Erie County Public Library

05/24/2026

All library locations are closed Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. All locations will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 for normal business hours.

05/22/2026

There are a handful of hardhats remaining for tomorrow's tour at Ironworks Square 👷‍♀️Hear more from Preservation Erie about this adaptive reuse project that brings new life to the former Erie Malleable Iron campus. Registration info and more details at https://eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie/events

Are you as excited as we are to see the progress of this adaptive reuse project?

A few open spaces remain for the walking tour of the old Erie Malleable Iron complex scheduled for May 23, 2026 at 10 am. Email your registration to [email protected]

More information on the tour, as well as the Ironworks Square project, at:
https://preservationerie.org/event/ironworks-square-tour/

05/21/2026

Before he was America's first president, George Washington made a dangerous journey to Fort LeBoeuf in present-day Waterford. Hear from Fort LeBouef Historical Society about these early experiences of America's founding father in this featured event: Friday, May 22 at 6pm.

Stay after the lecture to mingle with history enthusiasts, explore Washington related displays, and engage with period clothing while enjoying an era-inspired craft soda. Free admission, event takes place at the Educational Society Find more details and other HistERIE events at: eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie

Photo Credit: Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society

05/21/2026

Due to adjustment in the Bayfront Parkway construction schedule, Blasco Library will now also be closed on Friday, May 22.

📚All other library locations and Bookmobile services will be open as regularly scheduled.

📒HistERIE: The free visit to Erie Maritime Museum is cancelled as their campus will also be closed. The evening "George Washington to Fort LeBoeuf" will continue as scheduled at the Jefferson Educational Society. Join us for this free event!

🛍Friends of the Library booksale has adjusted hours: Thursday 5/21 3pm to 7pm, closed Friday 5/22, open Saturday 5/23 9am to 3pm.

05/21/2026

Yesterday's itinerary took us to the PA Soldiers' and Sailors' Home for a deep dive into its fascinating history. The first home of its kind in Pennsylvania and the only one to operate an active cemetery, the PSSH holds and defines local history. Touring the site covered everything from the Civil War veterans, changes to Erie's waterfront, historic trees and Gettysburg boulders. Plus, a bit of infamous Erie folklore surrounding General Mad Anthony Wayne.

If you missed yesterday's tour, join us for the morning session today at 10am.

More HistERIE fun happening today:
Touring the Edinboro Area Historical Society's Potager Garden for a look at how kitchen innovations have shaped American gardens throughout history.

Witnessing American Innovation through Hammermill Paper in a discussion at Penn State Behrend

Cheering on contestants at the Jefferson Educational Society's USA 250 Great America Trivia Challenge

Want more behind-the-scenes stories of Erie history? Join us for Preservation Erie's construction site tour of Ironworks Square and see adaptive reuse in action.

Find these and more at events.erielibrary.org

05/19/2026

Notice: On Thursday, May 21, Blasco Memorial Library will observe adjusted hours due to a planned power outtage. All other Erie County Public Library branch locations will observe regular hours.

📘The Friends Of the Erie County Library book sale scheduled in Blasco Library's Admiral Room will open with the Library at 3pm.
💡Idea Lab will not be open
🔍HistERIE programs happening at partner locations (Edinboro's Potager Garden Tour, PSSH Campus Tour, Hammermill Paper at Behrend, and JES USA 250 Great America Trivia Contest) will continue as scheduled.
Update 5/21: Heritage Room programs have all been cancelled.

05/19/2026

It's a beautiful day to explore HistERIE at the Hagen History Center! Visit Tuesday, May 19 completely free when you mention "HistERIE" or show your ECPL card. Naturally, we were drawn to the research room and the spectacular reading nooks of the Watson-Curtze Mansion 📚

In the Wood Morrison House, we explored parts of Erie's military history including George Washington's visit during the French and Indian War, and an exhibit on Mad Anthony Wayne with THE cauldron. Want to learn more? You'll love these HistERIE Events:

May 20 and May 21: Campus tour of the PA Soldiers' and Sailors' Home including the Wayne Blockhouse

Friday, May 22: Attend Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society's presentation on "George Washington at Fort LeBoeuf" and explore 18th century life through period clothing and craft sodas.

Find event details and more to explore at https://eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie/events

05/18/2026

Get ready for tomorrow's HistERIE events with this homework checklist:

1. Stretch. We'll explore Erie's "Original Side" with Bayfront East Side Taskforce in a walking tour of the neighborhood and learn where the City of Erie began.

2. Download the app before visiting Hagen History Center at https://www.hagenhistory.org/exhibits/free-digital-guide. Mention "HistERIE" or show your library card to get free admission from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday, May 19.

3. Submit your registration to get free admission to remaining HistERIE tours at historic sites
Asbury Woods - HistERIE Hike May 20
Historical Institute of Culture & African American Experience- Guided Tour May 20
PA Soldiers' & Sailors' Home and Block House- Walking tour May 20 & 21
Edinboro Historic Garden Tour- May 21
Erie Maritime Museum- Free admission to first 25 registered attendees May 22
Ironworks Square- Behind the scenes construction tour May 23

Head to the HistERIE page at eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie to register for these events and more!

05/18/2026

Time to send in your Nerd Out @ The Library contest entries! We've been nerding out over our favorite fandoms throughout the month of May. Show and share your inner nerd through the Art Contest and Fan Fiction Contest!

Learn more about each and submit your nerdiest creations at: https://eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/Nerd-Out-at-the-Library

05/17/2026

HistERIE Day 2 and we're having a tough time choosing what to do!

Today we explore:
🥄the history of maple syrup making in Edinboro with a "maple crumb" demonstration at Hurry Hill Maple Farm and Museum
🚜the agricultural history of Harborcreek Township as we hop on a bus tour with Harborcreek Historical Society
🚴‍♀️ and join Old Erie On Foot and Preservation Erie for a slow paced bike tour of historic homes in the Our West Bayfront neighborhood.

Find more HistERIE events throughout the week at: https://eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie

Save the Date: Tuesday, May 19th is free admission at Hagen History Museum when you mention HistERIE, and Wednesday, May 20th we take a free guided tour at the Historical Institute of Culture & the African American Experience!