Anita Bowser, originally from Armstrong County and living in Butler since 2019, shares her experiences with the Butler Area Public Library. She recalls visiting the library for meetings and trainings and, after she relocated, using it as her personal library. Anita fondly describes working with professional and fun colleagues at the library and recalls spending time in the library with her daughter, who now works at a library in Dallas, TX. Anita, who is the manager of the Information Services Department, highlights recent changes to library services arising from technological advances.

Doug Shirley talks about visiting libraries as a child and his current role as a volunteer at the Butler Area Public Library. He shares his observations on the changes in library services over the years, particularly the transition to a computerized check-in and check-out system and the availability of DVDs, which were not available in his childhood visits.

Dianne McCauley is the Adult Program Manager at Butler Area Public Library. Her earliest memories of libraries include visiting in her elementary and high school libraries. Dianne shares how libraries have evolved over the years, offering a wide range of media and programs.

Deborah Hoover has been a regular visitor to the library for over 45 years, visiting at least once a week and, now that she is a volunteer, twice a week. Debb began using the library as a child and is an avid reader. She describes significant changes in the library over time, including the physical layout, the introduction of a teen section, and the transition to computers and online resources.

Sallieanne Skursky has fond memories of the library from her youth to her visits with her daughter to her present role as a Circulation Clerk. Sallieanne highlights the library's transformation into a place of comfort and safety, fostering a sense of community and family for both staff and patrons. She discusses how new technologies and diverse programming have prompted significant changes to library services over the years.

Peter Bess talks about his journey from a library user to a student of library science & archives to being a children's librarian and then assistant director at the Butler Area Public Library He cites the shift to electronic media, resulting in fewer individuals visiting the library in person, as the most significant change he’s witnessed in his library career.

Retired teachers Nancy and Bill Rice are avid readers and volunteers at the library, where they enjoy shelving books and participating in a classic book club. They discuss the wide range of materials available at the Butler Area Public Library. The pair talk about changes they’ve witnessed in the library over time, including the transition from card catalogs to online resources.

Stephen Harkleroad grew up in Armstrong County and frequented the Ford City Public Library, where he hung out with friends and developed a love for books. He talks about the significant changes in libraries over the years, particularly the shift from a focus on books to a more community-oriented space with diverse resources and activities. Stephen discusses the Butler Area Public Library's role as a "third place" in the community, providing a valuable gathering spot and resources that contribute to building a sense of community.

Linda Peifer has a long history with the library, from visiting as a child to working there after retiring as an elementary school principal. Linda thoroughly enjoys her work at the library and talks about the importance of the library's role in the community beyond just providing books, such as offering assistance with technology and connecting people with community resources.

Naydelin Hernandez has been associated with the Butler Area Public Library for about four years through a scholarship program called the Bonner Program. She is involved in organizing various events and programs at the library, including teen and tween programs, craft activities, and community events such as a fall event and Hispanic heritage celebration. Naydelin's experiences at different libraries has sparked her interest in reading from a young age. She has always been an avid reader of thrillers, but is trying out new genres and subjects. Naydelin has a deep appreciation for the extensive community involvement and events that take place at the library.

Kathleen “Kathy” Gordon worked at Butler Area Public Library in the 1960s, where she shelved books, retrieved research materials for students, and learned the Dewey Decimal System. Kathy described for us the library's major function as a source of periodicals and research materials for students from Slippery Rock College. Her memories include venturing into the “creepy” depths of the building to retrieve materials and the odd location of the human anatomy book section.

Alvin Vavro has lived in Butler for 73 years and is a former librarian. He discusses the evolution of libraries, noting their shift from being primarily book-based to technologically oriented, with some libraries downsizing their physical collections. Al highlights the impact of the internet and artificial intelligence on library usage. He recalls his early library experiences, emphasizing the enjoyment of reading children’s books.

Chris Shipos recalls her experiences with Butler Area Public Library as a child, a parent and a board member. She shares her love of the library – as a magical place – with her daughters who enjoy the books and programs offered in the Children’s Department.

Gil Gilson shares his memories of the library and his longtime affinity for reading adventure stories about the West, history and military campaigns. He particularly enjoys the work of authors Louis L'Amour and Jeff Shaara. Gil views the library as a valuable asset to the community, providing a place for people to access technology, find good books and seek assistance.

Tiffany Harkleroad is the Youth Services Librarian at the Butler Area Public Library, responsible for overseeing services, collections, and programs for youth from birth to high school graduation. She discusses challenges she has seen during her time at the library, including a countywide ransomware attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. Tiffany shares thoughts on how the role of libraries has evolved to become more community-centered, providing a space for individuals to exist without a specific goal, fulfilling needs that may not be easily addressed elsewhere in society.

Sandy Hays shares her early memories of the library as well as her experiences working as an administrative assistant at the library. She has witnessed multiple renovations and has seen significant changes in staff and management over her 50 years with the library. Sandy is a people person and enjoys meeting and helping library visitors.

Lori Hinderliter talks about her journey to becoming a children’s librarian and, later, a library director at the Butler Area Public Library, where she has been for over 20 years. - Lori highlights the significant changes in libraries, particularly the impact of technology on the distribution of information, the shift towards electronic resources, and the evolving role of libraries as community centers.

Mary Lee Hart has been using the library since her childhood, where she has fond memories of visiting the children's and adult departments. She currently works at the library, enjoying her the edge her work gives her in finding interesting books and movies. Mary Lee reflects on the changes in the library over the years, noting improvements in the collection and architectural enhancements, making it more welcoming and inclusive.

Nicole Tropf shares her childhood memories of reading and visiting libraries, expressing her lifelong love for books. - She currently works as the Circulation and Development Coordinator at Butler Area Public Library. Nicole highlights the library's role as a bridge between the past, present, and future, providing genealogy and history resources while also catering to the development of the next generation.

Kayla Ortz shares her unique experience of finding a sentimental photograph within the library's genealogy resources. Kayla works at the library in various departments, including Circulation, Reference, and the Children’s Department. She talks about her love for her job and appreciation for the library's diverse resources.

Laurel Patterson attributes her love of books and libraries to fond memories of her mother reading to her as a child. She is actively involved in the Butler Area Public Library, participating in events, joining a book club, and utilizing eResources like HOOPLA. Laurel has also contributed to the library by speaking, presenting an exhibit and attending community programs.