A Ribbon Cutting and a Week to Visit the Library

A ribbon and a gathering in front of the bookshelves marked the opening of the Shamokin-Coal Township Library at Eighth and Water Streets. On September 14, 1953, the News-Dispatch published a photograph of Mayor Thomas F. Landy cutting the ribbon. Its caption described the act as the library's official opening.

Landy stood among members of the library association, with librarian Janith Ulsh and association president Miriam McConnell identified in the group. The photograph put the people responsible for the institution beside its shelves. The opening was a civic occasion shared by the mayor, association members, and the librarian who would help readers use the collection.

Visitation Week began at one o'clock on the afternoon of September 14, according to the caption, and was to continue through the week. Book lending was announced for the following Monday, September 21. The ceremony, the first opportunity to visit, and the intended start of borrowing were different parts of the opening. The welcome to visitors came before the announced lending service.