Perk Valley Library in Schwenksville (Credit: Montgomery County Planning Commission).
Children, teens and adults invited to log books, earn prizes, and rediscover everything the library has to offer
It is time to color your summer with books, prizes and imagination.
The Perkiomen Valley Public Library’s 2025 summer reading program, “Color Our World,” is now underway and running through Aug. 16. This all-ages initiative encourages children, teens and adults to track their reading progress and participate in prize raffles, special programs and community engagement.
Children in grades Pre-K through 12 earn tickets for weekly and grand prize raffles, as well as book purchases by logging the titles they read.
Adults can enter a grand prize drawing simply by submitting a book review form for each book they complete.
Paper forms are available at the library, or participants can join online through Beanstack at mcnpl.beanstack.org.
Library staff say the reading contest is just the beginning.
Programs for youth and adults alike
Led by Youth Services Coordinator Miss Lizzie, the library’s children’s department offers something for every age group — from story times and crafts to themed reading events and educational activities. Upcoming events and registration details can be found on the library’s calendar at pvlibrary.net/calendar.
Adults are also invited to get involved, whether through book clubs or wellness offerings. Programs include a Summer Retirement Series, weekly Gentle Yoga sessions, and an ongoing Puzzle Swap that allows patrons to take or trade gently used jigsaw puzzles from the Parshall Reading Room — no checkout required.
Lending more than just books
Beyond its vast catalog, Perkiomen Valley Library, located at 290 2nd St. in Schwenksville, provides key services for everyday life. Public Wi-Fi and computers are available throughout the building, along with black-and-white printing and copying for 15 cents per page.
While the library does not offer fax services, guests are encouraged to use the space for work, study or leisure — all without a library card.
Community groups and individuals may also rent the library’s spacious event room, which holds up to 100 people and is available for $50 per hour, with setup and cleanup time included. Insurance and a refundable $100 deposit are required. Reservations must be finalized with Branch Manager Aileen Johnson. Rental forms and policies are available at the library’s front desk.
As far as insurance, for an individual rental, applicants will need to provide proof of personal liability coverage in the form of a homeowner’s or renter’s policy with a personal liability limit of $300,000. For a group rental, applicants would need to obtain and maintain a public liability policy with a minimum single limit for General Liability of $500,000. Perkiomen Valley Library must be added as an additional insured.
A local legacy since 1934
What began nearly a century ago in a Main Street basement has grown into a vibrant community hub, according to its website. The library was formally incorporated in 1954 and moved to its current home at 290 Second Street in 1957.
It was renamed Perkiomen Valley Library in 1985 to reflect the growing region it serves, including Schwenksville, Collegeville, Trappe, and the surrounding municipalties.
In 1996, the library became a branch of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, granting access to the county-wide MCLINC system, Access Pennsylvania, and POWER Library databases.
Despite its growth, the library has always remained deeply rooted in community. Early operations were sustained by local donations and the tireless efforts of volunteers from the Schwenksville Women’s Civic Club, including Elinor Edmonson and Kit Piotrowski.
Today, that legacy of service continues, with a mission to provide free, public, and non-sectarian library access to all.
Visit this summer
The Perkiomen Valley Library at 290 2nd St., Schwenksville Borough is open Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more, visit pvlibrary.net, call 610-287-8360, or stop by during open hours.
You might just leave with a good book — or a prize in hand.
