The library itself may be turning 60, but its history extends far back into the 1800s.
Given the complex histories of the Marie Fleche Memorial Library and Berlin Historic Hotel, it makes complete sense the buildings would eventually merge.
On April 3, the library officially expanded into the hotel next door, a move that was a long time coming.
“We were bursting out of the seams,” Library Director Christine Flynn said of the library’s previous space in the building next to the hotel. “We didn’t have enough shelf space or staff space.”
Flynn noted that books and DVDs were crammed onto bookshelves to fit everything.
The library now occupies both buildings connected via a short hallway. The main entrance is located on the hotel side facing the parking lot.
Walking through the door, one notices a much larger reception area, complete with six public use computers and comfortable chairs. The entire area is wi-fi enabled.
“We want to make the library a central part of the community,” Flynn said, describing it as a gathering place.
Betty Velie, technology and publicity consultant for the library, stressed everyone is welcome to use the library, including non-Berlin residents and non-library members.
On May 20, the library will celebrate both its expansion and 60 years of service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mayor James Bilella and Millard Wilkinson, Jr., president of the library’s Board of Trustees, will give opening remarks.
Tours of the new library space will be given, and refreshments will be served. There will be fun activities for kids. The library will be open and operating as normal, so visitors can still use the space and check out books.
Though the 60th anniversary is being celebrated, the history of the library extends much further. It goes back to 1882.
According to old reference books, the Berlin Library Association was organized on Feb. 1, 1882, and meant to establish a reading room in the community. Rachel H. Strong, principal of the village school, and Elizabeth Chew, a teacher, spearheaded the library’s organization.
It opened with 60 volumes. By 1886, it gained 35 members and up to 280 books.
It remained independent until 1921, when it became a branch of the Camden County Library.
Fast forward to 1957. Lucien P. Fleche presented the deed of the Marie Fleche Memorial Library to the public. It was to be named after Fleche’s aunt. Marie Fleche came to America from France, and her earnings made it possible for her 12 siblings to come as well.
Lucien named the library after his aunt to express gratitude for the opportunity to own Lucien’s Old Tavern in Berlin.
The library has been looking to expand since the late 1990s. Around the same time, a developer proposed to demolish the Berlin Hotel, which has been around since 1826, in favor of a new strip shopping mall. It was originally located where the Rite Aid currently stands at 186 S. White Horse Pike.
Residents rallied behind the preservation of the hotel, gathering more than 1,000 signatures and saving it.
Only one problem: Developers still wanted that space. Finally, the borough reached a compromise: the hotel would be moved down the street to make room. The move happened in 2000, when it traveled, in pieces, down several blocks to its new location next to the library.
Finally, the merging of the two buildings is complete.
The library has grown since its inception in 1882. It offers access to e-books, audiobooks and video materials in addition to computers and wi-fi. It also allows space for tutoring, and offers a wide variety of regular weekly events and a museum pass program.
Thanks to the expansion, the library plans to introduce more programs for kids and adults.
Starting soon, its hours will be expanded to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
For a full list of all the services the library offers, check out BerlinBoroughPublicLibrary.org, or visit at 49 S. White Horse Pike.
