Our Next Chapter Campaign
Cambria County Library aims to update, improve, and maintain our building to provide an inviting, functional space in which to fulfill our mission. We would like to thank our Donors who have already contributed and are helping us write our Next Chapter.
Our Next Chapter:
This year marks our 50th anniversary in the David A. Glosser building, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished here. However, in all that time, our building has not undergone a major renovation. Our critical components, like HVAC and sewer systems, are well past the end of their life span. In addition, the way people are using the library has changed a lot in 50 years. We need to update our building to meet the current needs of our community.
Will you help us raise $70,000 by October 2021? Funds raised through this campaign will serve as a match toward the Keystone Capital Improvement Grant, which will enable us to do even more.
Our prioritized projects will update aging systems, increase safety and accessibility, and improve our ability to serve our neighbors. Help us modernize our building so we can continue transforming lives for the next 50 years.
Your Gift
Your help is important. We know with passionate community partners, we can transform our space to suit the modern resources and services we offer. Together, we can ensure that Cambria County Library remains an integral component of our vibrant, blossoming region.
Our Mission
Cambria County Library connects our community with resources that educate, entertain, and empower.
Campaign Progress
$78,917 of $70,000
- 100%
Campaign Updates
Next Chapter reaches 80% of goal, support still needed!
With the support of new sponsors like the David A. Glosser foundation, our Next Chapter Campaign is we are close to our goal! We knew getting started that raising $70,00 would be a challenge, but that the amazing Johnstown community would pull through for us. The...
Celebrating Your Gifts
Recognition
Donors at all levels are invited to have their gift acknowledged publicly if desired. Recognition will be made on the library’s dedicated donor page and through a press release at the end of the campaign.
Celebration
Major donors will be invited to attend our project-launch ceremony with local officials and receive recognition for their contributions to our library and our community.
Our Modernization Projects
Current Projects
HVAC Upgrade
The library’s HVAC system is well past the end of its lifespan and requires replacement with a modern system featuring enhanced air purification and energy efficiency.
Sewer Laterals
Mandated upgrades to the sewer system require repair and replacement of existing laterals, which will involve demolition and repair of the first floor.
Carpet and Flooring
Library flooring is frayed and buckled, creating potential trip hazards for patrons. New flooring will improve accessibility and functionality.
Future Projects
Security System Replacement
The safety of our staff and patrons is our highest priority. Replacing our existing system will improve coverage and quality of our video monitoring.
Digitization & Preservation
Our historic collection of Tribune Democrat microfilm rolls dating back to 1853 is one of a kind. Digitization will allow us to preserve this priceless resource and increase access to our users.
Parent & Child Resource Area
This area will provide a dedicated space for adults to use a computer to complete critical tasks like job applications while their young children play safely.
Exterior Mural and Lighting
Our library will become a visual showpiece of the downtown area with an attractive art installation that shouts “library!”
Outdoor Community Use Space
A patio and multi-use seating will transform our outdoor area into an attractive destination for visitors of all ages.
Cell Phone Booths & Charging Stations
Booths would enable us to offer a private space for phone use while maintaining appropriate noise levels throughout the building, and charging stations would address one of our most frequent requests from our visitors!
Additional Meeting Spaces
Our most frequent request from the community is for spaces to meet. While we do offer one large community room, we would love to offer a smaller conference room as well as free, one-on-one consultation rooms. These spaces will allow our community to hold meetings and trainings, as well as conduct interviews or social service meetings privately and comfortably.
Our Fundraising Events
To help us reach our goal, we are hosting several fundraising events. Please join us in celebrating our Next Chapter and helping us fund our projects!
A Smalltown Mobwalk
Join Richard Burkert of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association as he leads the Smalltown MobWalk, a walking tour highlighting the vitality of downtown Johnstown in the 1950s and 60s. The tour will include readings of nostalgic accounts provided by Frank Filia, and historical references to the Russell Shorto book, Smalltime: A history of my family and the mob.
The MobWalk will begin at the library and include stops along the historic streets of Johnstown. Participants will enjoy light refreshments at the library following the tour. In the event of rain, the walks will take place on September 11.
Tours will be held at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Tour sizes are limited, to attend please purchase tickets at the Circulation Desk or online at http://bit.ly/CCLSmalltown.
Pie Shoppe Sale
We are partnering with the Pie Shoppe of Ligonier to sell delicious pies and pastries. Pre-orders are completed and orders will be available for pickup on August 26 from 4-7 pm.
Capital Campaign
Donate to our Capital Campaign directly to support us. Donors receive recognition on our website and social media, and major donors will be invited to join us at a project launch party.
Open House at Cambria County Library
Visit the library to learn about our projects and enjoy a tour of every floor, with activities and more.
