Bridgeville Public Library Extension - Train Cabooses on Waymarking.com

A group of concerned citizens gathered to discuss the idea of organizing a public library to serve the community. The idea was well received and the establishment of the library soon became a community effort. As a result of the fund-raising campaign to enlist charter members and a drive for donated books, the library first opened its doors for service in November, 1962.

Bridgeville Public Library
Shortly thereafter the library was moved to a more accessible location in the Dreon Building. But interest in finding a permanent home for the library was growing and led to the purchase in 1968 of the abandoned Penn Central Railroad Station building and grounds. An extensive fund-raising drive was conducted to raise support for this purchase and for the remodeling. The entire renovation, which began in April, 1969 was done by volunteers from the Bridgeville Kiwanas Club. Except for a few additions, such as the doorway and the lighted cupola and a few finishing touches, the exterior of the depot has been preserved in its original state.

At the time of the library's dedication in June, 1970, the collection had grown to 7,000 books and continued to expand until the library began to experience growing pains. An ingenious solution to the space problem was the addition of a children's wing in the form of a caboose, which was purchased from the B & O Railroad in 1974, remodeled by the Kiwanas Club and opened for service in June, 1975.

The collection has now reached the present size of 20,000 items and is currently focusing on computers, automation and CD-ROM reference. Bridgeville Public Library is a member of Pennsylvania ACCESS and the Allegheny County Library Association. The library is staffed by a professional librarian, a secretary and by many dedicated volunteers who are there to serve you.

Current Use: At the time of the library's dedication in June, 1970, the collection had grown to 7,000 books and continued to expand until the library began to experience growing pains. An ingenious solution to the space problem was the addition of a children's wing in the form of a caboose, which was purchased from the B & O Railroad in 1974, remodeled by the Kiwanas Club and opened for service in June, 1975. Type Of Caboose: Cupola, "Standard"

Visit Instructions:
Please visit the location of the caboose, brake van, or guard van, provide visit details through photo or narrative.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/10/2008 Fredhead visited it 09/10/2008 The Finding Irish 4 visited it

View all visits/logs