“It is with heavy hearts and great disappointment that ORLA announces the upcoming closure of its Cooperstown branch, effective January 2026,” said the Oil Region Library Association.

Residents who currently use the Cooperstown location are encouraged to continue accessing library services at ORLA’s Oil City and Franklin branches, as well as through the organization’s robust digital collections.

ORLA leadership emphasized that this decision was not made lightly and was never the organization’s intention. Despite extensive efforts, a recent initiative to secure dedicated countywide funding was unsuccessful in the most recent election. Additionally, ongoing fundraising campaigns over the years have not generated sustainable funding sufficient to continue operations at the Cooperstown location.

As a result, ORLA will further consolidate its resources to ensure it can continue providing the high level of library services the community expects across its remaining locations. ORLA expressed appreciation for the community’s understanding and continued support during this transition.

History of the Cooperstown Public Library

The Cooperstown Public Library traces its roots back to 1908, when the Women’s Christian Temperance Union established a Public Reading Room in the home of Mrs. Mary L. Boal. That same year, the Cooperstown Public Library Association was formally established.

In 1923, Mrs. Boal willed her home to the Cooperstown Public Library Association, ensuring a permanent home for the library. A charter member of the association and one of its most dedicated supporters, Mrs. Boal’s property was formally deeded to the association by Mrs. Emma Rice and recorded for a consideration of $1.

The library relocated to its current home at 182 North Main Street in June 1988. In 2018, the Cooperstown Public Library became the second branch of the Oil Region Library Association, bringing all three public libraries in Venango County under a single organization.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s January 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.