James V. Brown Library
The James V. Brown Library provides free online resources, books, CDs, DVDS and programming for all ages to the citizens of Williamsport and under served areas of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
The Brown Library located in downtown Williamsport is one of the areas most handsome historic buildings but contains state of the art technology to meet the information needs of today's citizens. We cordially invite you to visit soon and tour our new Welch Children's wing at the James V. Brown Library.
The James V. Brown Library provides free services to more than 1,000 customers a day, seven days a week. The library has 30,000+ card holders locally, and as a state-designated District Center offers resource sharing and advisory services for over 40 public libraries in an 11-county area of North Central Pennsylvania.
History of the Library
When the James V. Brown Library first opened its doors in Williamsport the second week of June, 1907, the season was changing: local farmers were bragging that their strawberries were ripe, Williamsport Dickinson Seminary (now Lycoming College) was in the midst of its 58th commencement exercises, and women's summer linen suits were on sale for $22.50.
Today, the James V. Brown Library is finding a balance between books and technology. Our customers value both the traditional services, and readily use the new technology based services. Hundreds of people a week use the web while at the library. The library's website receives thousands of visits per month.
Hundreds of babies, toddlers and preschool children enjoy a story time and select books-either in the Youth Services Department or from the traveling Story mobile. The library now teaches people to read through the Learning Center. While located in the quiet woods of North Central PA, the Brown Library is the tenth busiest library in the state, and owns several "one of a kind" collections not found in other metropolitan libraries.
Today about half the people who visit the James V. Brown Library come for a good book or to read. The other half come for other reasons; seeking information for work,school, or personal development.
The Brown Library is one of Williamsport's most handsome historic buildings. Though the facility has been renovated over the years to increase space, efficiency, and to accommodate ongoing changes in technology - it still remains true to its 1907 Victorian charm. Even more important, the library remains true to its original mission: to enable people to be the best they can be, to grow, to learn and to enjoy their lives while learning!
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