It’s been a busy week at the Old Forge Library with the Friends of the Old Forge Library’s annual luncheon held on Monday, February 10 and the Sweetheart Bake-Off on Wednesday, February 12th.
Over 80 library supporters enjoyed the luncheon which started with a variety of sandwiches and soups provided by DiOrio’s Market, and finished with the serving of slices of a book-shaped cake—baked by Trish Sehring—commemorating the library’s beginnings on February 12, 1914.
Prior to the luncheon, Library Board President Don Kelly read a letter of congratulations from State Senator Hugh T. Farley to Library Director Isabella Worthen in recognition of the library’s centennial year.
“As Chair of the NYS Senate Select Committee on Libraries, I am most impressed with the services provided by the historic and extraordinary library. I am honored to recognize this significant milestone in the library’s history and look forward to working with you on issues of mutual concern,” stated Farley.
The library was also acknowledged with a NYS Senate Resolution, which stated:
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Old Forge Library…
WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging happy occasions and significant milestones in the distinguished histories of its esteemed entities; and
WHEREAS, The Old Forge Library will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a variety of events, plays, and special guests throughout 2014; and
WHEREAS, After a prominent New York City resident promised to donate books to Old Forge if the town could provide a suitable place to house them, a meeting was held to discuss establishing a library in November of 1913; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Benja-min Knapp, Maurice Callahan, W.D. Marks Jr., R.T. Fuller, and W.J. Thislethwaite led the discussions of starting the library, including securing funding, building shelves, and drafting rules and regulations; and
WHEREAS, The Old Forge Library was granted a provisional charter by New York and opened in February of 1914, in the front room of Mr. Thislethwaite’s real estate office on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, The original Board of Trustees included Walter Marks, Maurice Callahan, Ella Lindsey, Benjamin Knapp, and A.T. Clafee; and
WHEREAS, May Sperry Marks served as the first librarian; she was followed by Mary Ball, Marian Weedmark, Maude Marks and Mabel Parsons, who served for 34 years; and
WHEREAS, An absolute charter was granted in 1961; that same year, the library became a member of the Mid New York Library System; and
WHEREAS, The library moved to several different locations over the years, from the real estate office, to a small room above what was then the fire hall, and then to a Main Street building donated by Walter Marks; and
WHEREAS, Librarians during these years included Agnes Fallon, Frederica Roberts, Helen Davis, Betty Tyler, Gwen Birtle, and Carol Hansen; and
WHEREAS, The library moved to its current home on Crosby Boulevard in 1977, just after Isabelle Worthen was appointed Director; and
WHEREAS, The Old Forge Library continues to serve the community as a valuable resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Old Forge Library; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, to be transmitted to the Old Forge Library.
ADOPTED IN SENATE ON
January 14, 2014
By order of the Senate,
Francis W. Patience, Secretary