Have you visited the Media-Upper Providence Free Library lately? Many of your neighbors have! The library, located at Front and Jackson Streets, provides residents of Media and the surrounding area a treasure trove of informational materials, activities and technology for people of all ages. In 2017, over 100,000 people visited the Media-Upper Providence Free Library (MUPFL) and the number of library visitors has already surpassed that number for 2018. Circulation is also up from 58,892 items in 2015 to over 90,000 items in 2017! MUPFL is currently enjoying the highest amount of patronage in its 116-year history.
Compared to other regional libraries, Media and Upper Providence residents checked out more items from the Media-Upper Providence Free Library than all the closest regional libraries combined! The circulation trend for our region in the Delaware County Library System shows that overall circulation is on the decline. The Media Upper Providence Free Library is the only nearby branch library that shows an increase in circulation.
Founded in 1901 by the Woman’s Club of Media, The Media-Upper Providence Free Library is a nonprofit organization providing materials and services for the public’s educational, recreational and vocational needs. The Library became a member of the Delaware County Library System in 1981. In July 2016, the Library welcomed the community to its new, state-of-the art building, built on the Library’s existing 1 East Front Street location. The main level features the library collection and public computers with cozy public areas to read and relax. The second level features three meeting rooms used for Library programs and public study areas which are available for rental. The lower level houses the Library’s bi-annual book sale.
Sandra Samuel, MUPFL Director, joined the library soon after the new building was completed. Ms. Samuel has worked in libraries for over 35 years and loves the diversity and small-town feel of Media. She likens our beautiful library to a piazza or town square – a place where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. MUPFL is a place for residents to meet, read, attend an event, catch up on email and computer work, or just socialize. MUPFL benefits people of all ages from the smallest children to the borough’s oldest adults, who are sure to find something of interest at the Library. Children’s offerings include Story Time, Pre-School Explorers and special events like puppet shows, holiday programs and more. For the adult population, the Library offers the Friday Film Club, special Business Program events, Book Clubs, and even a vegetarian-centered group that hosts the library’s Veggie Table Talk. Featured on the magnificent wall space within the library are original artworks supplied through a collaboration with the Media Arts Council (MAC). You are welcome to come to the library to peruse the beautiful artwork during regular library hours or view the collection here. A portion of every sale goes to the Library & MAC!
Media-Upper Providence Free Library’s administrators and staff are constantly thinking of new ways to serve the Media Borough community. In addition to the programs and events for youth and adults, the library offers services to Rose Tree Place and the home-bound; works to educate parents and grandparents on e-readers and computer basics; and delivers materials for lifelong learning. The library partners with the Rose Tree Media School District to support academic achievement and maximize resources throughout the school year and to plan the library’s Summer Reading Programs. The library has a talented, committed 9-member board who make financial management, debt service and fundraising a priority. The library enjoys at least 3,000 hours of volunteer time from trustees, book sale sorters, and in-library volunteers who assist the staff of 3 full time employees.
The Media-Upper Providence Free Library is an independent library and relies on independent funding to maintain its annual budget. The largest fundraisers for MUPFL are the bi-annual book sales. The most recent fall sale raised over $20,000! In the spring there will be another book sale. The Media-Upper Providence Free Library is truly a community treasure for the residents of Media. Please consider a visit to the library to meet new people, join a book club or attend an event. Donations are always welcome and very much needed so that this borough treasure can continue to thrive and serve Media residents of all ages.
Visit the Media-Upper Providence Free Library website for information about the library’s programs, events and membership or click here for more information on how you can help!