Not unlike town halls, schools and churches, libraries have always been pillars of thriving communities. That couldn't be more true in Manheim Township, where the public library is now so much more than a traditional library.

The Manheim Township Public Library (MTPL) has evolved into a vibrant hub, sort of a safe haven of learning and exploring, for the community and its citizens. No longer the conventional "book warehouse," Manheim Township's public library has changed to meet the ever-growing research and educational needs of its residents.

"It has evolved over time and evolved with what people like to see," said Joyce Sands, the director of the MTPL. "The profession has changed more over the last 10 years than it had in the previous 100 years. We're in the community, providing resources and information that will enrich lives. We're always testing the waters with what people want. Everyone is welcome here. We're eager to serve."

Located at 595 Granite Run Drive, the MTPL is 20,000 square feet of theories, ideas, history ... and stories. A vast majority of the services that MTPL provides are free.

As guests enter, they are greeted by a warm and welcoming lobby and cafe. There's also a children's library, a young person's area, the main library, a circulation desk, meeting rooms, a silo for storytelling, study areas, an engaging outside area, even a passport office and a teaching kitchen.

The MTPL offers a wide range of programs, as well as newspapers, magazines, large-print books, DVDs, music CDs, puzzles and board games.

Library cards and inside voices are encouraged.

"My favorite part is the kid who thinks he doesn't like to read, and you find the right book for him, and it creates sparks," said MTPL assistant director Karin Rezendes. "Some people think they don't like to read, and I believe they just haven't found the right book."

Manheim Township is one of the 14 members of the Library System of Lancaster County. But unlike most of the other members, the MTPL is operated and maintained by its local municipal government.

In 2022, Manheim Township recorded 535,000 check-outs of physical materials - excluding electronics - making it the busiest library in Lancaster County.

"We have a lot of people coming in with young children," said Sands. "And lots of seniors. Some people don't have the internet at home. Some people find studying or working at home distracting, so they come here."

The MTPL moved into its current location in 2010. Prior to that, the organization had struggled to find a permanent home, even being housed in a strip mall and in a trailer at different points of its history.

"When I first started here, I walked in and literally asked myself what I would add," said Sands. "The answer was nothing. Everything was well thought out."

"We're maybe not what you would expect if you haven't been to a library in a while," said Rezendes.