10 Sweet Secrets Of The Frank Sarris Public Library: Inside Canonsburg’s Educational Hub And 2025’s Freshest Programs
The Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, is currently thriving, serving as a dynamic community pillar that extends far beyond traditional book lending. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the library continues to honor the philanthropic legacy of its namesake while rolling out a fresh slate of engaging programs for the upcoming year, including the highly anticipated "Color Our World" Summer Reading Camp and the popular Silent Book Club. This institution, located at 35 North Jefferson Avenue, is a testament to the power of community investment, evolving from the modest Greater Canonsburg Public Library into a modern, 33,000-square-foot educational and cultural center.
The library’s commitment to providing up-to-date resources and services makes it a vital resource for residents of Canonsburg Borough, Cecil Township, and North Strabane Township. Under the leadership of Library Director Peggy Tseng, the Frank Sarris Public Library (FSPL) is a hub for digital access, youth programming, and vital community services, ensuring it remains an essential part of the Canon-McMillan School District area.
The Sweet Legacy of Frank Sarris: Philanthropist and 'Candy Man'
The story of the Frank Sarris Public Library cannot be told without detailing the remarkable life and generosity of its namesake, Frank Sarris. He was a quintessential American success story and a beloved figure in the Canonsburg community, affectionately known as the "Candy Man."
Frank Sarris was the founder of Sarris Candies, Inc., a regionally beloved and nationally recognized chocolate company. He began his confectionery journey in 1960, making chocolates in the basement of his Canonsburg home.
The business quickly outgrew its humble beginnings, leading Sarris to build a small candy shop by 1963. This entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a deep commitment to his hometown, defined his life.
Mr. Sarris was a dedicated philanthropist, and his generosity touched a spectrum of community organizations. His most enduring gift to the area was his role as a major benefactor for the new library building.
Frank Sarris passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 78. The new library, which opened in 2011, was a fitting tribute to his legacy, transforming the former Greater Canonsburg Public Library (which had been housed in the Borough Building on Pike Street since 1964) into a modern, two-story facility.
The library, now named the Frank Sarris Public Library, stands as a permanent monument to his vision, ensuring that educational and cultural resources are available to all residents. His wife, Athena Sarris, and the family continue this tradition of giving through the Frank and Athena Sarris Endowment Fund.
The Top 5 Must-Know Updates and Programs for 2025
Keeping its promise to offer more than just books, the Frank Sarris Public Library consistently updates its programming to meet the diverse needs of the community. The upcoming year of 2025 is set to be one of the busiest and most engaging yet.
1. "Color Our World" Summer Reading Camp (July-August 2025)
The annual Summer Reading Program is the library’s flagship event for youth, and the 2025 theme is "Color Our World." This multi-week camp, running from early July to early August, is designed to combat summer learning loss through vibrant, engaging activities.
The program features colorful performers, reading challenges for all ages, and specialized activities across multiple weeks, ensuring a fun and educational experience for children and teens. The library emphasizes that the camp is a vital tool for literacy and creative development in the Canon-McMillan area.
2. The Highly Popular Silent Book Club
A recent and increasingly popular addition to the adult programming schedule is the Silent Book Club. This unique concept caters to introverts and those who prefer a relaxing, judgment-free reading environment.
Unlike traditional book clubs that require assigned reading and mandatory discussion, the FSPL Silent Book Club allows attendees to bring any book of their choosing and simply enjoy a dedicated, quiet hour of reading among fellow book lovers. It is a perfect example of the library adapting its services to modern lifestyle preferences.
3. Key Leadership and Staff Stability
The library's operational strength is secured by its dedicated staff and leadership. Library Director Peggy Tseng, who has been instrumental in modernizing the library’s offerings since her tenure began, continues to oversee operations.
Working alongside Assistant Director Jackie Zataweski and a committed team, including Dee Babich at the Circulation Desk, the leadership ensures that the library’s services—from physical materials to online resources—run smoothly. The Board of Trustees, representing Canonsburg Borough, Cecil Township, North Strabane Township, and the Canon-McMillan School District, provides crucial policy and budgetary oversight.
4. The Annual Benefit Luncheon and Old-Fashioned Christmas
Fundraising and community engagement remain central to the library's mission. The 2025 schedule includes the annual Frank Sarris Public Library Benefit Luncheon, a key event for securing necessary funding for programs and resources.
Additionally, the library is a central participant in the Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas celebration, hosting events like the Family Gingerbread House Contest, which brings together families for a festive, creative competition. These events underscore the library's role as a cultural anchor.
5. Digital and Physical Resource Expansion
The Frank Sarris Public Library (FSPL) is a powerhouse of accessible resources. Patrons with a Frank Sarris Library Card have access to a collection of over 54,000 physical print materials, which include books, movies, and magazines.
The digital offerings are equally impressive, featuring a wealth of online databases, digital books, and over 2,400 DVDs. Beyond lending, the library provides essential community services such as free computer access, printing, faxing, copying, and scanning services.
The Frank Sarris Library: A Community Cornerstone
The Frank Sarris Public Library is more than a building; it is a vital community cornerstone for education, history, and social connection in Washington County. Its historical collection, which includes books about the history of the Borough of Canonsburg and North Strabane Township, preserves local heritage for future generations.
The two-story facility provides designated areas for different age groups, including adult, children, and young adult collections on the first floor, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The availability of rental meeting rooms further solidifies its role as a flexible space for local groups and organizations.
From its origins as the Greater Canonsburg Public Library in the Borough Building to its current state as a modern, 35 North Jefferson Avenue landmark, the FSPL embodies progress. The ongoing success of events like the Lego Club and its robust digital resources demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that honors Frank Sarris's legacy of generosity and community support.
Whether you are a local resident looking to join the relaxing Silent Book Club, a parent enrolling a child in the "Color Our World" Summer Camp, or a researcher utilizing the online databases, the Frank Sarris Public Library remains the essential heart of the Canonsburg community. Its continued evolution ensures that the spirit of the "Candy Man" lives on through learning and connection well into 2025 and beyond.
Detail Author:
- Name : Darion Halvorson DVM
- Username : odell.kautzer
- Email : ofriesen@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1978-01-28
- Address : 412 Marley Burgs Mayertfurt, PA 33239-1783
- Phone : +1-913-812-0801
- Company : Williamson-Lowe
- Job : Costume Attendant
- Bio : Delectus veritatis odio natus nam ut. Quia et laudantium doloremque porro sit sequi doloremque. Et totam qui consequatur.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/satterfield1998
- username : satterfield1998
- bio : Minus minus consequatur eum aperiam. Non expedita dicta quis harum debitis.
- followers : 1856
- following : 2250
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/hardy.satterfield
- username : hardy.satterfield
- bio : Dicta voluptatem aperiam non et blanditiis. Eos enim qui saepe enim blanditiis.
- followers : 1213
- following : 2906
