Keith Bauer

The James V. Brown Library is the public library for Williamsport and the center of the Lycoming County Library System. Built and opened in 1907 as the result of a bequest from lumber baron James VanDuzee Brown, the Library has grown and changed with the times. Today, the James V. Brown Library is finding a balance between books and technology. Our customers value both the traditional services, and readily use the new technology based services. Hundreds of people a week use the web while at the library. The library’s website receives thousands of visits per month. Hundreds of babies, toddlers and preschool children enjoy a story time and select books -- either in the Youth Services Department or from the traveling Storymobile and new Book's Bus. While located in the quiet woods of North Central PA, the Brown Library is one of the busiest libraries in the state, and owns several “one of a kind” collections not found in other metropolitan libraries, including a collection of materials to encourage using, visiting and starting a business in the PA Wilds. Today about half the people who visit the James V. Brown Library come for a good book or to read. The other half come for other reasons; seeking information for work, school, or personal development. In the face of many changes, the library remains true to its original mission: to enable people to be the best they can be, to grow, to learn and to enjoy their lives while learning! Open: 10-6 Monday to Friday, 9-2 Saturday and closed on Sunday