That 70s Night
Get groovy with our 70s party to celebrate 50 years in the David A. Glosser Building! Our evening will include open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and buffet. DJ’s Allsortz and DJ Poptone will be spinning classic vinyl records from the 70s. Tickets can be purchased by the table or individually. Stay tuned for more info!
Our Campaign Team
Leanna Bird
Campaign Committee Co-Chair
Leanna is project manager at the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health. She became involved with the Cambria County Library when her son was born and found both the library staff and children’s programming to be remarkable. She believes that public libraries serve as community connectors for people of all backgrounds and agents of social change for the most vulnerable among us.
She holds a Master of Public Policy and Management and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Sociology from Westminster College. In addition to serving on the CCLSYS Board of Directors, she serves on the Recreation Economy Committee of the Cambria Regional Chamber. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Barb Mitchell
Campaign Committee Co-Chair
As County Coordinator, Barb serves all libraries in Cambria County by assisting with research and statistics, training, and purchasing for the digital eBook and eAudiobook collection. As a librarian, Barb’s favorite part of the job is helping the community through the state-wide Chat with a Librarian system.
Ashley N. Flynn
Library Director
Ashley has a B.A. in Creative Writing and a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Science in Library Science degree from Clarion University. She has previously worked as the District Consultant for the Johnstown District, and has also worked as the director of the Highland Community Library, the Gallitzin Public Library, and the Cresson Public Library. She currently serves as the Chair of HSLC (Hosting Solutions and Library Consulting), and has volunteered on numerous conference planning committees for the Pennsylvania Library Association. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS) and has written content for the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Bulletin and the Compendium blog. She loves to read, particularly fantasy, young adult, and classics. She also enjoys kayaking, hiking, and baking.
Patty Heilmann
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Patty joined the CCL Staff in November 2019. She loves having such a creative and rewarding role—keeping the community informed about all of the amazing services and programs offered at the library. Her goals include growing the library’s community relationships, social media presence and fundraising efforts. She loves music, comedy and shopping thrift stores for vintage treasures.
Julie Horowitz
Friends of Cambria County Library
Julie Horowitz is the current treasurer for the Friends of the Cambria County Library. Before retiring, she worked in banking, as a recycling coordinator and as a pet sitter. She previously served on the boards of the Humane Society of Cambria County and the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
Alan Metzler
Board President
Alan is a strong supporter of the Johnstown region. He works as a Plant Manager for NRG Energy Services. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania. Alan was certified in the MBA Essential Program, University of Pittsburgh, Katz School of Business. He has received several certifications in engineering, safety and finance. He started his career with Penelec and has experience in engineering, mergers & acquisitions, business and strategic planning. He prides himself in the critical role as a promoter of safety at work, at home and on the road.
Alan was first introduced to his library board volunteerism at Richland’s Highland Community Library, and eventually joined the Cambria County Library as well. He currently serves as Board President of the Cambria County System Library, and Secretary of the board of Highland Community Library.
In addition to Alan’s volunteerism for the Library community, he is also a member of UPJ’s Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Board for Utilities Employees Credit Union, headquartered in Reading, PA.
Alan and his wife, Elaine, have been lifelong residents of Johnstown. They have 2 grown children.
Heidi Niebauer
Community Partner
Heidi has worked since 2005 in social services in many sectors, including Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Youth and families, Secondary and Elementary Education, Workforce Development, and Opportunity Youth. Heidi has a passion for community and teaching self-care and wellness to all, and especially beginners. She is currently a Registered Yoga Teacher 200 HR with Sunny Side Up Yoga and is Member and Family Advocate for Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania. She believes we all have a place in this world, and are called to identify our strengths and manifest our unique gifts.
Steve Sojack
Maintenance Supervisor
Steve joined the CCL staff in August 2020 to oversee the daily maintenance of the library. Having a curious mind Steve will read almost anything nonfiction. His interests include magic, variety entertainment, woodworking and hiking.
Eric Reighard
Community Partner
Eric was born in raised in Johnstown. After a brief time in the Baltimore area, he returned to Johnstown to work as a Scrum Master at Problem Solutions where he works to develop high performing teams to deliver quality products and services across multiple sectors. Since returning, Eric and his family have put together a coalition of local talent and leaders to redevelop the State Theater on Main Street.
Bryan Young
Administrative Assistant
Bryan has held many job titles at the Library such as Circulation Clerk, Delivery Driver, IT Assistant, and more. Bryan is Chair of the annual Night Music fundraiser held at the library. He has always had a passion for helping others and enjoys being able to do that as his job. When he’s not at work, he loves to cheer on all of the Pittsburgh sports teams! Go Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Pitt Panthers
Reach Us
248 Main Street
Johnstown, PA 15901-1677