The Mount Union Community Library is decorated for the holidays as it prepares to celebrate its 14th anniversary on December 13.
By LILLIAN BOOKHEIMER | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — When in a small, tight-knit community like Mount Union, local organizations are particularly important. The Mount Union Community Library is one of the most important resources in the Mount Union area. The library has served Mount Union for many years and will celebrate its 14th anniversary as an independent entity on December 13, 2025. The anniversary will coincide with the library’s Christmas celebration, which involves hosting an ugly sweater competition, serving light refreshments, and giving away books to children.
Pat Yagecic, president of The Friends of the Mount Union Community Library, moved to the area in 2008. The following year, she became involved with the Mount Union Community Library, which was previously a branch of the Huntingdon County Library, an organization she was also involved with. When the county library system planned to close the Mount Union location due to funding cuts, Yagecic and other volunteers stepped in to keep the library open.
That leadership proved especially important during MUCL’s early years following its separation from the Huntingdon County Library. One of the biggest challenges the MUCL faced during that time was funding, as it did not receive any money from the state. Thankfully, the Mount Union Borough helped support the library. “We are grateful for the Mount Union Borough for providing the library a home,” Yagecic said.
The MUCL has grown significantly over the past 14 years, with new technological advancements such as library cards and scanners. The library has also expanded its programming to serve community members of all ages. Programs for children and families include Blanket and Books, organized by Cathy Wilson, which provides Mount Union Head Start 3-year-olds with a children’s quilt made by Redbud Quilters, along with a plastic crate labeled with the child’s name and 10 books. Another program, Read-A-Treat, started by Mary Lu Wissinger, provides books and treats to Mount Union trick-or-treaters who stop at the library. For adults, the Bricktown Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month to discuss a book chosen by one of its members. The library also offers free, slightly used books to children who visit.
In addition, several other programs at the Mount Union Community Library were developed with the help of community members and retired educators. Programs such as the Preschool Story Hour and the Summer Reading Incentive were created by Cinda Imperioli and Vickie McMullen, both retired teachers from the Mount Union Area School District. Student organizations FBLA and FFA from the Mount Union Area High School are also involved with the library’s Preschool Story Hour. “FBLA and FFA now prepare a program to present our Preschool Story Hour,” Yagecic stated.
Although MUCL has been part of the Mount Union community for many years, there are still services some residents may be unaware of, such as free computer and Wi-Fi use. The library also partners with Juniata College for events including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Giving, along with various other activities.
Looking to the future, MUCL’s goals range from continuing daily operations to exploring new opportunities, such as starting a podcasting project. The library has also collaborated with Susan Dimoff’s Journalism class from the Mount Union Area High School to create the Article of the Month competition. Local businesses throughout Huntingdon County, including McDonald’s, Sheetz, and Downtown Joe, help reward monthly winners.
“It is great to support the students’ efforts as journalists and reporters. Ms. Dimoff has been great to work with, and we are happy to help out in whatever way the library can. The board wishes success for each of the area’s future journalists,” Yagecic stated.
Yagecic also expressed appreciation for those who have supported the library over the years, including the Mount Union Borough, volunteers, Friends board members, patrons, and community supporters. She gave special recognition to Jane Wagner, a retired English teacher from the Mount Union Area School District who has since passed away, who spent many hours cataloging books. In 2011, when the library transitioned to a volunteer-run organization, Wagner helped organize approximately 14,000 books at a time when the library relied on paper library cards and did not yet have a card catalog system. Yagecic also recognized Charlotte Fields, a retired teacher from the Mount Union Area School District who has also passed away, who helped keep the Friends group active.
Yagecic said the library’s continued success reflects the support it has received from the Mount Union community over the years. She stated, “MUCL has continued to exist as a volunteer library for 14 years due to the combined effort of so many people.”
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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