On October 1, the Chester County Library Trust gathered donors and friends in the Struble Room at Chester County Library for its annual Donor Appreciation Event. The evening celebrated the generosity of Trust supporters and recognized James E. McErlane, Esq., whose leadership has shaped the Trust since its beginning.
Jim has been part of the Trust’s story from the very start. When the organization was being established in 2006, he helped guide its formation and served as the Founding President, laying the groundwork for the Trust’s ongoing support of library services at the Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch. His work during those early years—building policies, refining bylaws, and setting a strong foundation—continues to influence the Trust’s mission today.
The Chester County Commissioners presented Jim with a citation honoring his service, stating, “Jim McErlane is a leader whose enduring commitment to the Chester County Library Trust and the broader community will be felt for generations.”
Former State Senator and Chester County Library Board member Andy Dinniman also praised Jim’s impact, noting his ability to bring people together to solve community problems and concerns. “Every county needs a Jim McErlane to provide this vital function. Chester County has been blessed through Jim’s work.”
Jim’s dedication to Chester County extends far beyond the Trust. A lifelong resident, Navy veteran, Villanova‑trained attorney, and senior partner at Lamb McErlane, he has served on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s Judicial Conduct Board, the Judicial Nominating Advisory Panel for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and several local nonprofits and community organizations.
The Trust is grateful to all donors whose support helps strengthen library programs, collections, and services for residents throughout Chester County.
The Chester County Library Trust, a 501(c)3 organization, was established to bridge the gap between traditional funding sources and community needs. The goal of the Trust is to develop financial resources to build collections, expand library programs and services, and support projects the libraries cannot afford through operating budgets. https://chescolibraries.org/about/how-you-can-help/chester-county-library-trust/
