News & Updates

Now Hiring

by Kaytlin | Jan 25, 2021

Seasonal Maintenance Worker Portage Public Library, hours are as-needed only. Primarily grounds maintenance. Send letter of interest with skills/qualifications, job experience, two references, address and phone number to 704 Main Street, Portage 15946 or...

Curbside and Online Services

Learn more about the Curbside and Online Services currently being offered at Portage Public Library. Although the library is closed to inside services, curbside pickup, wifi access, and other services are still available for the community.

Our Events

There are no upcoming events.

Check back soon for more events and programs!

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March 4, 2021

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HOURS OF OPERATION

CURBSIDE SERVICES ONLY

Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Available Amenities

Wi-Fi
Public Computers
Printing, Copying, and Scanning
After Hours Book Drop
Faxing
Public Restrooms

Staff Picks

The City We Became

by Kaytlin | Dec 30, 2020

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin is a fast-paced, Sci-Fi masterpiece. It takes place in New York City, and early on in the story, you meet each of the five NY Borough's avatars. The publisher's teaser was enough to get me hooked: "Every great city has a soul. Some...

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

by Kaytlin | Nov 21, 2020

This horror title has been called Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula. Set during the 90's, it features a women's book club, whose unexpected guest in their suburban community starts to seem like. . . well. . . we won't spoil the...

Portage Public Library’s History

Thanks to the efforts of local women, the Portage Public Library opened in 1927. It was located in one room over the old borough building and Mrs. Nina Hess was the first librarian. Mrs. Kate Mears took over shortly after and retired in 1961. The library was kept in operation during those years through personal contributions of time and money!

In 1961 the Portage Public Library became a member of the Cambria County Library Plan, thereby qualifying for both state and county aid. A charter for the library was obtained, and the Portage Library Association was incorporated. Also at this time Attorney Ferdinand Bionaz became a member and President of the Library Board, serving for forty years.

After 1961, several women served as librarian, including Mrs. Isabel Evans, Mrs. Hilda Dey, Mrs. Winnie Leap, Mrs. Dorothy Hess and Mrs. Jean Hepner. Mrs. Josephine Semanchek took over the responsibilities in the late ’60s and remained as librarian until her death in December 1997.

Under the leadership of Mr. Bionaz, William Kristofco, and Peter Hons, in 1971 the former VFW building on Main Street was purchased and renovated as the new library. In 2000 the card catalog and circulation functions were automated, a new front desk was installed, and new computers were added.