Guthrie Memorial Library

For those who have lived in Hanover for over 10 years remember the remodeling of the public library. The current library moved over in April 2006. However, the history of the library is nothing short of interesting as the helpful staff produce pamphlets explaining how the library came into existence in 1911 - 102 years ago. But it wasn't always named Guthrie. And who is this Guthrie anyway?

The original donors of the location of the library were Howard and Martha Young who wanted to memorialize their son Edward. Earlier bequests were made to Hanover Borough Council by George Metzger and Jacob P. Smith whose money along with many Hanover organizations donated their libraries to the greater good of a larger public library. The original library was for many years known as the Young Memorial Library until about 1930. 

Original Entrance to the Hanover Public Library

What I remember most from my childhood experiences at the Hanover Library is the Wolcott Children's Wing - a name I didn't know until now. But the pictures and memories quickly come back as I see a picture of the painted dragon named Longfellow leading down the hallway from the original section to the children's room. 

So who is Guthrie? Guthrie is an attorney who made a donation in 2000 and with that money and additional bequests, the library was going to be renovated causing the relocation to the basement of the Hanover Shoe Apartments in 2002 until 2006.

The original library is still part of the bigger, current library. In fact, you can see the different sections as you are walking through the magnificent building - though Longfellow is no longer there but their prized stained glass window has remained.

Current Entrance to Guthrie Memorial Library

*Information provided from the Guthrie Memorial Library pamphlet 'Celebrating a Century of Community Service'