Honoring and Celebrating the 110th anniversary of the historic Falls of Schuylkill Library.

WHEREAS, The Falls of Schuylkill Library opened its doors on November 18, 1913. The funder of the project, Andrew Carnegie, ordered construction on land donated by William H. Merrick and the Warden Estate. Prior to the opening of this location, this area was populated by settlers building mills along the Wissahickon Creek. From there, the area of East Falls became industrialized with fisheries; and

WHEREAS, The first library in East Falls opened on June 1, 1901 as a Deposit Station on the second floor of the Old Academy, the first community center in Philadelphia. Now it serves as a theater, where Grace Kelly had her acting debut; and

WHEREAS, After the conversion of the first library, The Falls of Schuylkill opened its doors in 1913. Its Collegiate Gothic architecture serves as a marker of the time it was built and is a revered relic. The symbolic catfish atop the cupola symbolizes the thousands of catfish caught on the banks of the Schuylkill River two centuries ago, when East Falls was known as Fort St. David’s. The library was renovated in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access. Since then, the library has served the public as a place for education and community events; and

WHEREAS, The library not only serves as a treat for the eye, with its beautiful architecture and well-kept gardens, but as a place for the community to gather, learn, and thrive. The surrounding community can benefit from its resources such as free Wi-Fi, free computer access, public meeting space, and the selection of books. The library is vital to community members who may not have access to these resources at home; and

WHEREAS, The Falls of Schuylkill also hold events for the community. These serve all ages and interests. They range from topics like ‘Stories and Songs for Babies and Toddlers’ to ‘Taking Care of Bone Health’. The wide variety of events ensures the entire community is engaged and informed.; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, the Falls of Schuylkill Library was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, The Council of Philadelphia honors and celebrates the 110th anniversary of The Falls of Schuylkill Library. Its community driven foundation provides invaluable support for the community of East Falls. This legislative body extends its gratitude and commendation; now, therefore, be it.

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Falls of Schuylkill Library.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the leadership of the Falls of Schuylkill Library as a sign of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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