LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Pember Library & Museum of Natural
History upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across the great State
of New York are reflective of certain exemplary institutions whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Pember Library & Museum of Natural History upon the occasion of
celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In honor of this most auspicious occasion the Pember Library
& Museum of Natural History hosted an Ice Cream Social on June 6, 2009;
staff, volunteers and board members dished out ice cream donated by
Stewart's for a "Make Your Own Sundae" party; music was provided by
Brent Tuttle and Melody the Clown entertained; additionally, student
artwork, created especially for the anniversary, was displayed; and
WHEREAS, Continuing its 100th Anniversary Year Celebration the Pember
Library & Museum of Natural History also staged a Letterbox event start-
ing July 18, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The event, designed by Granville Elementary School teacher
and Pember supporter, Chris Partch, was for children and adults who love
treasure hunts; participants in the treasure hunt were invited to pick
up letterbox locations at the library, and then search for hidden
letterboxes at various historical places around Granville; inside each
waterproof letterbox was a journal for comment about the historical
site, as well as clues to the next site; and
WHEREAS, In mid or late September, the Pember Library & Museum of
Natural History is also planning a gala dinner and dance that will be
open to the community; other activities may also be planned for later in
the year; and
WHEREAS, The dedication ceremony for the Pember Library & Museum of
Natural History took place on March 2, 1909, and the building opened to
the public on March 13, 1909; and
WHEREAS, On April 1, 1909, the Pember Library & Museum of Natural
History received its charter from the Regents of the University of the
State of New York, and on May 1, 1909, the Pember family deeded the
land, building and its contents to the Village of Granville; and
WHEREAS, Franklin Pember served as President of Pember Board of Trus-
tees and Curator of the Museum until his death in 1924; and
WHEREAS, The Pember Library is located on the first floor and the
Museum of Natural History is on the second floor; it was built as a
Library-Museum and was never used as a private home; it has beautiful
woodwork and a wide staircase, as well as an extraordinary marbleized
slate fireplace; it has a Victorian feel and it is emphasized each year
at its Holiday Open House in December; and
WHEREAS, In the beginning, patrons needed to ask the librarian for the
book they wanted and were never permitted behind the gate to the stacks;
today, patrons are welcome to browse the shelves to select books, vide-
os, audio books, computer programs, and kits for children, independent-
ly; and
WHEREAS, The Pember Library and Museum was chartered by New York State
to serve the village of Granville but actually serves the village of
Granville, the town of Granville, and many patrons from Hartford, Hamp-
ton, Whitehall, Fort Ann, Hebron, and other parts of Washington county,
as well as several local Vermont towns; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Pember Library & Museum of Natural
History is in direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals
and volunteers who have supported the development of the library over
the years; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable is Pember Library & Museum of Natural
History's superbly-skilled staff and administration, whose involvement
is and has always been characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all of their efforts on behalf of the library and the population it
serves; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Pember Library
& Museum of Natural History 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
commend the Pember Library & Museum of Natural History upon the occasion
of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia Wesner, Executive Director, Pember Library & Museum
of Natural History.