Solvay Public Library

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Solvay Public Library

• 1905 to 2005

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• Only in popular education can man erect the
  structure of an enduring civilization.
• --- Andrew Carnegie

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Andrew Carnegie donates 10,000 to Solvay Public
Library to build a new village library.
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Frederick Hazard, President of Solvay Process
Company, donates the land and 10,000 to match
Carnegies grant.
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Carnegie grant form.1902
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• The man who enters a library
• is in the best society
• the world affords.
• - Andrew Carnegie

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1,689 Carnegie libraries were built across the
United States, including the downtown library in
Syracuse (top center).
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1905
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Original circulation desk. 1905
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1908 postcard view of main room
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• Tolle lege
• (Take up and read.)
• - St. Aurelius Augustinus, A.D. 386

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Circa 1960s
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(No Transcript)
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1979
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Circulation desk before 1979 renovations. Tile
floor, window shades.
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Circulation desk after 1980 renovation. New
curtains, carepting, new desk. Note no computers!
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Library trustees during the 1979 renovations,
(l-r) Julia Bianco, Irma March, Nelson Hatch,
Beverly Darrow, Daniel Casey
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1985
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By the 1980s the library is using the front
lawn for book sales.
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Library serves as outplacement center for Pass
Seymour in late 1980s.
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By mid-1990s, the library still has the 1970s
orange and is getting more and more cramped for
space.
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2000 Overgrown plants obscure grand view.
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Computers add to overcrowded conditions.
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Successful storyhours are cramped for space.
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Around 2000, the Community Room has serious
damage from water seepage and flooding into the
foundation requiring thousands of dollars in
repairs.
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2002 Emergency repairs are needed for corroding
foundation caused by poor drainage around aging
building. Cost 18,000.
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Popular cultural and education programs force
patrons to park blocks away or illegally.
Library parking does not meet Village code.
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A variety of cultural events take place both
inside and outside of the library. Here a large
crowd awaits the Ithaca ballet.
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20001 Solvay Centennial Committee donates
historical marker.
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In 2002, Library Trustees hired architects to
develop a plan to address drainage, handicap, and
space issues.
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Over the 100 year history of the library, despite
cramped space and difficult work conditions,.
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the staff have maintained friendly, conscientious
service to our community.