Back then, the library was for General Assembly folks to share books-though, let’s just say, the House and Senate weren’t always the best at sharing. For years, each group collected books like rival baseball card collectors-no tradesies! Finally, in 1816, Governor Simon Snyder decided enough was enough. He signed an act to merge their stashes, fund the whole thing, and even appoint a librarian-cue the sound of eager footsteps as the two troves came together.
When Harrisburg became the new capital in 1822, the collection moved here, perching proudly on the second floor of the old building. Sadly, for decades, the library was just a legislative warehouse, not a treasure trove for all. Cue William Henry Egle-think of him as the Indiana Jones of Pennsylvania books. He spotted fire hazards, shoddy electrical wires, and probably the ghost of lost paperwork. He campaigned for more space and, with some serious muscle (and help from the governor), relocated over 100,000 books before disaster struck. In 1897, fire ripped through the old capitol-flames licking at what history remained. Fortunately, most of the collection had been saved by Egle’s daring move!
The 20th century brought new heroes. George E. Reed made a catalog so thorough he probably knew the library’s books better than his own family photos. Then came Thomas Lynch Montgomery, who expanded the reach, diversified collections, and even helped birth the State Archives and the State Museum. Talk about a multitasker!
Since 1931, this grand location at Commonwealth Avenue and Walnut Street has welcomed everyone-from lawmakers to ordinary citizens hungry for knowledge. Its mission? To hold, preserve, and share our written heritage, making sure every Pennsylvanian’s story can find a page and a place
