3 photos showing historic features, plagues inside the library showing respect for the history of the building

History of Greensburg Hempfield Area Library

Greensburg Hempfield Area Library was established in 1935 by the Concord Club and the Greensburg College Club, starting as a books-only library. It initially opened in 1936 at a Maple Avenue location. Over the years, the library moved to various locations, including a building on South Main Street and East Third Avenue. In 1969, it moved to its current location on South Pennsylvania Avenue, which was formerly a post office built in 1912. A significant renovation in 1997 added the children’s library. 

Founding and Early Years:

The library was founded with the support of community-minded organizations like the Concord Club and the Greensburg College Club, highlighting its grassroots origins. 

Early Locations:

The library’s initial location on Maple Avenue marked the start of its service to the community. 

Move to the Former Post Office:

The move to the former post office in 1969 marked a significant transition, providing the library with a more prominent and historic space. 

1997 Renovation:

The addition of the children’s library in 1997 expanded the library’s offerings and services for younger patrons. 

Recent Renovations:

Ongoing renovations are focusing on upgrades to the building’s mechanical systems, lighting, and circulation desk to meet current standards. The library also plans to utilize the second floor space vacated by the state Department of Revenue. 

Read Beth McAtee's History of Greensburg Library as of 2018
Black and white photo courtesy of the Greensburg Then and Now Facebook group showing the library building when it was located on the corner of Maple Ave
Photograph (age, source unknown) of the library building when it was located on Main Street.
Painting of the library building when it was still the post office
Painting (age, artist unknown) of the library building when it was still the post office.
Black and white photograph of the inside of the library in the 1960s and 70s showing patrons reading in arm chairs
Black and white photograph of the inside of the library as it appeared in the 1960s and 1970s.
Photo showing the new red front door that was installed at the library in the early 2000s
The Library's red front door was added in the early 2000s and later renovations revealed the arched window above.
Top photo shows the library's circulation desk as it appears after the 2021 renovation. The bottom photo show it before then.
Then and Now photos of the front section of the main floor of the library
The top photo show how the front of the main floor library looks now with the windows restored letting light pour in, rather than how dark it was in the bottom photo before renovations were made in 2021
The top photos shows the crayon pillars in the children's library as they are now, and the bottom photo shows how washed out the old ones were.
Then and Now photos of the capitals and lettering on the front outside of the library building