As the Downingtown Library nears its milestone 150th anniversary, it’s clear this institution is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a cornerstone of community connection, education, and growth. Under the leadership of Library Director Jasmine Smith, the library has embraced innovation while honoring its roots, expanding both its reach and its resources to meet the needs of Downingtown’s diverse and dynamic community.
Founded in 1876, the Downingtown Library Company is preparing for a major celebration in 2026. Originally housed in a charming stone building on Lancaster Avenue, the library relocated to Kerr Park in 2015, a move that brought the library even closer to the heart of community activity.
With more than 111,000 visits in 2024 and over 200,000 item checkouts across digital and print formats, the numbers highlight just how active and important the library is to the fabric of our community.
A Passion for Books and People
Jasmine Smith’s path to the library world wasn’t a straight line; it was a story shaped by a love of reading, hands-on experience in research, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. After college, she ran a writing tutoring program at a community college, where she discovered the joy of guiding students through research and citation.
“I love how much variety there is in the library field,” she shared. “I’ve worked in corporate records management, a university library, archives with huge collections of original manuscripts, and now a public library, where we work with people across the community to meet all kinds of needs.”
Today, the library thrives as a place where people can not only check out books but also attend programs, use digital resources, or simply enjoy a quiet space. While some may use the library for a quick browse, others spend their morning reading, watching their children play, or attending a program.
“A public library is one of the few spaces that anyone can come to find educational materials, entertainment, community connections, and a comfortable, welcoming space for free.” said Smith.
That accessibility proved essential when severe storms knocked out power last summer. “We had hundreds of people coming to the library for electricity, wi-fi, cool air, and running water,” Smith said. In an emergency, the library became lifeline for residents in need.
Expansive Services and Programs for All Ages
At its core, the Downingtown Library is about connecting people with information and opportunities, regardless of age, background, or income level. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Chester County, and nearly all of the library’s programs are free as well.
“We have books, movies, audiobooks, and museum passes, all in the library and available digitally. Those collections are free to use with a free library card.” Smith explained.
Cardholders also gain free access to the library’s online research databases. These databases include scholarly articles, scientific research, testing tools, and more. Whether someone has a library card or not, they are able to reserve the small, on-site meeting room; perfect for a private space for phone calls, Zoom meetings, or study sessions.
Downingtown Library is not just functional, but also cozy and welcoming. Big, comfy chairs are placed throughout the library space, coaxing library goers to sit down and read or study while they snuggle into the plush cushions. A children’s playroom encourages reading, interactive play, and provides a way for parents and their kids to connect over common (or different!) interests.
Another exciting connection point is found in the library’s event and program calendar. This community hub is here to serve everyone, from babies to seniors.
“Our programs start with baby story time and continue throughout pre-school, school age, teens, adults, and seniors. We have books and materials for all ages and reading levels.” Smith said. “In general, we have weekly storytimes for preschoolers separated out by age. For school-age children, we have regular programs like our Builders’ and Lego Night or the PAWS program, where kids can read to therapy dogs. Adults can attend our monthly book club, game night, writers’ group, and film club.” The library often hosts a variety of guest speakers, with topics ranging from history and health to financial literacy.
Nobody outgrows a library. It’s here for us in every stage of life.
Funding, Community Support, and the Power of Volunteers
Our local library is a non-profit organization, relying on yearly funding from three main sources. One-third of their funding comes from the state of Pennsylvania and Chester County resources. This funding is dependent on having a professionally certified library director and being open at least 45 hours per week.
“Another third of our funding comes from our local municipalities,” Smith explained. “We visit all of our supporting townships and boroughs each year to update the commissioners or supervisors on what the library offers to their residents and our funding needs as they plan their budgets.”
Lastly, the library sustains itself from fundraising, grant writing, and research.
“Our Board of Trustees organizes three big fundraisers each year, and we always encourage support from the community. The Friends of the Library fundraise on our behalf with twice-yearly book sales.” Smith explained.
