Monessen Public Library marks 85 years serving the community

By Matt Petras
For the Mon Valley Independent

Monessen Public Library Director Dave Zilka has decades of history with the library.
“I came to this library for storytime when I was 3 years old, 4 years old,” Zilka said. “I’ve probably spent more time in this library than any other person… I’ve been coming here for 50 years.”
And now, this year marks the 85th anniversary of the two-story library, which has evolved over the years into a community gathering space and a holistic resource for its community in addition to it being a longstanding collection of books.
The library, located at 326 Donner Ave., has been in operation since May 1, 1936. It houses a large collection of books, including a room filled entirely with books pertaining to Pennsylvania history.
But, it also has a robust, daily schedule of children’s programming and provides a place for the public to gather, including city government officials and Douglas Education Center students.
Many people also make use of the library’s computers and other technology like the scanners, Wi-fi and printers.
“When people hear the word ‘library,’ they have this image in their head of what a library is, and it’s usually an image from 1950s, 60s, 70s or whatever, and they don’t realize what all else is offered or what services they can have at the library,” Zilka said.
The library fared better than Zilka expected during the pandemic. While the pandemic has decreased the library’s foot traffic, it’s picking back up, and even during the worst of the pandemic, the library’s staff kept busy and residents continued to use the library.
Some libraries around the country have seen dismal funding in recent years, but the City of Monessen has always been supportive of its library, according to Zilka. Still, Zilka also relies on fundraising efforts from lovers of the library.
Karen Cosner serves as the president of the Friends of the Monessen Public Library fundraising group. She decided to get involved with the Friends group about four years ago after retiring from work as a school counselor.
“Because I always came here for books, I thought, ‘what better project than to work with the library?’” Cosner said. “Because I think this is the best thing Monessen has.”
The Friends group has two fundraising events planned within the next few months.
In August, the annual spaghetti dinner at Felicia’s Restaurant and Lounge will take place.
Tickets for the spaghetti dinner at Felicia’s Restaurant can be purchased from a library friend or at the circulation desk. The tickets can be used during the month of August on any day that Felicia’s is open.
On Oct. 12 at Saint Spyridon Church, the Friends will host its annual luncheon, themed this year around its 85th anniversary, at the St. Spyridon Church Hellenic Center in Monessen.
Cosner hopes to recruit more people to the Friends group, which has lost members in recent years as people age and pass away.
Anyone interested in being a Friend of the library can simply call or visit the library.
The library serves many in Monessen, but its reach extends far beyond that. Out-of-towners frequently use the library, according to Zilka.
“Even though we’re Monessen Public (Library),” Zilka said, “it is a resource center for the Valley.”
For additional information, call the library at 724-684-4750.