Together We Celebrate!
An Exhibition Presented by the Statewide Library Resource Centers of Pennsylvania
Including examples from each institution of Pennsylvanians celebrating our Commonwealth and nation
Together We Celebrate!
Welcome!
As Pennsylvanians, celebrations have always connected us as we gather to commemorate significant events, express collective joy, and strengthen social connections. These shared experiences help bind the people of the Commonwealth together, creating shared memories and history.
As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania’s Statewide Library Resource Centers have identified items from their respective research collections that document the rich history of celebrations across the Commonwealth. Established by the State Library Code in 1961, the Statewide Library Resource Centers are Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Free Library of Philadelphia, Penn State University Libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania. Each institution holds research collections that they make available to the residents across the Commonwealth.
These items represent just a fraction of the vast and unique collections these institutions hold in trust with the people of Pennsylvania. We hope you enjoy exploring these examples of how, together, we celebrate!
Navigating the Exhibit
This exhibit features digitized items from the collections of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Free Library of Philadelphia, Penn State University Libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.
Use the arrow buttons at the bottom center of each page to navigate through the exhibit, like viewing a photo album. For more information about that Library’s collection, use the hyperlink within the written text.
On each image, use the icons in the center middle of the page to view more information about the item:
The “i” will give you caption information on the image.
The “Related Page” will take you to the item itself.
CIVIC CELEBRATIONS
Across Pennsylvania, communities have celebrated events or designed days that honor their shared civic history, such as national civic holidays like Independence Day, and civic anniversaries like centennial celebrations. These events connect the past with the present, while celebrating ideals of citizenship, public good, and civic identity. Marked by parades, fireworks, and public festivities, these events bring diverse groups together in civic unity.
Civic celebrations reflect Pennsylvania’s rich history and participation in foundational events. As the site of notable events from the Declaration of Independence to the Gettysburg Address, Pennsylvania plays an important role in the civic events of both the state and the nation. Within Pennsylvania, local communities have a rich history of gathering in celebration of anniversaries of municipal, church, and organizational founding, such as centennials, sesqui-centennials, and bicentennials.
Image Source - Penn State University Libraries
150 Years of Unparalleled Thrift: Pittsburgh Sesqui-Centennial
This pamphlet from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Iron & Steel Collection shows the celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.
150 Years of Unparalleled Thrift: Pittsburgh Sesqui-Centennial by Edward White is a pamphlet from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Digital Collections commemorating the 150th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s naming after the capture of Fort Duquesne in 1758. The 1908 pamphlet chronicles the city’s transformation from a frontier settlement into a major industrial center and highlights Pittsburgh’s growth through innovation and civic progress.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Digital Collections include materials such as historical documents and commercial catalogs that illustrate how residents observed significant anniversaries and, in turn, reflected upon their collective achievements. Discover more items related to Pittsburgh’s civic history and milestones by exploring the Digital Collections hosted on POWER Library Digital Archives.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Court of Honor Peace Jubilee
This albumen print depicts the Court of Honor, which was built as part of the Peace Jubilee celebrations held in October 1898. The City of Philadelphia’s plans for an observance of the end of the war with Spain soon attracted nationwide attention and grew to a celebration that lasted for three days. President McKinley attended, as well as many military leaders and large contingents of the Army and Navy.
The Court of Honor was constructed along Broad Street south of City Hall to Walnut Street. The great archway, fashioned of wood, stood at Sansom Street and wooden columns lined the streets.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection is home to a variety of graphic materials including fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’ books, as well as historical images of Philadelphia.
Source - Free Library of Philadelphia
The Women’s Division of the NSA Buddhist Chorus Parades up the Ben Franklin Parkway
This Philadelphia Daily News photograph, taken by photographer George Reynolds, depicts the women’s division of the NSA (Nichiren Shoshu Soka Bokkai of America) Buddhist chorus parade along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parade was organized as part of the city-wide Fourth of July weekend celebrations in 1989, marking American freedoms.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection is home to a variety of graphic materials including fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’ books, as well as historical images of Philadelphia.
Source - Free Library of Philadelphia
Sesqui-Centennial Fireworks #8
Photographer John D. Cardinell’s photograph documents one of the many beautiful and recreational firework events offered at the Philadelphia Sesqui-Centennial International Exhibition of 1926.
