About Us: Home

MISSION
Lower Merion Libraries: always ready to inspire and empower our community.

LMLS Core Values are Engagement, Exploration, and Excellence.  The purpose and values guide the mission to support the information, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of groups and individuals of all ages:

• Provide access to and promote a wide variety of books, audio-visual materials, and electronic resources, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of the population. 
• Engage with the community through activities and programs which enhance the quality of life in Lower Merion Township.

The Lower Merion Library System – 6 libraries providing great service.

The Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) is a dynamic group of six libraries located just west of Philadelphia. The System serves approximately 60,000 residents of Lower Merion Township and offers reciprocal borrowing to neighboring residents through the ACCESS Pennsylvania program. LMLS is an active participant in interlibrary loan and other cooperative projects among libraries in the state.

LMLS patrons can borrow books, large print books, magazines, CDs, Books on CD, and DVDs, all free of charge, Each library also provides public access to the Internet, Microsoft Office and a number of electronic resources. Many of these electronic resources can be accessed from home through the LMLS web site.

LMLS’s greatest asset is an outstanding staff.

LMLS is justly proud of its courteous, helpful and highly qualified staff who bring a wide range of educational backgrounds and interests to their jobs. Our 15 professional librarians hold Masters Degrees in library and information services. Their undergraduate majors include Art, Elementary Education, English, History, Human Biology, Painting, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology. Part-time and full-time departmental staff are equally qualified, versatile and customer service oriented.

History of the Lower Merion Library System

The Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) is made up of six libraries that all began because members of their communities felt that a library was an essential community resource. Five of the libraries formed the Lower Merion Library Association in 1935, qualifying for access to funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The name was changed to the Lower Merion Library System in 1994 to convey the idea of six distinct entities – Belmont Hills joined the group in 1961 – working together to achieve common goals. An outstanding staff of professionals, and community commitment, ensure that LMLS consistently ranks among the top libraries in the country.