Remembrances, fun activities, music, cookies and sunshine marked the “golden” anniversary of the Western Pocono Community Library during a festivity on Sunday afternoon.

Children, parents, patrons, dignitaries, and library board members and staff gathered on the lawn to celebrate the past and look to the future.

“We are so excited to be celebrating the WPCL’s 50th anniversary,” said Robert Reeder, president of the board of trustees. “This is mostly due to the community’s unwavering support of the programs provided by the library. We look forward to continue to grow and expand our offerings as well.”

“WPCL is proof that if people put their minds to it, they can accomplish anything,” said Patti Weiss, MSLS, library director, referring to the concerned citizens who knew there was a need and took action back in 1974. “I only hope that all of those individuals involved in organizing and creating Western Pocono are proud of what it has become.”

Reeder and Weiss welcomed everyone attending, including local legislators and colleagues. A representative from the Easton district center attended, and Mary Ann Lewis, director of the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library, was on hand for the milestone.

At the beginning of the festivities, honorary citations were presented by State Sen. Rosemary Brown and State Rep. Jack Rader.

“I am pleased to congratulate the Western Pocono Community Library on 50 years of service to our community and look forward to see what they do in the next 50 years,” Rader said.

“Our libraries are modernizing more than ever, offering services and supports that aren’t always available in every household,” Brown commented. “The traditional and the technology-driven library are now blending to create amazing opportunities in education.” She added, “The many programs offered at the library also continue to build socialization and community for all ages. The Western Pocono Community Library is a true asset.”

There have been only two directors in WPCL’s history, Carol Kern and Weiss. Kern served in that role for 45 years. Weiss, who started as a library aide in 2002 became director in 2019.

The original library was in one room at the Zion United Lutheran Church, but then had a home for 25 years at Bond Lane and Route 209 in Brodheadsville.

“We have come a long way,” Kern said. “There’s a lot more people and services; new projects and ideas.”

Weiss said programs have been “amped up” since the pandemic, with participation numbers doubling. The programming naturally has transitioned in the past five decades to meet trends and the community’s changing needs.

For instance, the summer reading program attracted more than 2,500 people. Weiss said 60 programs have about 1,200 participants monthly.

Some of the offerings include rock painting, art journaling and a silent book club for adults and Giggle & Play and Creative Corner for young children, as well as new, developmentally appropriate toys.

During Sunday’s celebration, attendees could step back in history by visiting the community room, which was filled with scrapbooks, photo albums, displays and artifacts. People could flip through pages of newspaper clippings and read about important happenings.

Community members could also just sit back and listen to the lively music of guitarist/singer Chris Eckert. And they could enjoy refreshments like fresh fruit and veggies, homemade cookies and snow cones.

“You couldn’t ask for a better turnout. Everyone really wants to be here. It is a really special day,” said Phyllis Sorrentino, WPCL circulation supervisor.

Family members could play games like ladder ball, purchase a library tote, get their face painted, or decorate the pavement with chalk and paint.

The community came for different reasons.

Bibliophile Katherine Barone of McMichaels, who was dressed in bright pink, enthusiastically said, “I love books and love to read.”

Her mom, Harriet, said Katherine (now 27) has been coming to the library since she was a “baby on her hip.”

The Ondimu family came all the way from Maryland, having seen the anniversary flyer during the summer. They used to live in the area and were visiting grandparents in Blakeslee.

Reagan Meixsell of Saylorsburg was having fun painting part of the parking lot as her nana watched. “It is a beautiful day and a wonderful way to honor the library,” said Amy Meixsell.

During her comments, Weiss thanked the board, staff, library patrons and volunteers.

Board member Jennifer Pandolfo said it was a “great day to be able to support and celebrate a pillar of our community.”

Fellow board member and vice president Debby York commented,” I feel I have a special bond with the library. When my sons were little I lived on Bond Lane and always made sure we went to WPCL to take out books. The library has come a long way,” she added.

The historic memorabilia from Sunday’s event will be on display occasionally in the future, with that information shared with the community. An upcoming fundraiser is the 43rd annual Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 23.