Thomas Beaver Free Library and Danville YMCA
Thomas Beaver Free Library and Danville YMCA | |
![]() Beaver Free Library, October 2011 | |
![]() Location within Pennsylvania ![]() Location within the United States | |
| Location | E. Market and Ferry Sts., Danville, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°57′36″N 76°36′23″W / 40.96000°N 76.60639°W |
| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Built by | Voris, Archibald |
| Architect | Wetzel, Charles |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Queen Anne |
| Website | https://tbflibrary.org/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003578[1] |
| Added to NRHP | January 15, 1987 |
Thomas Beaver Free Library and Danville YMCA is a historic library and former YMCA located at Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania. The two attached buildings were built starting in 1886 and ending in 1888. They are 2+1⁄2-story, sandstone buildings with slate roofs in a combined Queen Anne / Second Empire style. The buildings feature an octagonal cupola, corbelled stone chimneys, a hipped roof tower, and terra cotta ornament.[2]
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.[1]
Thomas Beaver (1814-1891) was a successful businessman who was a prominent Danville resident. He donated the library building in 1888. The opening was celebrated with fireworks and a parade.[3]
As of 2020, The Thomas Beaver Free Library serves a population of over 20,000 people. The Library is governed by a Board of Trustees that consists of 15 members. Their responsibilities include the operation and management of the library, directing finances, planning, evaluations, and policy-making. The staff of the Library includes a full time Director and 11 part-time employees who work the daily operations and provide services.[4]
The Thomas Beaver Free Library, as of 2019, received approximately 20% of its operating funds from State Aid and the rest of their budget from local fundraising, grants, memorial gifts, donations, and savings reserves.[4]
Services
The Thomas Beaver Free Library services include staff assistance for locating and borrowing books both in the physical library and online, computer and internet access, photocopying, adult programs, and children's programs. The library also offers the Libby (service) to borrow e-books and other digital materials. The library has a link to the Power Library for both kids and teens to use. Another service offered is Mango Languages for anyone who would like to learn a second language. The website has a link to access Danville news and historical articles.[5][6][7][8]
Gallery
Exterior of Thomas Beaver Free Library
Second floor of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
First floor of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Ceiling of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Staicase in the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Back hallway of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Second exterior of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Third exterior of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Second floor looking down to the first floor of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
Alternate first floor of the Thomas Beaver Free Library
See also
References
- 1 2 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ↑ Douglas McMinn and Greg Ramsey (October 1986). National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania SP Beaver, Thomas, Free Library and Danville YMCA. National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved December 31, 2025. (Downloading may be slow.)
- ↑ "Thomas Beaver (1814-1891) | Archives & Special Collections". archives.dickinson.edu. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- 1 2 "Mission & Strategic Plan – Thomas Beaver Free Library". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Services – Thomas Beaver Free Library". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Ebooks & Audiobooks – Thomas Beaver Free Library". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "MANGO Languages – Thomas Beaver Free Library". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Power Library – Thomas Beaver Free Library". Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- Libraries on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania
- Buildings and structures completed in 1886
- National Register of Historic Places in Montour County, Pennsylvania
- Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Pennsylvania
- YMCA buildings in the United States
- Clubhouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania
- 1886 establishments in Pennsylvania
- Danville, Pennsylvania




