Guests attending the Apalachin Library’s open house on Jan. 7 mingle in the new multi-purpose room that was added last summer. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
A steady flow of guests stopped by the Apalachin Library’s Open House on Jan. 7 to visit the newly renovated building.
Last summer, a 20-foot by 60-foot multi-purpose room was added to the existing property. The addition provides combined space for young adult books, extra room for enhanced special programs and a larger meeting area for groups and organizations.
Library Director, Cathy Sorber said, “We’re pleased to be able to give everyone a place with better programs and services.”
The Apalachin Library, located at 719 Main St., and part of the Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS), received a grant for the addition via the New York State Matching Construction Grant for Libraries. FLLS is a cooperative library system that serves 33 public libraries in five counties.
The Apalachin Library, located at 719 Main St., had an addition constructed last summer, a 20-foot by 60-foot multi-purpose room. (Provided photo)
FLLS Executive Director, Sarah Glogowski, attended the open house and commented, “Today, libraries are used more than ever, and with the availability of electronic services, patrons still use the library, but in a different way.”
Glogowski explained further that libraries have evolved into more like community centers with programs and activities for all ages, and are also a safe place for kids and teens.
For the new multi-purpose room, the Apalachin Lions Club donated funding for two computers and carrels, along with a number of software items, increasing the total number of computers in the library to six. In 2016, the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation granted funding to the library to purchase two additional computers and four carrels to house them, increasing the number of computers at that time to four.
A new desk area for staff and office for the director was also part of the renovation process, as was a hospitality area, new carpeting and a second bathroom.
The multi-purpose room expansion at the Apalachin Library allowed space to be renovated elsewhere in the building, too, one of which is a new main desk. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
The Apalachin Library owns more than 14,000 items. A dedicated group of volunteers helped make the transition go smoothly, and volunteers also help keep the Book Barn stocked and tidy. Proceeds from the Book Barn are set aside for projects and fundraisers planned by the library’s Friends Group.
In the spring, and just outside the French doors off the new multi-purpose room, a small courtyard will be transformed into the Irene Cruty Memorial Garden. Cruty, a faithful volunteer and avid reader, passed away in 2014. Cruty’s family and friends are remembering her with the garden, which will feature a sitting area and reading spot.
The Apalachin Library is an excellent resource and a hub of community activity. Special activities and events run throughout the entire year for all ages.
For more information, visit apalachinlibrary.org, find them on Facebook or call (607) 625-3333.
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