Nearly a century after a group of women from Salem Welch Ladies Aid laid the foundation for what would become a community cornerstone, the Slatington Public Library marked its 90th birthday Wednesday night with tributes, proclamations and reflections on the institution’s enduring role in local life.

More than 50 residents, public officials, volunteers and library supporters gathered for the celebration, which featured guest speakers, refreshments and recognition of the library’s past and future.

“The Salem Welch Ladies Aid started the library. I told my mother one day I will help at the library, and I did,” said Wanda Owens, president of the library’s board of trustees, during opening remarks.

Owens thanked volunteers, businesses and community organizations that have supported the library over the years.

“We appreciate all of you. We all have special talents,” she said. “In 2008, Police Officer Dan Buglio got us a grant for $25,000 from Jenny’s Heroes. It funded a brand-new computer, Internet research and media lab.”

She also highlighted the continuing financial support the library receives from municipalities, businesses and individual donors.

“We appreciate all of the municipalities and businesses that donate to us yearly. We could not do it without them,” Owens said. “We appreciate everyone that gives donations.”

Library Treasurer Lynne Fedorcha reflected on the challenges of funding a public library and the community support that has sustained the institution.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving as the treasurer of the library since November 2017,” Fedorcha said. “When I first took on this role, I quickly learned that public library accounting comes with its own unique vocabulary. For instance, we officially refer to our financial plan as a faith budget. Our income is largely an act of faith.”

Fedorcha said the library receives about 16% of its funding through state aid, while Slatington and Walnutport boroughs contribute 12%. Another 12% comes from the Dr. Richard Williams Trust Fund, with the remaining 60% generated through grants, business support, community organizations, memorial gifts and individual donations.

“In other words, every single person in this room is technically line-item revenue on our balance sheet,” she said. “You are the reason our doors stay open, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in our longevity.”

She also credited the library’s volunteer base.

“Beyond funding, the true heart of our library is our volunteer force,” Fedorcha said. “It truly takes a village to maintain a public library, and Slatington proves time and again how much it values this space.”

During the celebration, the library received several official recognitions. Virginia Haas, representing Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel’s office, presented a proclamation honoring the library’s service. Rochelle Pasquariello, from U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s office, presented a certificate of recognition, while state Rep. Zach Mako also offered a certificate commemorating the milestone.

Northern Lehigh School District Superintendent Matt Link spoke about the library’s impact on education and literacy.

“For the past 90 years, anyone can walk into this public library; here there is history and ideas,” Link said. “I see how much early learning really works for learning later in life. A lifelong love of reading will echo for years to come from the library. The library is a cornerstone for the community.”

He added, “Here’s to the next 90 years of bringing everyone together.”

Slatington Borough Council President Ryan Mayberry recalled his own experiences as a library patron.

“I am a lifelong patron of this library. My mother brought me as a child and I still read all the time,” Mayberry said. “It has helped me to get through what I wanted to be. I am a teacher now.”

Mayberry said libraries help create opportunities for young people.

“If you surround kids with what they need to be successful, they will,” he said.

The event also highlighted library-affiliated groups and longtime users of the facility.

Debbie Barhight celebrated the Slatington Book Club’s 12th anniversary and thanked facilitator Hali Kuntz for her leadership.

“The library has always been a safe and wonderful place to come,” Barhight said. “We love having our meetings here. Reading transports you to where you want to be. Reading is to the mind as exercise is to the body.”

Beverly Benfer spoke about the Genealogy Club, which has met at the library for the past decade.

“It’s always fun and exciting to find out where you are from,” Benfer said. “We are inviting new people in September to start them on their family trees. We would love to have you.”

Closing the evening, Vice President of Trustees Marilyn Steckel thanked attendees, volunteers and staff members for helping the library continue its mission.

“I really want to thank everyone for attending tonight,” Steckel said. “Our volunteers, staff, board of trustees, Rosie for helping us out while we find a library director, and our newest assistant librarian, Ted.”

As the celebration came to a close, speakers repeatedly returned to a common theme: that the library’s success over the last 90 years has been built not only on books and programs, but on generations of community support that continue to keep its doors open.