LM Historical Society Erin Bentley and speaker Denise Francis
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Library staff
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Head librarian Jane France, Silver sponsor Karen Dunleavy, Gold sponsor John Alcon, Silver sponsor Kevin Dunleavy
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Speaking Head Librarian Jane France
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Speaking Head Librarian Jane France 2
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Speaking BCL Board President E Dennis
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Library staff
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Speaking LM Historical Society Denise Frances (Bala Cynwyd)
Speaking LM Historical Society Denise Francis
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Board member Janet Michaelson Gevaryahu and former board member Betty-Ann Izenman
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Board members Janet Michaelson Gevaryahu and Wendie Sittenfield .(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
Head librarian Jane France, Board president E Dennis, board member Alice Chen (Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
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LM Historical Society Erin Bentley and speaker Denise Francis
(Photo Bala Cynwyd Library)
BALA CYNWYD — The Bala Cynwyd Library successfully hosted its inaugural major fundraiser, “Shaping Our Story,” Oct. 23, at the Bala Golf Club. The event marked the 110th anniversary of the Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library, which was founded by the Women’s Club of Bala Cynwyd in 1915.
The evening served as both a celebration and a critical call to action for the community institution. Bala Cynwyd Library Board President E. Dennis welcomed the 80 attendees and expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors. Mr. Dennis also addressed how community donations are a catalyst for the library’s ability to purchase new materials and fund programming.Head Librarian Jane France spoke passionately about the library’s enduring mission. It acknowledged the enduring work of recently retired Head Librarian Jean Knapp, who served 52 years at the Bala Cynwyd library.
“A public library is not just a building; it is a dynamic institution,” France stated, highlighting the library’s importance as one of the few places where every person is welcome, regardless of income, background, or social status. Ms. France detailed the library’s immense impact, reporting that the Bala Cynwyd Library circulated 317,000 items and saw over 8,000 people participate in a wide array of programming—including story times, STEM, and cultural events—in 2024 alone.
The library’s rich history was brought to life by Denise Francis of the Lower Merion Historical Society. Her presentation detailed the library’s journey from its first home in a firehouse to its current, expanded facility.
In true library fashion, tables were themed by book genre, with books available for guests to take home and read. A popular silent auction included items such as an overnight stay at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia, a $250 gift certificate to kosher winery Le Vin Cellar, and flight lessons from Beyond Aviation.
In March 2025, an executive order threatened to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the dedicated source of federal funding for libraries across the United States. This makes community support for local libraries more important than ever.
All proceeds from the “Shaping Our Story” fundraiser are dedicated to funding the library’s essential programming and materials for the community. The Bala Cynwyd Library extends its deepest gratitude to its sponsors for the inaugural fundraiser:Gold Sponsors: Amelia & Joseph Baur, Amir & Stacey Goldman, Bala Kids Dentistry, Bala Law Group, Beyond Aviation, Bond Vet, Carol and Tom Perloff, Control Point Associates, Josh & Lauren Gitman, MJ Test Prep, Motorcars of the Main Line, The Ochroch Family, Ritz Carlton Philadelphia, and Stavra Portraits.Silver Sponsors: Barbara Sylk, Bobbie & Saul Epstein, Harriet Katz & Jim Remsen, Harrison Richards, Karen & Kevin Dunleavy, Laurel Hill, Le Vin Cellar, PJ Whelihan’s, and Robert Paul.