Honor Hornell Library Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 5586 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Hornell Public Library on May 20, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across the great State of New York is reflective of certain exemplary institutions whose purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Hornell Public Library, celebrated with a Sesquicentennial Dinner and Presentation on Sunday,

May 20, 2018, at The Main Place in Hornell, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, a myriad of other events will be held throughout the next six weeks to commemorate this auspicious occasion including a special presentation recognizing churches, businesses and organizations that have been a part of the community for 100 years or more; during this time, many of these groups will make their own presentations about their unique histories with the Library; and WHEREAS, Friends of the Library can also purchase tickets for the Annual Traveling Basket Auction, watch a movie produced by The Hornell Intermediate School's 6th grade Technology Class, and lastly, attend a party on June 29, 2018; and WHEREAS, For 150 years, the Hornell Public Library has been a partner in the intellectual growth of the communities it serves, offering not only books, but educational programs which have nourished the minds of generations; and WHEREAS, In 1868, the first Library Association was formed and included the following prominent members of the Hornell area: Irvin Near, Elijah Johnson, Charles Adsit, Safford Thatcher, John W. Shelley, Stephen Gilbert, N.P.T. Finch, Andrew Charles and J.W. Burnham; and WHEREAS, Six decades later, the Hornell Library Association received word of a $21,000 donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to help with the construction of the library on Genesee Street; the building was dedicated in 1911, and was later listed on the national registry in

1975; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Director Alice Taychert, the Hornell Public Library, is committed to providing its community with an extensive number of resources including over 51,000 materials available on-site, with many more through its extensive library network; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Hornell Public Library promotes reading, knowledge, cultural enrichment, and a sense of community by providing its patrons with information resources, programs, friendly staff assistance, and an inviting place, equally accessible to all, in which to exchange ideas; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Hornell Public Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural and intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Hornell Public Library; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Alice Taychert, Director, Hornell Public Library.