The Slatington Public Library finally has an elevator.

The elevator was dedicated last week with Marilyn Steckel, vice president of the Slatington Public Library, giving the opening speech.

Stecklel said, “We gather today to celebrate a significant milestone in the evolution of our beloved library. The installation of this elevator is not merely a technological advancement, it is a profound statement of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

“This elevator also represents our commitment to the safety of our staff. While the second floor is not yet ready for patron use, our elevator is a testament to the belief that our library should be a place where all are welcome, where all can learn, and where all can grow,” she added.

The Slatington Public Library began in 1936 in the basement of the Salem Welsh Church. They started with 50 books. In 1962, the library then moved to 560 Main St., which was formerly the post office.

On March 20, 1962, it was incorporated to become the Slatington Public Library Inc. By the 1980s, the library outgrew the building. In 1985, the library moved into 650 Main St.

To move the books from 560 Main St. to 650 Main St., with a “bucket brigade” of about 200 volunteers handing off books to the next person, and the books were put right on the new shelves.

The building, donated to the library from the Rogers Corp., was built in 1897 and restored by countless volunteers from the community organizations. The second floor of the library is in the process of being modernized for meetings and get-togethers.

Lynne Fedorcha, treasurer, said, “It took a village to get enough money for the library elevator.”

The money was raised between multiple Go Fund Me fundraisers, gifts and donations, Trexler Foundation Grant 2020, Horsehead Corp. 2020, Hommer Grant, Trexler Foundation Grant 2022, Meriuzzi donation, the Restoration account, the Roslyn Ernst estate, and a Neffs National Bank Loan.

Attending the dedication were State Rep. Zach Mako, the Rotary Club of Slatington, Women’s Club of Slatington, Washington Township superiors, Slatington council members, Northern Lehigh School District, Historical Society, Lions Club of Slatington, Second Chance Shop, Slatington Book Club and the Genealogy Club.