Two Ways to Donate Online:
The building that today houses our library was built in 1857 by Lewis Lukens, who “contributed greatly to the commercial, cultural and civic life of Conshohocken.” After his death, his grandchildren gave the house at 301 Fayette Street to the borough of Conshohocken to be used as a library. As their grandfather before them, Lukens’ decedents paid it forward to the community, giving them a permanent location to provide opportunities for “lifelong learning for all ages.”
In 1973, Conshohocken Free Library became a part of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. Today were receive wonderful support as one of five branches, supporting our collections and staff. Last year we even received funding to offset programming cost thanks to Director Karen DeAngelo and MC-NPL board members.
The Friends of the Conshohocken Free Library help support programing and other learning resources as requested. They raise funds through a monthly used book sale and donations. In the spring, they canvas local businesses to support our Summer Reading program and in return, give back to the local business as well.
The building itself is the responsibility of the community. We own it and we are responsible for its upkeep. We owe it to the Lukens family to pay it forward by providing funding and support for maintenance, upkeep and improvements. Many of those decisions are made by the library’s advisory board, a group of volunteers, listed below, who donate their time and energy monthly to guide decisions on maintaining the building and raising funds to support those efforts.
These are just a few examples of how members of the community pay it forward in the spirit of the Lukens family. There is always room for more support in our efforts. There are currently financial needs to support upgrading our fire alarm system, replacing the roof, security cameras to monitor the exterior of the building and everything else that happens in between. It’s important everyone enjoying our library in Conshohocken and beyond know the story of the Lukens’ generous donation, and especially the condition that if the building ever stops being a library, it goes back to the decedents of the Lukens family.
The Conshohocken Free Library is a 501c3 organization and donations keep our building a library. Donations can be made in person at the library or online by credit card. Let’s keep the library standing for future generations to enjoy lifelong learning opportunities.
Holly Holst-Branch Manager
Library Board Members:
Brian Butch Coll- President
Ned Stern- Vice President
Mario D’Achille- Treasuer
Jennifer McCracken- Secretary
Binne Bianco
Bryan Collins
Eric Heal
Kathy McCarthy
Bob Moore
Kevin Olkowski
Johnny Pasquarello
Alice Marie Schwartz
Dr. Dennis Yankosky