A Big Day at Dunham Public Library - October 28, 2016

New parking lot

Always a busy, bustling place, on this particular Friday our Whitesboro library hummed with an excitement that grew as the day progressed. With three distinct events to commemorate, both staff and patrons were even more upbeat than usual. That’s saying a lot, because our library is one of the most friendly ones in the Mohawk Valley.

In addition to the festivities, we were treated to tables laden with assorted cookies, crackers and beverages, which drew in snack lovers all day long.

Here is a brief recap of the day’s agenda:

The original library building, extreme right of photo

Event #1: Ninety years ago, Dunham Library received its charter to operate as a public library in the village of Whitesboro, New York. Many of its patrons can recall when the original Victorian brick building was the library proper, complete with hushed atmosphere and wooden Dewey Decimal Card Catalog cabinets. One room on the second floor of the original structure is still used for Board Meetings and is also home base for some of the library’s sponsored clubs, including three Whitesboro Writers Groups. The old building is rich in local lore and history, and guided tours were offered to interested patrons as part of its 90th anniversary celebration.

Volunteers book bag and mug

Event #2 – Volunteer Recognition Day – Our library has many locals of all ages who happily donate some of their free time to help keep things running smoothly for both staff and patrons. Two separate receptions were held, during which volunteers received a book bag and library-logo mug, coupons for free books from Booktique (Dunham’s donated/used book store), and a Certificate of Appreciation signed by April Bliss, Director and Susan Collver, Board member.

April Bliss, Meghan McGroghan, Senator Griffo et al

Event #3 –Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication of the newly completed secondary parking lot on the west side of the building (photo above). The rain let up long enough at 2:00 PM for several dozen folks to witness this brief but important ceremony. In attendance were representatives of the Utica Chamber of Commerce, including Executive Director Meghan McGroghan, her assistant JoAnn Mox,  NYS Senator Joe Griffo, Whitestown Town Supervisor Shaun Kaleta, several Board members, some of the staff and other well-wishers.

Audio file of ribbon cutting ceremony 

The Whitesboro Writers Group would like to offer our congratulations to our library, its staff and management, on today’s milestone, as well as our sincere thanks for their enthusiastic support of all of our projects!

Ribbon Cutting - Note Sen. Griffo's Thumbs up!

Photos by CJ Alexander