Contributed ANNIVERSARY — Karen Merritt, branch manager, prepares for the 25th anniversary of the Tiltonsville Branch of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County on Thursday.

TILTONSVILLE — The Tiltonsville Branch of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County will celebrate 25 years of service to the community on Thursday.

Since opening in 2001, the library has served as a community gathering place, offering books, internet access, resources and programming for all ages, library officials said.

“For 25 years, I have had the privilege to work at the Tiltonsville Branch Library,” said Branch Manager Karen Merritt. “I stay because of the love for the work, connecting with patrons and witnessing generations of families visit the library.”

“We know every customer who walks in. They become like family,” she added.

Beverly Kelley, former branch manager at the library’s prior location in the municipal building on Grandview Street, is expected to attend the celebration. Staff members who have retired remain in contact as friends and patrons, officials said.

Visitors will be offered cupcakes and a special bookmark created in the library’s Makerspace.

The library is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.