|
Library History
The Thurmont Branch Library was founded in 1956 when a group of interested citizens worked closely with Thurmont resident and Librarian Edith Hammaker to open a library on West Main Street. The library was only open two days a week and fines were just 2 cents a day. In 1967 the library moved to 11 Water Street and over the years improvements to the collection, hours, staffing and other services have dramatically increased. In August 2008, that facility was closed and a brand new Regional Library took its place. Architects designed the spacious lobby to resemble the Catoctin Furnace, a historic icon located at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont.
Today
The Thurmont Regional Library, an impressive 25,000 square foot facility, is open seven days a week and features a convenient drive through service window, plenty of free parking and wide variety of books, audio-books, DVD’s, magazines, newspapers and research materials for all ages. Staff at three different service desks provide professional, personalized assistance and research expertise. Need to do online research? Use one of the many high-speed public computers or take advantage of wireless access anywhere in the building, including the beautiful outdoor deck. A handicapped accessible technology station magnifies text for people with vision problems courtesy of The Thurmont Lion’s Club.
The Regional Library meets many needs of the entire Northern Frederick County community. The Community Room, available for the public to use, seats up to 100 people and features a motorized projection screen, ceiling mounted multi-media projector, computer outlets, podium, microphones, amplifier and speakers. The Small Conference Room, also available for public use, seats 25 comfortably. Internet access is available upon request in either room and both can be booked online at http://www.fcpl.org/information/meetingrooms/thindex.html.
A special feature of the new library is The Thurmont Center for Agricultural History. This climate-controlled special collections room preserves materials related to our rich agricultural heritage in Frederick County, particularly in Thurmont and surrounding communities. Photography collections, 4-H and Grange records, family farm and orchard histories, and related items will be available for viewing and research in the center.
Throughout the year, programs and events for all ages are planned by staff and presented free-of-charge. Visit the library website for updated information at www.fcpl.org. The library seeks to partner with individuals, businesses and community groups to engage the community in an environment to connect people to ideas, experiences and information. We invite you to visit the Thurmont Regional Library where we will together meet the current and changing information needs of our community.
|
