American history is woven into the Hoyt Library. Originally, it was the family homestead of Pennsylvania's 18th governor, Henry Hoyt. In 1810, Henry's grandfather, Daniel Hoyt, met with friends here to form a library group. In doing this Daniel and his friends helped lay the groundwork for a community resource that would foster learning and cultural development for generations to come.

A full 99 years later, Henry's cousin Frank Weston Hoyt donated his family homestead, the location of that meeting, to Kingston Borough for the purpose of establishing a permanent public library. Frank's efforts exemplified the spirit of cooperation and commitment to public service that characterized the early American spirit.

The establishment of the Hoyt Library in 1928, marked a significant milestone in the community, serving as a center for education and cultural enrichment. It provided residents with access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, promoting literacy and lifelong learning. This communal space also became a hub for social gatherings, strengthening community ties and fostering a shared sense of identity and pride.

The Library continues to grow under the leadership of Executive Director Melissa Werner as a dynamic institution serving communities on the Greater West Side and beyond. The library has received multiple awards for providing excellent library services and resources. The library’s collection has evolved with the ever changing needs of the community and it continually provides programs and learning experiences for all ages.

Expanding on the Library's roots in American history, Executive Director Werner introduced a series of programs on Presidential History presented by Presidential Historian Dr. Larry Cook. These initial programs marked an important step in providing access to Presidential knowledge for residents.

As a result of the combination of Dr. Cook's acclaimed expertise in Presidential History and Executive Director Werner's insights, forward thinking, and commitment to the community, the Larry Cook Historian Center for Presidential Research at the Hoyt Library was established.

A community based research center focused on the study of the American Presidency is the first of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania for a public library.

The Research Center develops community programs, assembles archives of research materials, promotes the history of the American Presidency, American History preservation and encourages academic involvement in the study of such.

The Larry Cook Center for Presidential Research at the Hoyt Library is a valuable resource for students, scholars, researchers and the general public interested in studying the lives and legacies of America’s presidents, administrations, policies and the people around them. The Center contains a comprehensive collection of books, documents and archival materials along with access to online databases and digital archives. The Research Center allows participants to delve not only into the personal side of the presidency, but also into the complexities of presidential decision making, policy formulation and the impact of these actions on the Nation and the world.