When the words “public library” first come to mind, people tend to think of a building filled with books and shushing librarians. That may have well been true when the first public library opened in Scranton in 1891 at the corner of Green Ridge Street and Wyoming Avenue. 

However, this is far from the truth as today’s public libraries are bustling places that provide scores of lifelong learning opportunities and invaluable human connection. The still existing 132 years old building is now called the Nancy Kay Holmes Branch of the Scranton Public Library. 

Named in honor of a former teacher, city council member, community advocate and beloved patron of the library, this branch is a fine example of how public libraries continue to be valuable community resources, how they adjust to the times, expand their vision and provide many educational and recreational opportunities to the residents of Dunmore, Green Ridge, North Scranton and Pine Brook. 

In addition to the free borrow-ready books, library collections now include movies, videos games, puzzles, board games and much more. They are places where citizens can learn to use the technology that is now necessary for day-to-day life. In an age when so many services are on-line and require computer skills, e-mail addresses and Wi-Fi, people can turn to library personnel for instruction and help with things such as electronic devices, job applications, tax forms, voter and automobile registrations, scanning, photocopying and faxing. Many and varied age appropriate programs geared toward children, teens and adults are offered each week, including story times, computer, language and craft classes.

The Scranton Public Library Board of Trustees, its staff and a committee of community volunteers which include David and Ann Hawk who are serving as honorary chairpersons have evaluated the increasing needs of the Nancy Kay Holmes structure and the neighborhoods it serves. 

Plans have been developed for renovations which will make the building more available and inviting far into the future. Enhancements will include a new accessible entrance, renovated restrooms, and other changes which will make the facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These renovations will make the branch accessible to visitors with mobility limitations and caregivers with strollers and other equipment.

The cost of the project will be $600,000 and the library is currently raising matching funds for a Keystone Grant for Library Facilities. Over $186,000 has been raised so far which includes grants from Elmer R. and Louise H. Hawk, the Willary Foundation, the Briggs Foundation, Honesdale National Bank, Sordoni Foundations, PNC Foundation, Arcadia Foundation and individual donors. The work will begin in early 2024.

There are many ways to donate and there will be ways to honor or memorialize individuals or families. A collaboration with Scranton based “Heart to Art, LLC”, offers one such opportunity. This firm, co-owned by Green Ridge resident Donna Doherty and partner Beth Burkhauser of Scranton is, according to Doherty, “Dedicated to building better communities through collaborative mural-making experiences”. 

Artist mentors will help participants of all ages, according to Sharon Quinn, chair of the Nancy Kay Holmes Campaign, “express their genius one brushstroke at a time in support of the branch. Their completed work will illustrate the power of passion, purpose and the joy in working together in preserving and supporting our treasured community library”.

The Nancy Kay Holmes Branch is open Monday through Thursday from 10-7pm and Fridays from 10-5pm. Make a visit, check out the activity calendar, look through the collection, get to know the staff and don’t leave empty handed.

For information on this renovation project, contact Scott Thomas, Scranton Public Library CEO at (570) 348-3013.