The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition was a world’s fair to commemorate and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The idea for the celebration was initiated by Philadelphia businessman John Wanamaker, who formerly served on the 1876 Centennial Exposition’s Finance Committee. Planning was impacted by World War I, internal struggles among the members of the Sesqui-centennial Exhibition Association, lack of public support, as well as associated financing issues, weather impacts, and construction delays after the Exhibition opened on May 31, 1926. The Exhibition offered an impressive array of buildings and interactive spaces for the public from palace halls and pavilions to sporting and recreational events. The Exhibition closed on November 30 of that year.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection is home to a variety of graphic materials including fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’ books, as well as historical images of Philadelphia.
Source - Free Library of Philadelphia
Central PA Arts Fest
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is the biggest cultural event of the summer in State College. Tying together the community and the Penn State campus, Arts Fest attracts artisans, music and art lovers, and the wider community to town for one weekend in July. In these undated photographs, you can see the revelry that takes place every summer during the festivities, and the crowds that come to take in the art, the performances, or just to enjoy being out on the streets of State College.
This image is part of the Penn State University Archives Photograph Collection, found in the University Libraries Digital Collections. The Penn State University Eberly Family Special Collections Library documents the history and cultural traditions of Penn State University, the people and industries of Pennsylvania, the labor movement, and more. You can learn more about our collecting areas and view our archival collections online.
Source - Penn State University Libraries
1937 United States Constitution Celebration
This 1937 United States Constitution Celebration: A One-Act Play from the State Library of Pennsylvania celebrates the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the United States Constitution by the Pennsylvania Historical Commission and Works Progress Administration.
This one-act play, A Modern Newsboy at the Constitution Convention by J.M. Wilkoff, was written for use in Constitution Day programs in public schools throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to the short play to be performed by students, the booklet includes paper costumes for a newsboy, a colonial boy, and three of the eight Pennsylvanians who signed the Constitution: Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, and James Wilson. It concludes with sheet music to be played at the event.
This item is from the State Documents Collection of the State Library of Pennsylvania. As the official depository for printed publications of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the collection includes materials of the government from the 1700s to the present, organized by the agency or commission that created it. Many of these items have been digitized for access by all Pennsylvanians and are available in the State Library’s Digital Collections.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
Cumberland Fire Company Centennial Celebration and Old Home Week
This 1909 Cumberland Fire Company Celebration and Old Home Week souvenir book from the State Library of Pennsylvania celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Cumberland Fire Company and Old Home Week in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Old home week celebrations were common in Pennsylvania communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encouraging people to return to their more rural hometowns for a community celebration of local history and culture. The State Library of Pennsylvania holds numerous pamphlets, booklets, and volumes celebrating old home week, centennials, bicentennials, and sesqui-centennials from around the Commonwealth in its Pennsylvania local history collection. Discover more by searching our catalog by town or organization.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
1975 Valley News Dispatch
In 1975, communities across the Commonwealth began a year-long celebration of the United States Bicentennial, paying tribute to historical events in the creation of the United States as an independent nation. These events culminated on Independence Day, July 4, 1976, with the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The front page of the Valley News Dispatch on April 25, 1975, features a patriotic blue, black, and white illustration of “Heritage 1975.” Depicting key historic events over 200 years, from the Revolution to the Civil War to the 1964 Moon Landing, the paper announces “PROGRESS – It’s in our heritage!,” tying the ideas and ideals of the people to the development of a great nation.
This item is from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Collection of the State Library of Pennsylvania. Containing thousands of newspapers, primarily from Pennsylvania, this collection documents the people and events of communities across the state. A full list of Pennsylvania newspapers available in print or microfilm is available from our Pennsylvania Newspaper Research Guide.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
Celebrating the Forum
This 1986 pamphlet was published by the Forum Celebration Committee to celebrate the renovation of the Forum Auditorium and the acquisition of a new Baldwin Grand Piano. The historic auditorium is a performing arts facility influenced by the classical architecture of Greece and Rome. This pamphlet describes the history of the building, its artwork, and the legacy of performing arts that have taken place in the space. Completed in 1931 as the government building for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction, the Forum Building is considered an Art Deco landmark designed by William Gehron and Sidney Ross. In addition to government offices, the Forum Building houses the Pennsylvania State Library, the State Law Library, and the outstanding auditorium.
The pamphlet is part of the State Library of Pennsylvania’s State Documents collection. As the official depository for printed publications of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State Documents Collections provides a historical repository of materials of the government of Pennsylvania from the 1700s to the present. Many of these State Documents are digitized and freely available through our Digital Collections, and all are available to find by searching our catalog.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
SPORTS CELEBRATIONS
Known for its passionate fans and rich sports history, Pennsylvania currently boasts seven professional sports teams across the major leagues, ranking it 5th in the nation for professional sports. Pennsylvania’s existence as a sports powerhouse has deep roots, including its integral role in the creation of professional football, the early rowing clubs along the Schuylkill, Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, the longest running track and field competition in the nation (the Penn Relays), and the location of the Little League World Series.
