Senate Resolution No. 936

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Western
Town Library on June 29, 2023

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 100th Anniversary of the Western Town Library, to be
celebrated on Thursday, June 29, 2023 with a myriad of events at the
Western Town Library in Westernville, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1923, a group of forward thinking ladies of the Town of
Western, New York congregated to develop a local library to serve the
town and surrounding communities; the first board of trustees consisted
of: Eleanor Floyd, Minnie Davis, Nellie Warcup, Ida Reese, Lenora Van
Wagen, Cora Pillmore, and Minnie Pierce; and

WHEREAS, Initially located within several private homes, the Western
Town Library found support from the community and was placed in the Town
Hall, and then at its current location, at 9172 Main Street; the library
was given a provisional charter by the Board of Regents on April 7,
1923; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, the Western Town Library became affiliated with
the Mid York Library System in 1960 and an absolute charter was granted
by the Board of Regents on November 21, 1974; and

WHEREAS, The Western Town Library's mission is to provide valuable
and relevant service to the communities of Westernville, Ava, Holland
Patent, Lee Center, Boonville, and others; the library is dedicated to
providing library materials, computer access, and special events to
support the community; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Western Town Library serves nearly 3,000 patrons
every year and 6,000 people checked out library materials in 2022; the
collection of the library contains 10,532 volumes and circulates 9,825
items annually; and

WHEREAS, In addition to providing the Westernville community with
opportunities to read, the Western Town Library also serves as a
community events center, hosting activities for children and adults; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Western Town Library Board of Trustees
for 2023 include: Jamie Wilbert, Board President; Joan Zelinski, Vice
President; Cynthia Arthur, Corresponding Secretary; Christina Born,
Recording Secretary; Jason Kerr, Treasurer; Cindy Mierek; Sue Naresky;
Lawrence Mierek; Nancy Nieley; Veronica McFee; Lisa Mumpton; and Anna
Radell-Weaver; 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 Western Town Library 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 Western
Town 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 100th Anniversary of the Western Town Library on June
29, 2023; and be it further

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