The Schlow Memorial Library board of trustees is considering a name change for the library after construction of the new building is complete.

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the board is slated to discuss the possibility of changing the library's name once it is relocated from its temporary location, 118 S. Fraser St., back to the corner of Beaver Avenue and Allen Street.

"This could be a time to be thinking about creating a name for the library that reflects the fact that it's open to everyone, that the building was created as a result of funds from local government, state government, federal government and many private donors," library director Betsy Allen said.

A preliminary discussion on the possible name change took place at the board's Jan. 12 meeting, Allen said.

She added that though the name could change, there would be some kind of tribute to Charles Schlow and family in the lobby or vestibule of the new library.

"There was never any thought that a name change would mean disregarding the history of the library," Allen said.

The library is named after the family of Charles Schlow, who offered space in his house on West College Avenue free of charge for the library's first home in 1957, according to www.schlowlibrary.org.

Originally named the State College Community Library, the library board changed its name to Bella S. Schlow Memorial Library in honor of Charles' late wife when he increased the library's size in 1958.

When the library moved to 100 E. Beaver Ave. in 1967, the library board changed the name to Schlow Memorial Library in honor of the Schlow family, Allen said.

Library trustee David Miller said he does not think many of "the old-time residents" would favor the change.

"I don't feel that it should be changed," he said.

"I'm an old State College person," he added.

State College Mayor Bill Welch said if the board was concerned about people understanding that many others contributed to the library, they could change the name to 'Schlow Public Library' or 'Schlow Regional Library.'

"I think if they go ahead and take [Schlow's] name off the library it's not only a slap in the face to the Schlow family, but to the generation of us who grew up admiring Charlie Schlow and the Schlow family for their contributions to the community," Welch said.

Borough Council member Cathy Dauler said she knows some people are upset about the name change, but said it is usual for fund-raising projects to name a room or building after someone who has donated a large amount of money.

"I think that part of their fund raising always included the possibility of the name being changed if someone gave a very large amount of money, but that's very typical," Dauler said.

Steve Schlow, Charles Schlow's grandson, said his feelings on the matter range "from outrage to discomfort" for a variety of reasons, and that the family thinks the name should not be changed.

"You put people's names on things for lots of reasons, sometimes to honor a person or who founds the thing," Steve Schlow said.

"But there's a sense of history and social obligation when there's a name on it," he added.

Irma Schlow Zipser, Charles Schlow's daughter, also said the Schlow family does not approve of the change and is "a little bit upset."

"It's sort of a heartbreak," Zipser said. "With new people coming in, they forget memories."