These events give communities, cities, and the entire Commonwealth opportunities for collective celebration. Whether gathered to watch a local baseball game or to celebrate a Super Bowl Victory, sports celebrations join us in shared experience that transcends backgrounds and differences.
Image Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
Super Bowl IX Game Program, 1975
This Super Bowl Program IX from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Family & Local History Department shows the celebration of the 1975 Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh has a long history and deep love for its sports teams. The 1970s are considered the Pittsburgh Steelers’ golden age, but it really kicked off with their first Super Bowl win on January 12, 1975, against the Minnesota Vikings. Following their 1975 win, the Steelers went on to win the following year in 1976, and then again in 1979 and 1980. This 1975 Superbowl program provides a re-cap of both competing teams’ seasons and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each squad, giving fans a preview of what to expect for the big game.
This program is one of the many gems you’ll find at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). It is part of our noncirculating collection, so the physical copy can only be used while at the library, but the digital version can be enjoyed by all. Find more of CLP’s digitized collections on Historic Pittsburgh.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Penn State Football and the Orange Bowl
In 1968, Penn State football appeared in the Orange Bowl of college football. Here, team captains, John Kulka, Mike Reid, and Steve Smear playfully pose for a publicity photograph before the game, which Penn State won 15-14 over the Kansas Jayhawks. Penn State football needs no introduction; this photograph highlights Penn State’s place in the history of the game, and shows a sillier side of college football.
This image is part of the Penn State University Archives Photograph Collection, found in the University Libraries Digital Collections. The collection contains many more photographs of athletics history at Penn State.
Source - Penn State University Libraries
The Nittany Lion Mascot
At a 1965 football game against an unidentified opponent, the Nittany Lion appears on the sideline, beanie on head and umbrella in hand. He holds a sign that reads “Mt. Nittany Frivology.” What does it mean? We can only guess. Very different from the acrobatics of the current generation of Nittany Lion mascots, this photograph harkens back to a different era of college sports, one where whimsy and a do-it-yourself approach were the order of the day.
This image is part of the Penn State University Archives Photograph Collection, found in the University Libraries Digital Collections. The collection contains many more photographs of athletics history at Penn State.
Source - Penn State University Libraries
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Celebrations to mark beginnings, endings, and important events in our daily life are essential rituals that gather community. Events such as weddings, festivals, and local parades give communities a shared sense of joy and belonging as they gather in everyday life. Social events hosted by religious, social, and fraternal organizations also offered opportunities for community bonding and cultural expression.
These community festivals and celebrations are still important for preserving cultural heritage today. The food, music, and dress at these events are often unique traditions that resonate with community members, creating bonds to the cultural traditions from the past. They enable groups and communities to continue transmitting values, customs, and beliefs from one generation to the next.
Image Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
An Immigrant Wedding
This photograph from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Digital Community Collections shows the celebration of a wedding. Michael Giza and Mary Beigner were married in 1919 after immigrating from Krakow, Poland to Pittsburgh where they lived at 2737 Penn Ave in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Immigrants like Michael and Mary often settled in Pittsburgh due to its industrial status, causing certain neighborhoods, such as Lawrenceville, to reflect the traditions and customs of the communities who settled there. This portrait was donated by Patricia Pirt.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Digital Community Collection includes materials like photographs and scrapbooks that highlight the everyday life of the people who helped grow Pittsburgh into the city it is today. If you're interested in contributing Pittsburgh and Allegheny County-focused photographs, home movies, documents, and more to the Digital Community Collection, contact library staff at recollectionstudio@carnegielibrary.org.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
A Baptist Wedding
This photograph from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Digital Community Collections shows the celebration of a wedding, and was donated by Loretta Payne.
