Library celebrates 50 years

BY JULIE BENAMATI
The Tribune-Democrat

July 03, 2008 11:48 pm

— HASTINGS – Nancy Hindmarsh remembers many years ago when she used to go to the local library to complete school work.
At the time, there was no Internet, DVDs or books on tape.
How things have changed at the Hastings Public Library during the past 50 years.
The library recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“When I was going to the school, we didn’t have the Internet and all of this technology like we have now,” Hindmarsh recalled. “So we had to access the library to get the information we needed for various projects.
“It was very, very small at one time.”
Hindmarsh, who retired from 38 years in banking, has been a member of the library board for about four years. She said the facility’s ability to grow and adapt has kept it alive and part of the community for half a century.
“If it hadn’t kept up with the times, it may not have celebrated 50 years,” Hindmarsh said. “They have done a good job keeping up with the trends.”
Frances Rhoa, who retired as librarian on Monday, agreed. She described the facility as the “center of the community” where people congregate and visit with each other.
“Adults come to sit and read the newspaper or take out a magazine,” Rhoa said. “We have a book club where people can discuss books ... and the children can put puzzles together or attend story hour.”
The library recently has offered a digital photography class and scrapbooking sessions.
“It has gone from just having books, to books on tape, videos, DVDs,” Rhoa said. “If we couldn’t keep up with the times, we wouldn’t be here. Thanks to the generous donations from the community and businesses, we can continue.”
The library had reached 2,242 books in 1963, and the current library has more than 17,000 books with six computers. It serves Hastings, Westover, Elder and Susquehanna townships.
It is part of the Cambria County and state library systems, with the ability to borrow books nationwide.
Of note at the library is its Heritage Room, which contains history of the area. Among the contents are coal mining memorabilia, police and service items, microfilm of the North Cambria News, and pictures of the graduating classes from Hastings and Elder Township high schools from the 1930s to 1960s.
Rhoa said once she is done enjoying the first few months of retirement, she intends to return to the library to donate her time as a volunteer.
“I’d like to start a Friends Group,” Rhoa said.