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Foxburg Free Library

31 Main Street
724-659-3431

The first library in the community of Foxburg was established by the Reverend A. E. Angell. The Reverend Angell started a small library in the guild rooms of the Memorial Church of Our Father. The library was called "The Parish Memorial Library" and was located in the guild rooms of the church. Books were donated by the members of the church. Some of the works that were included in the collection were adventure, biography, autobiography, fiction, history, poetry, religious, science, and travels. The Parish Memorial Library existed for eight years. A public meeting was held on September 5, 1898 and it was determined to construct a new free library.

The official ground breaking for the new community library was held in February of 1909. Construction of the library was entirely from the local gray stone. In 1910, the building was dedicated to the community. The library was known as The Hannah (Fox) Memorial Library which later became the Foxburg Free Library. The building was designated to house the library, the men's room, and the recreation hall. Five men were appointed as trustees. These gentlemen were: Joseph M. Fox and Frank L. Harvey from Foxburg: T. B. Gregory from Emlenton: R. A. Walker from Bruin: and Judge Harry R. Wilson from Clarion.

The Library has served the community with many different functions: lyceum lectures and concerts out of New York and Pittsburgh; home talent plays; and library parties which helped to support and contribute to the success of the library.

In 1961, the Foxburg Library Association joined the Clarion County Library District making the library eligible for county funds. The increased funding allowed for additional resources to the service area.

Currently, the Foxburg Free Library serves portions of 4 counties including Clarion, Butler, Armstrong, and Venango. The service population is approximately 4,600 from Foxburg, St. Petersburg, Emlenton, Parker, Hovey Township, and Richland Township (Clarion County.)

The Foxburg Free Library now has a collection of approximately 4, 000 books, journals, audio tapes, and videos.

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