeanne at (814) 364-1245.
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Roast beef dinner scheduled BELLEFONTE — Faith United Methodist Church will be hosting a roast beef dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 at 512 Hughes St. in Bellefonte. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Roast beef dinner to be held SPRING MILLS — New Hope Lutheran Church in Spring Mills will serve a roast beef dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Those attending can choose to eat in or take out. Eat-in prices are $9 for adults, $4.75 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under 5. Take-out prices are $9.50 for adults and $5.25 for all children under 12.
Caring For A Loved One? 10th
at Brookline
Session is FREE to the public. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Windsong Dining Room at Brookline, 1930 Cliffside Drive, State College 814-235-2000