Library Profile
Schlow Centre Region Library opened in January 1957. At the time, it was known as the State College Public Library. The first library was located in two rooms in a house owned by State College businessman Charles Schlow. Local eighth graders conducted a massive community used book drive to establish the first collection of library books. After expanding the library twice, the Library Board purchased the old post office building from the federal government and the library moved to the new location in 1966. Since then, Schlow Library, then known as Schlow Memorial Library, has been enlarged twice, once in 1975 and again in 1986. In February 2003, a community campaign was launched to raise money to build a new, larger library. On Feb. 2, 2004, the library closed its doors at 100 East Beaver Avenue to begin a 3-week relocation to its temporary location. On Oct. 3, 2005, the library opened the doors to its new facility, the Schlow Centre Region Library, at 211 South Allen Street. Click here to view Schlow Library's 2006 annual report. Click here to view video of the Library's construction.

Mission
Schlow Centre Region Library opens doors for our diverse community members to gather and discover a wealth of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information by providing services and resources in a welcoming, convenient and responsive manner.

Vision
Schlow Centre Region Library will be our community's best and most sought after gathering place where all are welcome to pursue their interests, learn new life skills, interact with other members of the community, and enhance their quality of life.

Where is Schlow Centre Region Library located? (click here for directions)
211 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801

Tele: 814-237-6236
Fax:  814-238-8508

Contacts at Schlow Centre Region Library

Library Director: Elizabeth Allen

Reference Desk: (814) 235-7816 or refdesk@schlowlibrary.org
Interlibrary Loan: interlib@schlowlibrary.org
Children's Department: (814) 235-7817 or children@schlowlibrary.org
Circulation: (814) 235-7815 or acctinfo@schlowlibrary.org

Where can patrons park?
Free parking is available in the Library parking lot while a patron is in the building. Upon entering the Library, patrons must validate their ticket. Upon leaving, patrons need to have their ticket restamped. Violators will be fined.

What are the library's hours?

How can I obtain a library card?
Schlow Library provides free library service to all Centre Region residents, including Penn State students.
        Schlow Library cards may be used at all the public libraries in Centre County, and Schlow Library honors Centre County Library cards. The library also participates in the Access PA statewide borrowing program.
        To receive a library card, you must provide picture identification and complete an application form. Bring your card with you when you visit the library and report any change of address. When moving from Centre County, please turn in your card. A fee is charged to replace a lost card.

Parental/Guardian Responsibilities
Library materials and resources are available to all library users, regardless of age. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for what their children access, read and view.

Checking out materials
The Library now offers self-checkout for patrons. The self-checkout stations are easy to use and offer a fun and fast way to checkout Library materials. There is 1 self-checkout station in the Children’s Department and 2 self-checkout stations at the Circulation Desk. Follow the instructions on the computer screen.

What are the item loan periods?
Books, multimedia kits, magazines, art reproductions, compact discs, books on tape, cassettes, toys, long term videos, computer software and CD and cassette players are available for three weeks.

Videos and audiovisual equipment are now available for a 3-day checkout. Newspapers, projectors, reference books, screens, videocassettes and videocassette players are available for short term loans.

How many videos can I check out at one time?
There are no limits on the number of videos.

How can I get a book that is not at Schlow Library?
Schlow Library has an Interlibrary Loan Service for patrons.

Can I access my library account online?
You can manage your library count by visiting the online account system. From here you can check when library materials are due, renew and reserve books, see if you have any books on hold or need to pay a late fee. You need to have your library card ready to use the online system.

How can I renew an item?
Books and other materials may be renewed twice if they are not reserved for another patron. Telephone renewals are accepted during normal library hours. Renewals may also be made through the library catalog. Videos may not be renewed.

How can I reserve an item?
The catalog will indicate whether an item has been checked out. Items not immediately available may be reserved. Reserves may be placed in person, by phone, or by using the reserve function in the library catalog on the Web. You can receive notification that the book you reserved via email.

I can't make it to the library to return my book. What can I do?
When returning materials directly to the Library, patrons have two return options: a return located outside of the building to the right of the main entrance or inside the building in the vestibule. For return of books and videos after library hours, use the outside book drop in front of the library. Library materials need to be returned to the Library prior by 11:59 p.m. on the date due or a late fee will be assessed.

Renewals may also be made through the library catalog. Videos may not be renewed.

Drive-up Return:
A stand-alone drive-up return has been installed at the rear of Schlow Centre Region Library. The return, which is accessible 24 hours a day, is located in the alley behind the Library and can be reached from Pugh Street or Foster Avenue.

Remote Book Returns:
For your convenience, Schlow Centre Region Library has numerous remote book return locations throughout the Centre Region. Materials will be picked up every day, Monday through Saturday. Materials from Centre County Library, including all branches and the bookmobile are welcome. Short-term loan items are to be returned directly to Schlow Library. The remote returns are only available during store hours:

Wal-Mart: Benner Pike   
Store Hours: Open 24 Hours

Weis Market: 110 Rolling Ridge Drive, S. Atherton St.
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Giant: Northland Center on N. Atherton St.  
Store Hours: Open 24 Hours

Uni-Mart: Carson’s Corner (Crossroads of 322 & 550)
Return is outside and available 24 hours

Brother's Pizza: Stormstown
Return is outside and available 24 hours

Homebound Books by Mail

What are the overdue fines?
Click here for replacement fees

Library Computer Labs
The second floor Computer Lab includes 10 computers with Internet access, flat-screened monitors, DVD, zip & floppy drives, printers and assistive technology. Computer software includes Office 2000, FrontPage, PowerPoint, and Publisher. The lab is open during library hours and closes 15 minutes before the library closes. There is a one hour limit.

There is a Computer Lab just for children in the first floor Children’s Department. There is no Internet access at these computers. A child, accompanied by an adult, can use the Internet computers on the second floor.

Library Meeting Rooms
Library meeting rooms are available for meetings and activities of cultural, educational and civic groups during the Library’s normal operating hours and subject to the Library’s own schedule of activity. Click here for information on reserving a meeting room and meeting room regulations.

Do you have tax forms?
Yes. They usually arrive mid-to late-January and are located in the area outside of the Adult Department. Pennsylvania forms can be obtained at www.revenue.state.pa.us. Federal forms can be obtained at www.irs.ustreas.gov.

What does a Board of Trustees do?
The primary role of the library board is to set policy and provide guidance to the library director and staff.

Who is on the Board of Trustees?
Schlow Library is governed by a nine member Board of Trustees appointed by the municipal governments in the Centre Region. The board consists of two members each from State College Borough, Patton Township, and Ferguson Township, one member each from College, Halfmoon and Harris Townships, and one position rotates among all municipalities. Board members serve for three year terms and may only be reappointed once. They represent the community the library serves; the group is a mix of men and women who come from a variety of professions and backgrounds. Individuals appointed to the library board must have a commitment to the importance of library service and a willingness to devote the time and effort required.

Current Board of Trustees:

Kristen Berg, (Secretary) Patton Township
George Beylouny, Patton Township
Jack Jenkins (Treasurer), College Township
Dorothy Delafield, Harris Township
George Henning, Ferguson Township
Tom Hettmansperger, State College Borough
Andrea Leonard, Halfmoon Township
David Miller, (Vice President) State College Borough
Richard Weidhaas (President), Ferguson Township

Who are the Friends of the Schlow Centre Region Library?
The Friends of the Schlow Centre Region Library is a separate, nonprofit group that stimulates community appreciation of the library's resources and services; encourages gifts, endowments, and bequests in support of the library; and sponsors special programs in cooperation with the library staff. Go the Friends Web page.

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