A Journey through the History of Library Programs

Mercer County Library System recently redesigned our website and I had the fun task of researching and writing a history of the library system.  While I found it really interesting to see how we added (and lost) branches, what really struck me was the variety of programs offered by the branches.  Some may look similar to what we see today, with crafts and storytimes being long-standing programs.  The special events, however, really have changed a lot over time.

MCLS was founded in the 1920s, but was mostly dedicated to delivering books to the rural areas and did not feature many programs for patrons.  This changed by the 1940s, and, as one might expect, the programs offered during that decade were influenced by the war.  The earliest program I could find being offered was in winter 1941, when the library invited county residents to stop in and learn how to plant a Victory Garden to reduce food production costs and fuel used transporting food. There was even a special event for children on how to grow their own vegetables and how to help mom and dad out in the garden.  The 1950s continued to be mostly about books, but reading groups took place at the headquarters branch in Trenton and the summer saw special Summer Reading book stations set-up in school playgrounds around the county – stops included stories, songs, crafts, and games.  By the 1960s, MCLS had its first branch, the Ewing Headquarters, which allowed for expanded programs.  The earliest programs were focused on educational and community initiatives, such as an International Week that featured exchange students and residents from different countries giving presentations about those countries.  There were also club days where local community groups such as the Lions or 4H would do demonstrations and information sessions for those interested in becoming members.  The middle of the decade saw the dawn of a wider variety of programs, here are some of the more unique entries:

Bus trips – before certain tour companies came on the scene, the library sponsored trips to local points of interest.  The slate of bus trips started around 1965 with excursions to Turtle Back Zoo, Franklin Institute, Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Mystic Seaport, Radio City Music Hall, Statue of Liberty, United Nations, NBC Studios, Lincoln Center, and a history tour of Philadelphia.

Outdoor clubs – Bus was not the only mode of transportation for library trips.  There was also a cycling tour of Washington Crossing State Park in 1974.  I am sure I know a few current staff members, myself included, who would have taken part in the hiking club that did tours of the D&R Canal State Park, as well as other parks in and near Mercer County, every Saturday morning.

Summer Reading Program Charity Drive – this one I can personally attest to, since I took part in it in 1979. Today we are used to seeing children come in with reading logs to collect prizes and take part in programs all summer long.  When I was 6, we had the March of Dimes Reading Olympics and the goal was to win a medal based how much money you could raise.  We had pledges who would donate based on number of books or pages read (depending on your reading level).  This was a no-brainer for me since I have loved the Olympics and books for as long as I can remember.  I am pretty sure I read every Dr. Seuss, Curious George, and every other easy reader that summer.  I even came across the gold medal I won in a box of stuff I was digging through a few months ago.

Unique programs – Down Under Day (a visiting librarian from Australia was on hand with exhibits, food, and a lecture on Australian history), pet parades, how to shoe a horse, free piano lessons, folk dancing lessons for kids, skateboarding demonstration, basic cat care instruction, and vision tests.

Contests – Over the years, our branches have hosted various (some odd) competitions, including a Liars Contest (winner receive baloney and soap), a dog show, hula hoop contest, crossword puzzle competition, amateur video contest, logo contest, and pumpkin painting.

While we may no longer offer the opportunity to pack up and head to the museums of Washington D.C. or give away cold cuts for tall tales, we still do offer a calendar filled with programs that range from storytimes and crafts for kids to medical, cooking, lectures, and book clubs for adults.  You can find them listed on our website and even keep aware of our offerings through our weekly virtual programs newsletter.

- by Laura, IT Department