Call for Memorabilia and Memories

As part of Downingtown Library’s 150th Anniversary celebration, we are creating a commemorative anniversary album that captures the people, stories, and moments that have shaped our library over the past century and a half. We invite our community to help bring this history to life by sharing photographic and written memorabilia that can fit into a 12×12 inch scrapbook. We are especially eager to include personal mementos and firsthand stories that may not exist in formal archives.

Please send digital materials or a description of physical materials to:
Carol S. Klein, Board of Trustees
150th Downingtown Library Anniversary Committee
carol@writingcenter.com
Priority deadline of January 31, but submissions will be accepted throughout 2026.

We are seeking copies or photographs of materials such as photos/snaps of:

• Historical or personal photographs connected to the Library
• Recollections or your contemporary diary entries or letters capturing of historic events that affected the Library, such as the Floods of 1942 and 2021 (Hurricane Ida) or the Pandemics of 1918 – 1920 (Spanish Flu) and 2020 – 2023 (COVID-19)
• Memorabilia, including vintage library cards, catalog cards, bookmarks, signage, or photos or scans of event materials such as awards, banners, certificates, flags, photos, ribbons, and trophies
• Personal stories that reflect the spirit, impact, or charm of the library, including those about:

Why you love the Library
The longest overdue book
Favorite books
How you or a family member use the Library
Memorable interactions with library staff, Friends of the Library, Board of Trustees
Your experiences of library programs, activities, or special events

You can visit the Library’s Facebook page photo collection for ideas and to note which photographs the Committee already has. https://www.facebook.com/downingtownlibrary/photos_albums

We recommend submitting scans, copies, or photos of your original items. All submitted materials will be considered for inclusion in the anniversary album; however, due to space limitations, not all items will be used. Once mounted in the album, items cannot be returned. Please submit copies or images if you want to retain your originals.

By sharing your memories and memorabilia, you are helping us preserve the living history of the library for future generations. Thank you for being an important part of our past, present, and future!