Honor Lockport Library Anniversary

Assembly Resolution No. 795 BY: M. of A. Norris COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Lockport Public Library on February 9, 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 125th Anniversary of the Lockport Public Library, to be celebrated on Friday, February 9, 2018; and WHEREAS, The Lockport Public Library's rich history began in 1847 when a legislative act established the Union School system and provided for the consolidation of the seven district school libraries; the newly organized Board of Education appointed a committee of three to supervise the library, Isaac T. Colton, William McMaster and John Woolcott; in

1847, Henry Shaft was appointed librarian, a part-time position; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of trustees John A. Merritt, William Richmond and Harrison S. Chapman, the Library was officially granted its charter on February 9, 1893; and WHEREAS, In 1919, Claire N. Atwater was appointed as regular full-time librarian, and five years later, she was succeeded by Helene Prudden; and WHEREAS, As the Library continued to grow and thrive, it became obvious a new building needed to be constructed; fortunately, Elvira Wheeler provided a sum for construction and furnishings in her will, and Ann M. Sawyer bequeathed the present site on East Avenue; and WHEREAS, The Trustees then arranged to qualify for aid under the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works; in June of 1936, the beautiful new library was dedicated to the residents of Lockport; and WHEREAS, From 1945-1949, Elizabeth Hesser held the title of librarian until Helen Ludlow took over the position; for the next 20 years, Helen diligently worked to incorporate then-modern services, to adapt the existing space to hold more books and to upgrade the quality of the collection; and WHEREAS, After Helen Ludlow's death In 1969, Janet Nixon took over the Directorship, a position she held until June of 1981; in this capacity, she established one of the state's earliest programs of delivering books and other materials to the homebound, senior institutions and local nursing homes; and WHEREAS, From 1981-June of 1996, Christa Caldwell served as the Director; throughout her tenure, she strived to automate library services; in 1986, the Library offered on-line catalogs for the public and expanded reference services to include various electronic means of providing information; and WHEREAS, In 1992, with active citizen participation, the Library Board successfully proposed to the Board of Education the adoption of a bond issue to finance a major expansion and renovation of the existing library building; the resulting 36,000 square foot building more than doubled the usable space by adding a three-floor totally modern addition to the existing building which was remodeled and renovated; and WHEREAS, Equipped for the electronic age, spacious, attractive and comfortable, the "new" Library was dedicated in February of 1994, with added collections of videos and compact discs, a public meeting room in addition to a Children's and Youth story room and total handicapped accessibility through an elevator and a new entrance off Chestnut Street; and WHEREAS, Margaret (Peg) Lynch succeeded Christa Caldwell in 1996, continuing as Library Director until her retirement in 2006; in 1999, under the auspices of the Niagara Area Foundation, an Endowment Fund was to assist the Library with future needs; and WHEREAS, Marie Bindeman then served as the Director until 2011; throughout her tenure, she and her devoted staff enhanced the Library's web site, upgraded public access computers and improved wireless access, implemented an annual One Book One Community program, improved in-library displays and activities, inaugurated the John S. Koplas Memorial Lecture Series, and established a monthly print and online library newsletter; and WHEREAS, Today, Lockport Public Library's collection includes audiobooks and CDs, videos, DVDs, and music CDs; in addition to the catalog and borrower account information, online services include access to the Internet, database and magazine indexes, readers' advisory and

24/7 online reference services, book clubs, and a website linking patrons to the Library; and WHEREAS, For 125 years, Lockport Public Library has promised to serve its community as "Your LibraryàAn Open Door"; and WHEREAS, The success of the Lockport Public Library is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Director Beverly Federspiel and her staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Lockport 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 125th Anniversary of the Lockport Public Library; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Beverly Federspiel, Director, Lockport Public Library.