• The Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library is a research library, housed in an original 1888 reading room restored by the Society in the 1990s.
  • The reading room from the balcony.
  • The German Society of Pennsylvania’s library was begun in 1817.
  • Check out our current "Adopt a Book" catalogs!
  • The German Society's old building at 7th and Market.
  • German Society 1764 Minute Book title page.
  • Program from the 21st National Sängerfest in Newark, NJ.

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The Horner Library and Reading Room
The Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library is a research library, housed in an original 1888 reading room restored by the Society in the 1990s. The library houses more than 50,000 volumes, over three-quarters of which are in German, and is one of the largest collections of German books in the United States. The library also maintains a small collection of newer books including children's books, that may be borrowed by members of the Society.

Hours of Operation
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 4:00pm

The library is open and visitors are welcome to stop in for a tour.  If you would like to do research, please contact the librarian prior to your visit so that we may best serve you.

If you  have an inquiry about our collections, please email librarian@germansociety.org

Search the Research Catalog

Search the Lending Library Catalog