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About the Pennsylvania Center for the Book

 

Background

Stack of books with titles that reflect the Pennsylvania Center for the Book initiatives

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book was approved by the Library of Congress to begin operation on January 1, 2000, joining forty-one other state Centers for the Book in the United States.

An Act of Congress established the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress on October 13, 1977, to serve as a focal point for celebrating the legacy of books and the printed word. The function of the center has expanded dramatically since 1984 with the establishment of affiliated Centers for the Book in each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas. 

Location

​The Pennsylvania Center for the Book is located in 502 Paterno Library at the University Park campus of Penn State University. In addition, the 201-A alcove in the Pattee Library also houses the Patrick and Candace Malloy Pennsylvania Center for the Book Exhibit Room. Hours vary, therefore, appointments for tours and research use are required.

Mission

The mission of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book is to study, honor, celebrate, and promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy to the citizens and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Sponsoring Institution

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book is sponsored by the Pennsylvania State University Libraries. In addition to providing space and administrative support for the Center's offices, the University Libraries provide in-kind contributions that include staff and faculty time as well as the Pennsylvania Center for the Book alcove in 201-A Pattee Library.

Past Directors

  • Dr. Steven L. Herb, Director Emeritus (2000-2017)
  • Karla M. Schmit, Director Emeritus (2017-2023)