Community shocked to hear Leechburg Public Library closed for good

The Leechburg Public Library closed abruptly Thursday, apparently for good.

After serving the needs of the Leechburg area for 93 years, the library announced Thursday on its Facebook page that it was closing permanently that day.

The post cited “many circumstances” but didn’t provide specifics.

Pam Broglio, president of the Leechburg Public Library board of trustees, said in an interview Thursday that there were several reasons for the closure.

She cited a “decrease in community interest and support,” problematic parking, operating hours that were limited to evenings, an apparent lack of public interest in using the library, and “difficulties in finding qualified personnel.”

When asked what’s next for the library now that it’s closed she said, “I don’t know.”

Broglio said that perhaps a different location for the library might help — a location that would allow the public to visit during daytime hours.

That hasn’t been an option because the public library is housed within Leechburg Area High School. Only students can use the library during school hours.

It was open 16 hours a week, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Broglio said finances were not a reason why the library closed, despite the fact that it received no government funding and it operated as a separate entity from the school district.

The library phone number has been disconnected and is no longer in service.

“It’s a real downer. It’s stunning,” former Leechburg library volunteer and board member Frank Kroll said, a library patron for 69 years.

Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said he had no idea the library closed.

“I do not believe this was the way to handle the situation,” Dobos said, referring to the online announcement. “It was a total shock, and I feel very bad about it.”

The public library was renovated as part of a larger renovation of the high school, and was not charged rent by the school district.

Leechburg Area School District Superintendent Tiffany Nix said she also was not informed of the closing, nor were several teachers and staff when asked about it by a reporter.

“It is very sad to see the public library close,” Nix said. “We will work with them in any way that we can as they transition. This partnership will always exist.

“If at anytime they want to return, our doors are always open to them.

Resident Melissa Rak said her daughter loved taking AR (accelerated reader) reading tests during the summer at the library.

“She will be upset,” Rak said. “The kids of this town could always walk to the library and I’m just in shock.”