Osterhout Free Library

For 136 years, YOU have made our story possible!

As we are seeing library programs cut from local school districts and more books being challenged every day, the mission of the Osterhout Free Library becomes that much more important for the young people of our community.

Many Luzerne County residents utilize the library’s programs to continue their education after their school-age years, to conduct research and study for post-secondary school exams, and to immerse their children and grandchildren into the wonders of reading and learning. The Osterhout Free Library is a dynamic, versatile community center.

 More than half of young adults and seniors living in poverty in Luzerne County came to the Osterhout to access the Internet and participate in life-enriching programs. In 2024, the Osterhout Library had over 40,000 registered users. Library resources and programs are essential in helping residents to find work, improve job readiness, apply to college, secure benefits, and enhance life-skills through dedicated programs designed by trained library staff. A refuge for many, a place of knowledge for all. 

Please consider supporting the Osterhout Free Library during NEPA Gives! Every dollar raised will go immediately to work right here in your community supporting and helping the library to:

• expand library programs and services;

• inspire a child to discover the wonders of learning and reading;

• assist teenage patrons as they grow into young adulthood with our Adulting 101 programs;

• provide Wi-Fi hotspots and up-to-date technology to those in need;

• support electronic databases that are free for patrons and serve to educate, entertain & inspire;

• grow and diversify items available for checkout in Library of Things;

• provide engaging and educational programs for all ages from birth to senior;

• help sustain the vision of Isaac S. Osterhout for generations to come!

Thank you for making a difference in the lives we serve!

www.osterhout.info

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Who We Are

Where would many of us be without the information we find in our public libraries? When you show support for the Osterhout Free Library, you are not just supporting the library, you are giving back to the community. Many Luzerne County residents utilize the library’s programs to continue their education after their school-age years, to conduct research and study for post-secondary school exams, and to immerse their children and grandchildren into the wonders of reading. The Osterhout Free Library is a dynamic, versatile community center. More than half of young adults and seniors living in poverty in Luzerne County came to the Osterhout to access the Internet and participate in life enriching programs. They used this access among other purposes to find work, apply to college, secure benefits, learn new skills, and file for unemployment. To many, the Osterhout is a lifeline.