The Informal Library in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania
My Favorite Place to Go in My Neighborhood
The Informal Library in Clifton Heights, PennsylvaniaNeighborhood: Greater Philadelphia Area
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
United States of America
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
United States of America
My home town of Clifton Heights has a rather unusual library. It's so unusual that most residents are completely unaware that it exists. When asked where the closest library is, A Clifton Heights resident will most likely direct you to the public libraries in Lansdowne or Upper Darby. But one library exists, unheralded and mostly ignored inside of the Clifton Heights Borough Hall.
The Informal Library
This library lacks many of the things a usual library has. It does not have librarians, books organized into categories or even steady hours. But it also does have due dates. The library is based entirely on the honor system. Residents can take as many books as they want, although they are requested to bring other books they do not want in compensation.
The library is the first room on the left as soon as you walk into the Borough Hall doors. Often the lights are out. Just open the door and switch on the lights. Inside the vast room, you'll see a lot of empty tables and chairs. This is where Veteran's Administration meetings, council meetings and voting takes place.
But flanking the room are large, stately wooden bookshelves crammed with books, old textbooks and tons of Reader's Digest Condensed Book tombs. You never know what you are going to find at the informal library. I try to only go a few times a year in order to ensure the largest turnover possible. I like to savor the occasion as it's such a treat.
Tips
The library is mostly open when the Borough Hall is open. However, if there is a meeting going on, then the doors will be locked. You are allowed to look for books while voting is going on, as long as you do not bother the volunteers helping out that day. They usually park their desks in front of one wall of bookcases.
Bring a large tote bag or backpack and fill it up. Don't expect to see a lot of books or authors that you recognize. But this is a great chance to expand your reading horizons and sample all kinds of authors and genres for free. Bring a sense of humor. Some volunteers do try and sort out the shelves, but mostly they are a hodge-podge of categories.
Clifton Heights Borough Hall
30 South Springfield Road
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
610-623-1000
The Informal Library
This library lacks many of the things a usual library has. It does not have librarians, books organized into categories or even steady hours. But it also does have due dates. The library is based entirely on the honor system. Residents can take as many books as they want, although they are requested to bring other books they do not want in compensation.
The library is the first room on the left as soon as you walk into the Borough Hall doors. Often the lights are out. Just open the door and switch on the lights. Inside the vast room, you'll see a lot of empty tables and chairs. This is where Veteran's Administration meetings, council meetings and voting takes place.
But flanking the room are large, stately wooden bookshelves crammed with books, old textbooks and tons of Reader's Digest Condensed Book tombs. You never know what you are going to find at the informal library. I try to only go a few times a year in order to ensure the largest turnover possible. I like to savor the occasion as it's such a treat.
Tips
The library is mostly open when the Borough Hall is open. However, if there is a meeting going on, then the doors will be locked. You are allowed to look for books while voting is going on, as long as you do not bother the volunteers helping out that day. They usually park their desks in front of one wall of bookcases.
Bring a large tote bag or backpack and fill it up. Don't expect to see a lot of books or authors that you recognize. But this is a great chance to expand your reading horizons and sample all kinds of authors and genres for free. Bring a sense of humor. Some volunteers do try and sort out the shelves, but mostly they are a hodge-podge of categories.
Clifton Heights Borough Hall
30 South Springfield Road
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
610-623-1000
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Rena Sherwood - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Rena Sherwood is a freelance writer and Peter Gabriel fan who has lived both in America and England. She has studied animals most of her life through a synthesis of direct observation and insatiable reading.... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentInteresting. It sounds more like the kind of library I'd go to.
Interesting, I wish our local town would do this :) cheers
sounds like a lovely stop!
great job
Sounds great. I haven't been to a library in years though, never seem to have time for reading these days unfortunately.