The roof of the Arthur Hufnagel Public Library slumps down, dampened by years of corrosive water damage.
Pages sit slowly rotting away from their binds, a learning oasis that served the community of Glen Rock for years slowly melting away in the darkness.
Something had to be done.
In 2024, the Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock was forced to close for repairs and remediation due to water damage. Although immediate repairs were completed quickly, testing soon revealed that the building’s air quality was unsafe, meaning that the library would be permanently closed until something could be done.
York County Library leadership met with Arthur’s Friends and Borough officials to assess the building’s more significant needs and develop a plan to bring the library back. The first step in this plan: to raise $140,000 to ensure all necessary work can be completed, making the library safe and sound for years to come.
The library serves as a major community resource promoting education, literacy and social connection. It provides all of this through free access to resources, programs and spaces for learning, research and community engagement.
As of Jan. 14, 2025, a major milestone towards the renovation had been reached—$100,000 raised.
A benefit concert was organized on April 5 to help raise extra funds for the library. Musicians and music directors from the Zion Lutheran Church came together in support of the library, ultimately raising $2,100 to go towards the library’s renewal project.
If you can’t donate any money, there are countless other ways to be able to support the library.
Spreading awareness about the importance of Hufnagel Library to the Glen Rock community is important to let the public know that people care about the library as a resource. Organizing and running various fundraisers to support the reopening and advocating for the library can also help to promote funds and encourage others to give support as well.
The Library has roughly $35,000 left to raise before its restoration goal can be completed; only then can the library be renewed for generations of learners to come.
