Despite an overwhelming presence from the community, the Schlow Memorial Library board of trustees voted to wait on making a decision about renaming the library.

Last night's meeting drew an unheard of crowd. "There's usually one person observing," Betsy Allen, library director, said. "[But] we were expecting this [large turn out]."

Dan Hawbaker, board president, said it was the biggest turnout he has seen since he has been on the board.

About 30 people attended the board's monthly meeting, which was moved to the State College Municipal Building for more space because it was slated to discuss the potential name change for the new library.

The board opened the meeting up to public comments on the issue.

"I'm here to express my interest in keeping the library unchanged," Gil Aberg, a State College resident, said. "... It's history and we need to honor the spirit of the founding fathers."

Aberg said he would be "very unhappy" if the name changed.

The board passed a motion that no action would be taken at this particular meeting, but listened to input by community members. Hawbaker said he expects a decision will be made by April or May, and discussion will continue at the March and April board meetings.

"I think it was good to hear all of these comments [since] I haven't gotten any e-mail or phone messages," board member David Miller said.

Fourteen audience members voiced their various opinions, some expressing concern over the fundraising tactic of leaving open the possibility of naming the library for a significant donor.

"The possibility that a donor might come along with a large enough donation was there, but it never happened," Allen said. "Renaming the entire library after somebody was never actively solicited or offered, so the library board never had to address it."

Allen added the building would not have another name attached to it. "It would reflect that it's regional, it's public and it belongs to everyone," she said.

David Schlow, grandson of founder Charles Schlow, said he was opposed to dropping 'Schlow' from the library's new name. "I think what evolves should reflect both the history of the library along with the people who are saying it's a regional phenomenon," Schlow said. "... I understand the need for a modification from the time the library was started to the present. However, this is a historical aspect ... you can't forget the past."

Barbara Thwaites, a State College resident, said the board should keep Schlow in the new name to honor Schlow's donation.

"Here we were, a college town without a public library, and that was very shocking," she said. "He donated his building and a certain amount of money, and that was the jump start."

Miller said the probability is good that Schlow will remain in the name.

Other people who spoke up also voiced a need for maintaining the town's history. "We need to teach the young that history needs to be cherished," Phoebe Link, a State College resident, said. "We need to teach children the importance of having a dream, and Charles Schlow was the man who stepped forward and made this dream a reality."