Minkel Family
Last updated Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The celebration included a tribute to founding librarian Lester Minkel, whose family and friends were among the honored guests
The Bucks County Community College Library celebrated its 60th anniversary September 29 with a presentation on the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the College’s first librarian. Minkel’s family members were in attendance while librarian Kelly Deeny presented an overview of Minkel’s significant contributions, including the purchase of reference books displayed at the 1964 World’s Fair by the American Library Association, and partnering with the Bucks County Free Library. Bucks County Community College opened its doors to students on September 29, 1965, part of a sweeping movement to increase access to higher education across the nation.
Librarian Kelly Deeny researched the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the first librarian at Bucks County Community College, to commemorate the library’s 60th anniversary. Born in Iowa, Minkel broke from the family’s farming tradition to pursue an education, and established a reputation as a beloved educator, friend, and family man who loved to travel and cook.
(CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)
Archival photos are displayed at the Bucks County Community College Library in Newtown to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Community members and alumni are invited to help identify students and staff depicted through the years. The library and college opened its doors on September 29, 1965, part of the burgeoning community college movement in the United States that opened access to higher education for thousands.
(CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)
The Bucks County Community College Library celebrated its 60th anniversary with cake – of course! – on September 29. The event included a presentation about the life and legacy of Lester Minkel, the founding librarian.
(CREDIT: Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College)