Saturday, January 12, 2013

Local History

Curious about local or church history? Wanted to learn about notable local people? Wonder what your Kutztown townhouse looked like when it was first built? We've got you covered!

On the upper level of the library, we have a Historical Bookshelf. This special bookshelf contains various historical books about Kutztown and the surrounding areas, as well as local people of interest and Pennsylvania Dutch non-fiction. Some of the local authors are:

Mildred Jordan's novels: an impressive local woman and an author of many Pennsylvania Dutch-focused novels, most of which we have in the bookshelf

Ruth B.deFrancesco, a local author who wrote a biography of Dr. DeFrancesco, a highly influential and progressive KU professor, after whom a campus building is named.

Alliene S. DeChant, a former local newspaper editor and a community-minded woman, wrote collections of poetry and short stories about the Pennsylvania Dutch.


We also have amazing historical books, such as the original Kutztown Centennial compilation, Berks Countians books published in the 60's, a celebratory Folk Festival magazine, and books on Kempton and  Albany, complete with black and white pictures of local people, clubs, churches, and buildings! There are a number of pamphlets created by the Kutztown Historical Society about local buildings, such as the foundry, the original movie theater, and our library!

On top of these historical items, there are also many informational, specific books about Pennsylvania Dutch culture, art, woodworking, songs, barns, Mennonite and Amish culture, and more! Pennsylvania Dutch customs can be hard to find on the internet - but we may have exactly what you're looking for!

In our Reference section, we have the 20-volume set of The Passing Scene, which covers historical places and photos of the Reading and Berks County area, as well as the "A Most Agreeable Town" set! There are also copies of the "A Most Agreeable Town" set in the non-fiction section that can be checked out.  

While these fragile historical items and reference books cannot be checked out of the library, you are welcome to peruse them at your leisure and make copies of pages that interest you! Come on in and spend a quiet day learning about your history @ your library! After all, "to know your future, you must [first] know your past."