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History

Here is some history behind the Kilgore Memorial Library

1885

The York Public Library service originated from a subscription library founded by I.C. Sorosis in 1885, with a modest collection of 200 titles housed in a local dentist’s office.

Brief note in the York Republican about the circulating library proposal. August 19, 1885

1894-1895

In 1894, public funding for the library commenced with the City Council allocating property tax funds. The 1895 catalog showcased a collection of 1,048 books, 8 reference sets, and bound magazines.

York Public Library, 306 E. 7th. View from NNW. Undated postcard.

1902

Mrs. Lydia Woods’ bequest, which funded the construction of a public library and book acquisitions. The library’s doors opened in the fall of 1902. This building would hold the York Public library for over 80 years.

York High School senior girls pose on the front steps of the York Public Library. 1948
Boxing magazines from the browsing shelves at York Public Library to be moved to Kilgore Memorial Library. April 1986

1982

Dr. William Sherwood Kilgore generously bequeathed funds in the fall of 1982 to construct a new public library, named in honor of his parents.

North side of Kilgore Memorial Library April 1986

1986

14,000-square-foot Kilgore Memorial Library we know today opened in 1986.

ADVANTAGE celebrating 100 years since the first public library funding was granted in 1894. June 28, 1994

2006

By its 20th Anniversary, Kilgore Memorial Library boasted around 64,000 items in various media formats. Impressively, over 2,500 individuals borrowed items annually, averaging approximately 75,000 loans each year.

Kilgore Memorial Library. 2012

2023

Kilgore Memorial Library had over 50,000 material check-outs in 2023, saving patrons nearly $850,000. We continue to serve York county and are eager to see what the future holds!