Their fundraisers include a Whisky Tasting in February, Designer Bag Bingo in May, and D-town Brew-down in October.
“Our Friends of the Library volunteers also put on a spring and fall book sale every year, with thousands of books donated, sorted, and then sold at the library.” Smith said. “It’s a huge project, but they have it down to a science – they somehow make it look easy!”
As the director of the library, Smith is responsible for applying for grants that fit the mission of Downingtown Library.
Furthermore, our library depends on us. As community members, we must support the work of this vital organization. Smith coordinates an annual appeal mailing, which is sent to library supporters every year.
Building Literacy and Empowering the Future
The Downingtown Library’s commitment to literacy is reinforced by its participation in the PA Forward Star Program, a state initiative that encourages libraries to support five key literacy types.
“Most people think of the library as a place that helps with Basic Literacy (foundational reading and comprehension skills), but our programs and resources are also great for Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy.” Smith said.
The program’s framework works as a communication tool, helping libraries to support all kinds of literacy. The library currently holds a Silver Star rating and is working toward Gold. “We submit entries to the state evaluators to show what we are doing in each literacy area,” she explained. In order to earn this PA Forward top rating, the library needs to provide programming and outreach in every type of literacy.
The importance of literacy, especially for children, is never far from the library’s mission. “One of the best ways to support young children with literacy is just to read to them,” Smith emphasized. “Help them build a positive association with books and reading as a fun activity with a favorite adult.”
Visiting the library is a great way to expand your child’s literacy and vocabulary, creating a bond between the library and their childhood.
“Whether they are reading about their favorite sport, or fantasy stories with dragons and wizards, or a spooky mystery, they are engaging with a text and building their deciphering and comprehension skills.” explained Smith.
In the modern world of technology; where we see children as young as two reaching for tablet devices, literacy is quickly falling behind. Although, these social media practices not only blur the lines of reality for children, but adults as well. It is an overarching epidemic and no one is immune. A lack of one type of literacy usually indicates shortcoming across the board.
As researched by the PA Star Forward program:
- 45% of U.S. adults give themselves a grade of C, D, or F on their personal finance knowledge.
- Only a quarter of Americans can name all three branches of government; nearly a third of Americans cannot name any of the three branches of government.
- Research shows that individuals with low health literacy were significantly more likely than individuals with adequate health literacy to delay or forgo needed care or to report difficulty finding a provider.
- Regular readers are more than twice as likely as non-readers to volunteer or do charity work.
- Research shows that increased access to sophisticated technological social tools and increased connectivity via smart phones, laptops, and other handheld devices is changing the behavior of several generations. Frequently cited generational differences are now blurring.
The Library’s Future: Growing for and with Downingtown
“I love that Downingtown has a strong community spirit; it’s really fun to attend Good Neighbor Day and Fall Fest, where we get a lot of love from everyone in attendance!” Smith said. Both community members and businesses are passionate about Downingtown Library.
Many for-profit businesses support the library financially. “Last month, Kimberton Whole Foods selected us as the March Rounding Up at the Register recipient.” This partnership is beloved, as it works on an annual basis as a way for residents to easily support the library’s mission.
Even though the library is a non-profit organization, the local support goes both ways. The library staff are self-proclaimed “big fans” of the pizza made by their neighbors at Lione’s, as well as treats from Evergreen Coffee.
When she’s not working, Jasmine Smith enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles (she’s tantalizingly close to finishing a 2,000 piece puzzle!), spending time with her two, young cats (who have to kept away from the puzzles due to their energetic nature), and traveling.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a local business owner, a curious child, or someone seeking a welcoming space to work or relax, the Downingtown Library is ready to greet you with open arms. If there is one place in the world that is meant for everyone, it’s our libraries.
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Monday – Thursday: 9am – 8pm
- Friday: 9am – 5pm
- Saturday: 9am – 4pm (Summer Saturdays 9am – 1pm)
- Sunday: CLOSED
Ready to explore all the Downingtown Library has to offer? Visit their website for more information.
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