Libraries have always been synonymous with reading, books and learning.

In New Holland, the Eastern Lancaster County Public Library (ELANCO Library) has become synonymous with community. The local library is a community in and of itself, one that reflects the larger surrounding community that it serves.

"This is a wonderful, close-knit community where many people know each other's names," said Jen Watson, ELANCO Library's interim director and youth services coordinator. "The library and staff strive to create a friendly and welcoming place for everyone who walks in our door. The library is a community social space. It serves as a community resource and a source of information. People come to the library to use items that they do not have at home, to take advantage of our current, extensive collection and have access to technology."

Situated at 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland, ELANCO Library is not only a safe space for everyone, but also a community hub - a place where individuals gather to interact, where kids often enjoy their first learning experiences and where local organizations and agencies meet.

Watson took over for Anna D'Agostino, who left the library in the fall of 2025.

"We have a lot of diverse readers coming to the library, representing many different interests - homeschoolers, seniors, lifelong learners and those who need access to the internet and computers," said Watson. "As an example, we provide curriculum materials for homeschooling families, new and classic books and movies, various STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and literacy programs. We also host community programs like homeschool curriculum swaps and book clubs."

The 12,000-square-foot ELANCO Library building is home to more than 42,000 items and materials, like books, DVDs, audiobooks, learning kits and American Girl dolls. Many of those items are free to check out with a current library card.

The local library also hosts educational programs, seasonal events, speakers, kids' story times and community gatherings.

"At a time when some libraries are seeing a decline in usage, the ELANCO Library statistics show a steady increase in usage," said Watson. "We strive to continuously adapt to the changing needs of our community, so we are always a relevant, practical and accessible resource to our patrons. We serve a broad geographic region, and we take seriously our mission to serve everyone in our service area, but there are still some residents who are not familiar with what we have to offer at our library."

ELANCO Library's intended service area includes the townships of Caernarvon, East Earl and Earl and the boroughs of Terre Hill and New Holland, an area with a total population of about 25,000 residents. In 2024, ELANCO Library received 56,646 total visits, most of which originated from its service area.

"Since we are close to Garden Spot High School and Middle School, parents feel safe allowing their children to use the library as a place to participate in enriching programs, find new reading material or just hang out," said Watson.

Overseen by a nine-member volunteer board of trustees, ELANCO Library is staffed by two full-time employees, nine part-time library assistants and one part-time accountant. ELANCO Library also utilizes volunteers for special events and sponsors a librarians-in-training educational program for high school students in the summer.

ELANCO Library is an independent member of the Library System of Lancaster County, which supports the operations of 18 local libraries. The Library System of Lancaster County provides ELANCO Library with its computer system, technology support, a shared catalog of items and a delivery system for common materials.

ELANCO Library was established in 1933 by the New Holland Business and Professional Women's Club. Thirty-two years later, ELANCO Library hired a librarian and relocated to a space at the New Holland Borough Hall.

The library moved to its current location in 1997.

"When the library was founded almost 100 years ago, in a single room at an elementary school, the focus was on providing books and information," said Watson. "The ELANCO Library today remains committed to that original mission and has expanded its value into many other areas of need and interest for the community."

For additional information, go to https://elancolibrary.org.