Honor Utica Library Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2349 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 115th Anniversary of the Utica Public Library 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 Utica Public Library upon the occasion of its 115th Anniversary celebrated on Thursday, December 12, 2019; and WHEREAS, The origins of the Utica Public Library dates to 1825, when a private subscription library opened at the Broad Street offices of Attorney Justus Rathbone; the library had 400 shareholders and 1,000 volumes and was known simply as the Utica Library; and WHEREAS, In 1856, the Utica Library relocated to City Hall, where it remained for 22 years; in 1895, a handwritten card catalog was established which took three years to complete and totaled 58,000 cards; and WHEREAS, Four years later, with the book collection and demand for services growing, a move to construct a new and permanent structure was underway; during this time Thomas R. and Frederick T. Proctors donated the land and W.P. White began a building fund; and WHEREAS, On December 12, 1904, the Utica Public Library officially opened following the transfer of more than 25,000 books from its Elizabeth Street site; and WHEREAS, In 1988, the Utica Public Library began the first phases of a five-year renovation plan which brought major structural and aesthetic improvements to the exterior and interior of the building; and WHEREAS, That same year, the installation of an on-line computer system gave both staff and the public access to the Library's own inventory, as well as to the holdings of all the public libraries in middle New York; furthermore, in 1993, a new phone system was installed, giving the library state-of-the-art telecommunications capability and allowing for future growth; and WHEREAS, Today, the Utica Public Library's Community Room hosts many events, and the Children's Room is home to weekly activities which help promote early childhood learning; in addition, its monthly programs and ongoing clubs for adults and children offer opportunities to learn, exchange information and become a part of the community; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Utica Public Library is committed to developing resources and enabling people to serve as a source of information for the community; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Utica 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 115th Anniversary of the Utica Public Library; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Utica Public Library.