Susquehanna County Historical Society
& Free Library Association

History of the Forest City Library Location: 1967-2022

      In 1965, the library association’s Board of Directors were approached by the Lions Club with the idea of having a library in Forest City.  The Forest City Borough Council provided an area on the first floor of the borough building to house the library.  Working in cooperation with the library trustees and financial support through grants and donations, the Lions Club members remodeled, updated the electrical system, purchased shelving and equipment for the library. Members of the Forest City Business and Professional Women’s Club provided the original window furnishings. With two years of planning and hard work, opening day became a reality on July 10, 1967 and was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house with Mrs. Susan Stark as the first branch librarian under the guidance of Mrs. Helen Andrews, head librarian for Susquehanna County. Central air conditioning was later installed, and is maintained by the Forest City Lions Club.  The Forest City Borough Council continues to provide the library space rent free with heating, electricity and maintenance services.  NEP Telephone provides telephone and internet services free of charge.  

      Today, the library service in Forest City can be attributed to the spirit and cooperation among several organizations with Federal and State funding, the Board of Directors and staff of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association, the Forest City Lion’s Club, the Forest City Borough Council, NEP Telephone, the Forest City News, the Greater Forest City Business Alliance and most of all the loyal and kind patrons of the library. 

      Services available at the Forest City Branch Library include local newspapers, paperback books, computer use and free Wi-Fi.  Faxing, copying and laminating services are available. With a library card, patrons can check out books, magazines, CD audio books, and movies on DVD along with the birding backpack and PAL packs for the younger patrons.  

     At the library you can join a book club or form one of your own with family and friends.  The Babies and Books program is for any child living within Susquehanna County and is under at the age of 1 year.  Story times, technology classes and getting started with Libby classes are free and offered throughout the year.  The Edward Tourje Memorial STEAM program is open to all children 5-13 years of age.  Each summer our reading program is held in June and July as well as story walks at Kennedy Park and on the Rail-Trail.  

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