About Us

Books are just the beginning! In the 21st century, while information availability is abundant, we need a place to collect accurate information, connect to others, and collaborate with our community. The Coatesville Area Public Library is that place. Not only that, but it is also a neutral space that welcomes everyone and it exists to promote personal growth and community pride.

Our highly qualified staff demonstrates acceptance. From the moment a patron steps through the doors, the staff is there to accept them with a “Hello!” and a “Welcome! How are you today?” You feel wanted. You feel accepted – the library is for everyone.

Not only do we provide materials for our community, our public computers are used every day. In 2017, they used 53,660 hours, or over 4,000 hours a month to help someone find a job, a place to live or to just stay informed. The children play games, do homework and learn with educational websites available on public computers.

We are proud of our community and we are proud of our public library and its 140-year history. Our staff, volunteers, and donors come together to assist us in our vision to provide a new and improved library. Our entire community benefits from this and shows that the library is a vibrant and exciting community center. We are not just surviving in this technological, fast-paced world, but we are thriving!

I encourage you to come visit with us and see us in action. You will be greeted with warmth by people who work every day to make our community stronger and better.

Penny Williams, MSLS, Former Director

CAPL is excited to be celebrating our 50th anniversary in our current building! Coatesville Library has been a fixture of Coatesville since its founding in 1876 by Isabella Lukens Huston. For the first 98 years of our existence, we moved many times. From our humble beginnings in what was affectionately referred to as "a shack" in what is now Globe Park, to sharing spaces with the YMCA, the Benner School, and multiple other buildings and homes in the city, we were fortunate to have the land for our current building donated to us in 1974 by Dr. Michael Margolies. With that one generous act, our library found its permanent home.

This year we will be celebrating Dr. Margolies and his kindness with some special programs, fundraising, and events. So keep yourselves up to date by following us on social media and by checking out our online calendar. And from all of us at Coatesville Area Public Library, Happy New Year!

Our Mission: The Coatesville Area Public Library provides information, programming and technology to the residents of the Coatesville area that promote literacy, build community and enrich lives.

Our Vision: Coatesville Area Public Library seeks to build an informed and engaged community by connecting people with information, ideas and each other.

Current Board Members

• Shavon Lewis – President
• Regina Hove – Vice President
• Krystle Brown – Secretary
• Shaina Bethala, Esq – Treasurer
• Peter DiMaio – Municipalities Outreach Coordinator
• Fred Sharpe – Board Member
• Javonna Wylie – Board Member

The Board of Trustees Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome. If you wish to attend, drop us a line at coatesvilleareapubliclibrary@gmail.com.

No available positions at this time.