by June Portnoy
The Board of Trustees and staff at the Township Library of Lower Southampton welcomed volunteers, supporters, and community members on October 18 to celebrate the dedication of the newly renovated John William Pawling Community Room. The event paid tribute to John Pawling, a devoted library patron who made a lasting impression on the library and the community through his passion for learning and generosity.
Sydney Mason, Director of the Library, began the evening with a warm welcome, expressing her appreciation for everyone in attendance, especially acknowledging the presence of Marilyn Silberfein Pawling, John Pawling’s widow. “We are especially happy to welcome back Mrs. Pawling for this happy celebration,” Mason noted, reflecting on how much her late husband valued the library and its offerings.
John William Pawling, remembered for his insatiable curiosity, was not just a frequent visitor but also an active participant in the library’s events, particularly in the community room. “He believed libraries are crucial in helping us always continue to learn,” Mason said, recalling how Mr. Pawling was a regular at informational presentations, particularly enjoying lecture series by Dr. Steve Phillips from the Penn Museum, from whom he developed a fascination for Egypt later in life.
Mr. Pawling passed away in 2020, and in his will, he left a thoughtful gift to the library, requesting that a portion be used for new seating in the community room. “He wanted to make sure people attending events would be more comfortable,” Mason said with a smile, adding, “which really makes me wonder what he thought of the old chairs.”
In light of his generosity, the library went beyond upgrading the seating. The entire room was refreshed with new carpeting, fresh paint, and better acoustics, transforming the space into a more welcoming environment for the community. The library board and staff unanimously decided to rename the room the John William Pawling Community Room in his honor.
Mason emphasized that this room, dedicated in memory of Mr. Pawling, was not just for him but for the entire community. “It is a place where the community can gather to have fun, meet their neighbors, ask questions, and share knowledge with each other,” she said. The room is home to a wide range of activities, from math tutoring and book clubs to yoga classes, movie matinees, and game nights.
Joe Hogan, State Representative for Lower Southampton, attended this ceremony to present certificates from both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Reflecting on his own childhood memories of community involvement, Representative Hogan shared how libraries and civic organizations have always been integral to building connections. “At the end of the day, there’s a lot more that unites us than divides us,” he said. He praised the dedication, noting that the renovations funded by Mr. Pawling’s contribution are a visible testament to his impact on the community.
Kevin Bongarzone, speaking on behalf of Congressman Fitzpatrick, presented a citation and a flag to commemorate the dedication, further solidifying the importance of Mr. Pawling’s legacy.
Following the ceremony, Mrs. Pawling spoke about her husband’s deep love for learning and the library. As a geography professor at Temple University, John had an interest in science, travel, and how different parts of the world change. “He had a broad interest, and that’s what was so nice about this lecture series,” she said. “You can learn so much that way.” Mrs. Pawling expressed her delight at seeing the newly renovated room for the first time, saying she was pleased with the results and proud of what had been accomplished.
As the Lower Southampton Library celebrates 68 years of service to the community and 20 years in its current building on Bridgetown Pike, this room dedication is a touching reminder of the lasting impact one person can have. Looking ahead, the library continues to plan for the future with exciting new projects, including the Joan and Gary Bowman Children’s Room initiative, ensuring that the library remains a vital resource for generations to come.
The John William Pawling Community Room stands as a symbol of learning, generosity, and the sense of togetherness that libraries nurture—a fitting tribute to a man who believed deeply in the power of knowledge and community.
For more information about the Lower Southampton Library, located at 1983 Bridgetown Pike, in Feasterville, visit lowersouthamptonlibrary.org/.