What started as a modular library unit in a parking lot for Penn Forest residents and has had several relocations and is now a hidden gem of a library at 2588 Route 903, Albrightsville.

Currently in a former doctor’s office, the Penn Kidder library opened on May 13, 2013, in a 670-square foot modular unit purchased by the Friends of the Penn Kidder Library at Pine Point Plaza in Albrightsville.

As it grew, in 2015, it moved into a storefront in Pine Point Plaza, and went from housing 6,000 books to more than 14,000 in a 2,000-square-foot space.

The library moved to its current location in May 2020, and officially became a branch of the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe.

In 2024, 2,910 adults and 403 children visited the library, which offers storytime followed by a craft at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Other events are held throughout the week, such as ornament making and adult crafts.

Kati Edmonds of Jim Thorpe said, “Story time is consistent, every week we get to socialize. I met other moms and have gotten resources. There is a movie next week here.”

Library Director Kara Edmonds said, “Although it’s small, this library, as part of Dimmick, has access to all the resources that Dimmick has, including online access. It’s easily accessible for northern Carbon County residents and has lots of parking.”

Computers are available for the public, as well as printing and copying.

Emma Steinmetz is the library assistant with nine dedicated volunteers taking care of the rest of the library shifts. Volunteering since 2018, Eileen Slack shared, “I started volunteering as something to do. I have always loved reading and found it to be a perfect match. I enjoy meeting new people who share the love of reading.”

Kara Edmonds said, “One goal is to meet the specific needs of the community of Penn Kidder. We’d love to get feedback about programs and library materials that the patrons of Penn Kidder Library would like. Emma is really helpful with finding materials wanted by the community.”

Patrons can “order” books from any of 12 other libraries in the Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative, and they will be delivered to the Penn Kidder branch for pickup at no cost.

Access to 1.4 million books is available through 26 library outlets across the Lehigh Valley in conjunction with the Lehigh Pocono Sharing Group as of 2025.

Efforts are underway to have bigger and clearer signage installed outside so the library is easier to locate.

Visitors will notice “Keller Williams” signs as they rent part of the building, but the library is indeed on the first floor. Owner of this Keller Williams branch, Lori Herishko, has been supportive of the library and is figuring out how to donate to them.

Check the library’s Facebook page or stop by to learn about what’s happening at the library.

Penn Kidder library is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.