Intercourse Library

Intercourse Library is part of the Library System of Lancaster County (LSLC). This federated system was established in 1987 and is made up of fourteen member libraries, two branches, and a Bookmobile.

Our service area is roughly 82 square miles and encompasses three townships: Leacock, Paradise, and Salisbury. The main library is located in Intercourse, Leacock Township. A branch library is located in the town of Gap in Salisbury Township.

The local Lions Club was the driving force in establishing a reading center in Intercourse in 1975. The school district granted the Lions permission to use a one-room schoolhouse that had been vacant for many years. The reading center was staffed by volunteers and overseen by a director. It operated as a satellite location of the Lancaster Public Library (LPL) with LPL providing all of the materials.  In 1988, it became an independent library and was named the Intercourse Public Library.

Records show that the collection at the little schoolhouse steadily grew to roughly 21,000 items, all housed in 900 square feet. In the early 2000s, it was clear that the library had outgrown the space and a larger facility was needed. A feasibility report was done, committees were formed and a capital campaign was launched in 2004. There was widespread support from the community which allowed for a successful fundraising drive. Donations from patrons, local businesses, and the three townships resulted in a new 9500-square-foot building that opened in 2007.

In 2001, the name was changed to the Pequea Valley Public Library. In 2021, the Board of Trustees voted to amend the name of the library and return to the original name, the name that everyone knows us by, Intercourse Library.