Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library

The Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library of Greencastle, Pennsylvania opened it's doors on the southeast corner of East Baltimore Street and Ridge Avenue on October 12, 1963. The building was officially dedicated on December 12, 1963. From the beginning in 1963, the library was a member of the F.C.D.L.A.

Greencastle was fortunate to have Calvin S. Besore, A prominent Philadelphia lawyer, as its benefactor. His trust formed the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library in memory of his mother, a long time Greencastle school teacher. Since it's 1963 dedication, the library has expanded it's building, both in 1972 and again in 1989.

A "Friends of the Library" group was founded in 1970. When the present day Lilian S. Besore Library opened it's doors, it employed two ladies, Eleanor Hill, librarian and Catherine Egan assistant. Mrs. Hill designed the bookmark with it's motto "A Friendly Library in a Friendly Town". Miss Polly Crider, Greencastle high school student, was awarded $15.00 for designing the library's first book plate.

Prior to the formation of the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library, the Greencastle Circulating Library was located on the second floor of the Borough Hall. About 2,500 books were brought to the present location in 1963 from the circulating library. Before this circulating library a very small library operated near the square.

By October 2002, The Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library has 43,401 items including books, periodicals, videos, audio tapes, puppets and puzzles, and many planned activities for children and computer access for adults. Like all public libraries we are a work in progress, but the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library still holds to its original bookmark motto: "A Friendly Library in a Friendly Town."