STROUD TOWNSHIP -- A library in Monroe County marked a major milestone.
It’s taken exactly 100 years to accumulate the more than 200,000 books that fill the shelves at the Eastern Monroe Public Library near Stroudsburg.
It’s the centennial celebration. The library actually got it’s start in the Zion Reformed Church on North Eighth Street in just one room back in 1916.
Library volunteers dressed as some of the forming members to mark the occasion.
"We opened that first library with 99 volumes, 60 library cards and within a year we had outgrown that space that we began in,” said Mary Erm who was dressed as founding member Blanche Carmer.
The library grew and moved a few more times before settling in here off Route 611, still offering the community a place to connect.
"I think that she would think this is absolutely phenomenal, that the seeds they planted have grown exponentially,” said Elaine Ackroyd-Kelly who was dressed as Dr. Mary Erdman.
As this library turns the page on its next 100 years, it plans to grow and continue serving the community that's grown to love them.
"We surveyed the community and we asked them what did they want from the library and they told us they'd like maybe more out reading spaces, study rooms, they'd love a café,” said Eastern Monroe Public Library Executive Director Sue Lyons.
Library leaders say they want to make that all possible and are kicking off a capital campaign.
The library is also branching out to teach technology classes to the community.
Rebecca Little and her 14-month-old daughter rely on coming here for story time.
"We really love that we have this in the community I really love the library, it`s a nice place to go that's relaxing and fun for both of us,” said Rebecca Little of Stroudsburg.
Looking forward to what the next 100 years will bring.