Reverend Alfonso “A.” Kelly served as pastor for New Pilgrim Baptist Church at 72 Miller Street from 1955-1962 and continued to serve the congregation as interim pastor while maintaining a strong presence in the Pittsburgh community at Morning Star Baptist Church. Information on Rev. Kelly can be found through the digitized Pittsburgh City Directories on Historic Pittsburgh and in the Pittsburgh Courier which is available on microfilm and in digital form. For information on how to access digital newspaper collections, please reach out to the Family & Local History Department at padept@carnegielibrary.org or 412-622-3114.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Digital Community Collection includes materials, such as this wedding photograph, that highlight the everyday life of the people who helped grow Pittsburgh into the city it is today. If you're interested in contributing Pittsburgh and Allegheny County-focused photographs, home movies, documents, and more to the Digital Community Collection, contact library staff at recollectionstudio@carnegielibrary.org.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
A Community Bazaar
This photograph from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Teenie Harris Collection shows the celebration of a community bazaar.
This studio print by Teenie Harris depicts a Fall Bazaar that was held at what was likely the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, located in Mt. Lebanon. Group celebrations, like this Bazaar, were a way for the community to raise money for the church or other local charities, and embrace their culture while sharing food and faith with their community.
Starting in 1936, Charles “Teenie” Harris worked as a photographer for the nationally recognized black newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier. Along with his studio photography, Harris worked as a freelance photographer, documenting both private and public events, like this group gathering.
This image is part of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Archives’ vast Teenie Harris Studio Print Collection, which contains prints across Harris’ 40-year career. For more information on the Teenie Harris Collection, please contact staff at padept@carnegielibrary.org.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
A Local Parade
This photograph from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Teenie Harris Collection shows the celebration of a community parade.
Starting in 1936, Charles “Teenie” Harris worked as a photographer for the nationally recognized black newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier. Along with his studio photography, Harris worked as a hired photographer, documenting both private and public events.
Though we don’t know what this parade is in celebration of, this print is an example of Harris’ documentation of the lives of black Pittsburghers during the 20th century. Parades have been used as a source of celebration for centuries, both in the United States of America and worldwide. Parades bring the community together to celebrate, both through participation in the march and through spectating the event.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Archives’ Teenie Harris Studio Print Collection contains prints across Harris’ 40-year career. For more information on the collection, please contact staff at padept@carnegielibrary.org.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Heilwood (Pa.) Community: Monte Grappa Lodge
This photograph from the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at the Penn State University Libraries depicts members of the Monte Grappa Lodge in Heilwood, Pennsylvania, and their families, as part of the town’s Fourth of July celebrations circa 1919. Heilwood was a company town in Indiana County, associated with the Penn-Mary Coal Company (a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel). Like many mining towns in the area, Heilwood had many lodges and fraternal organizations, often associated with immigrant communities who came to the area to work in the mines. They often participated in community gatherings and celebrations such as the Fourth of July.
This image is part of the Penn State University Archives Photograph Collection, found in the University Libraries Digital Collections. For more information from the Penn State University Libraries about the Heilwood community and other coal mining communities in the Alleghenies, you may consult the T.R. Johns and Heilwood Digital Collection and the Heilwood photograph collection finding aid.
Source - Penn State University Libraries
Joyous Thousands Celebrating the End of the War, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 15, 1945
At 7:00 p.m. on August 14, 1945 from the Oval Office, President Truman announced the news from Tokyo of Japan’s intention to surrender. In response, spontaneous celebrations erupted across Pennsylvania and the nation as people took to the streets in joy and relief as the war ended. This photo spread from Wednesday, August 15, 1945, in the Philadelphia Inquirer noted “JOYOUS. Jubilant crowds waving and shouting on the east side of City Hall, near Market St., to welcome the end of the war. Scenes like this were repeated throughout every section of the city, the State and the Nation as history’s long, bitter and most costly war finally came to a victorious end yesterday.”
This item is from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Collection of the State Library of Pennsylvania. Containing thousands of newspapers, primarily from Pennsylvania, this collection documents the people and events of communities across the state. A full list of Pennsylvania newspapers available in print or microfilm is available from our Pennsylvania Newspaper Research Guide.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
A Jazz Concert
An end-of-summer jazz festival organized by the Philadelphia Cultural Affairs Council brought an estimated 3,000 spectators to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Barry Harris, and Sam Jones were among the many jazz musician all-stars performing that weekend. This photograph was taken by a photographer from the Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday, September 9, 1978 for the Sunday issue.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection is home to a variety of graphic materials including fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’books, as well as historical images of Philadelphia.
Source - Free Library of Philadelphia
CELEBRATING PROGRESS
Pennsylvania’s history of celebrating diversity is deeply rooted in its founding by William Penn, who established a colony to guarantee religious tolerance. Over its history, this religious experiment attracted a diverse immigrant population, creating a rich tapestry of ethnicity across the state. Political and economic forces over time, as well as migration of Black Americans from the south, led to diverse and distinct neighborhoods and regions that hosted unique celebrations of ethnicity, culture, and belonging.
