Call Number:

2004.21

Repository:

Old York Road Historical Society

Extent:

0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1803-1988 (inclusive)

Creator:

Abington Library Society.

Abstract:

The Abington Library Society was established in 1803 as a subscription library. In 1908 it purchased the Jenkinstown Lyceum building on Old York Road and, after major remodeling, opened its doors there in 1910. The Abington Library Society continues as the governing body of the Jenkintown Library, still located in the 1910 building as of 2015. The Abington Library Society miscellaneous records, 1803-1988, include extracts of minutes, financial records, and records of books.

The Abington Library Society was established in 1803 as a subscription library. For 100 years it operated out of a succession of private homes and back rooms of various businesses. In 1902 the Society moved its library to a room in the Masonic Hall and opened to the public. In 1908 it purchased the Jenkinstown Lyceum building on Old York Road and, after major remodeling, opened its doors there in 1910. In 1913 an addition was built through a bequest of John Lambert. The Abington Library Society continues as the governing body of the Jenkintown Library, still located in the 1910 building.

This collection is comprised of a small group of records consisting of extracts from annual meeting minutes, 1803-1963, that report on dues received, fines imposed, missing and damaged books, officers elected, finances, and moves. After 1903, the minutes become increasingly concerned with fund raising. There are published annual reports, 1902-1949 (incomplete series), that provide names of officers and committee members, financial reports, circulation statistics, lists of donors of both funds and books, and summaries of the year’s activities. Clippings and other miscellany are also included.

The most prominent individual associated with these records is Florence Ridpath who served as librarian from 1902 to 1945.