Senate Resolution No. 2494

BY: Senator OBERACKER

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Village
Library of Cooperstown

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 organizations 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 75th Anniversary of the Village Library of Cooperstown;
and

WHEREAS, The Village of Cooperstown supported a myriad of private
libraries until the Village Library of Cooperstown was established at 22
Main Street in 1898; funded by Elizabeth Scriven Clark as a gift to her
son, Robert Sterling Clark, the intention was for the building to be
utilized as a YMCA, library, and museum; and

WHEREAS, In 1932, Robert Sterling Clark donated the building to the
village; the Women's Club of Cooperstown supported the library from 1939
until its charter by the State of New York in 1949; and

WHEREAS, The Village Library of Cooperstown joined the Four County
Library System (4CLS), a consortium of 42 public libraries, in 1964;
members may check out books from any library in the four-county service
area and today, the library has a choice of a total of 23,186 physical
items in their collection to choose from; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2014, the Village Library of Cooperstown received
a more consistent and stable support through school district levy
funding; the library is now chartered to serve the residents of the
Cooperstown Central School District; and

WHEREAS, Originally housed in the circulation and main room, the
Village Library of Cooperstown has since expanded across the hall to
include a children's room and the Director's office in 1978, and later
added a large print book area in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Growing from humble beginnings, the Village Library of
Cooperstown held 157 programs, with over 3900 in attendance in 2023; the
library hosts weekly sensory play sessions and a baby and toddler story
time, along with monthly book clubs, special book related events,
lectures, and their long-standing Sunday Speaker Series; and

WHEREAS, Providing over 144,000 users with wireless internet access
annually, the Village Library of Cooperstown works to maintain
traditional and modern library services, including print and digital
books; databases; computers and expanded WIFI access; lendable laptop
kits; and many other initiatives to serve the community; and

WHEREAS, A vital part of its community, this remarkable institution
has continually strived to provide outstanding service, focusing on
education, recreation, and social inclusion, to a diverse population of
neighborhood residents; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Village Library of Cooperstown
is in direct correlation to the efforts of the Board of Trustees and
many individuals who have supported the development of the library over
the years; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Village
Library of Cooperstown 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 75th Anniversary of the Village Library of Cooperstown;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Village Library of Cooperstown.