Over time, the achievements of African Americans, women, and other marginalized communities also became the basis of celebration. Pennsylvania holds an important place in the history of the civil rights movement, the women’s rights movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. From historical events to small community gatherings, Pennsylvanians have gathered to celebrate progress as the ongoing struggle for equality continues.
Image Source - Penn State University Libraries
Union Workers in a Banner Parade
This photograph from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Historic Photograph Collection shows the celebration of union workers.
Pittsburgh played an important role in the development of unions in American history. This photograph from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Historic Photograph Collection shows banner-bearing members of Local 1757 of the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) Steel Workers Organizing Committee marching through Homestead, Pennsylvania. They march in the same borough that witnessed the 1892 Homestead Strike, a pivotal and violent confrontation between steelworkers and management that shaped the American labor movement.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Historic Photograph Collection includes materials like this photograph that highlight the struggle and activism of American workers to gain fair working agreements. To see more images of Pittsburgh’s involvement in union activism, along with countless other topics, please visit the Historic Photograph Collection Index on the third floor of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main/Oakland Branch or reach out to Family & Local History Staff at padept@carnegielibrary.org or call 412-622-3114.
Source - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Penn State Not All Straight
This photograph depicts some Penn State students at a rally for the LGBTQIA+ community at Penn State. The unknown photographer snapped this photo at a pride rally in 1993. Penn State has a long history of student activism in support of various causes and communities. Rallies and marches are a way to create visibility for student groups on campus; they are demonstrations of free speech and the right to assemble. Student activism exemplifies an awareness of broader social issues, on campus and off. The Penn State University Archives hold extensive histories of student activist and protest movements, as well as of student groups celebrating the multitude of lived experiences at the university.
This image is part of the Penn State University Archives Photograph Collection, found in the University Libraries Digital Collections.
Source - Penn State University Libraries
African-American Stilt Ballet
This photograph, taken by Philadelphia Daily News photographer Juana Anderson, features dancers performing the “African-American Stilt Ballet.” It was part of the Super Sunday cultural celebration held on October 11, 1991.
Super Sunday was held annually on the second Sunday of October and was billed as a kind of “giant block party.” Events occupied the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Art Museum to Logan Circle. It was a large-scale celebration of ethnic and cultural Philadelphia.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Print and Picture Collection is home to a variety of graphic materials including fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’ books, as well as historical images of Philadelphia.
Source - Free Library of Philadelphia
2017 Pride Festival of Central PA Official Pride Guide
Pennsylvania had a pioneering role in celebrating gay history, including hosting some of the earliest public demonstrations for gay equality in Philadelphia and the first state government LGBTQ Council established in 1976. The first gay pride event was held in Harrisburg in the late 1980s, with the Pride Festival officially established in 1992. This 2017 Pride Guide was published by the Central Voice, an award-winning bi-monthly publication focused on south-central Pennsylvania covering news, arts & culture, and more.
This guide is part of Central Voice Collection in the Digital Collections of the State Library of Pennsylvania. Freely available to be browsed by all Pennsylvanians, the Digital Collection features items from the Library’s genealogy, newspaper, law, rare, and state publications collections.
Source - State Library of Pennsylvania
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This digital exhibit is a collaboration from the Statewide Library Resource Centers of Pennsylvania. The Statewide Library Resource Centers were created in 1961 to acquire in-depth research collections that are available to all residents of Pennsylvania. The Statewide Library Resource centers also use state funding to provide interlibrary loan services, digitize collections and provide specialized reference services. Thanks to:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Funded by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is now composed of its Main Library, nineteen branches, and the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP). Since its inception in 1895, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh continues to build community, enable learning and provide equal access for residents of all abilities, skills and backgrounds.
Chartered in 1891, the Free Library of Philadelphia is composed of Parkway Central Library, three large regional libraries, 49 neighborhood libraries, community Hot Spots, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the Regional Research and Operations Center, and the Rosenbach.
Penn State University Libraries
Originally founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, its first library consisted of 1,500 books in agriculture and the sciences. Now consisting of 36 libraries at 22 campus locations, University Libraries collects and makes accessible materials that meet the teaching and research needs of the University.
The State Library of Pennsylvania
Tracing its roots to Benjamin Franklin’s purchase of a collection of books for the 1745 General Assembly, today the State Library of Pennsylvania serves the information needs of state government, supports innovative library practices, and acts as the library of record for unique collections focused on Pennsylvania.