LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Valley Cottage Library upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on March 28, 2009

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 is 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
Valley Cottage Library upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary to be
celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, and Chartered in 1959, Valley Cottage
Library was the result of several residents who in the 1950s realized
the need for a library in their community; through their hard work a
site was chosen, a director was appointed and a charter was obtained
from the Board of Regents; and
WHEREAS, Valley Cottage Library's original home was located in a
"downtown" Valley Cottage, New York, storefront that had once served as
the liquor store; in its early years, the library was staffed by volun-
teers and books were donated by local community members; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, Valley Cottage Library moved to its current site on
Route 303 in Valley Cottage, New York; Upper Nyack architect, Michael
Esmay was retained to transform the concrete block building into a
public library with the distinction of possessing a warmth and beauty
unlike any other in the county; the outcome was an exceptional building
filled with vaulted spaces and a multitude of windows creating a tran-
quil environment, perfect for reading and studying; and
WHEREAS, Simultaneously, former Library Director, Helen Spencer and
the Board of Trustees decided to incorporate an art gallery into the
entrance area of the library; this wonderful feature is unique among
public libraries in Rockland County and the award winning space is
eagerly sought by local artists and craftspeople; and
WHEREAS, Michael Esmay also helped design renovations to the library
over the ensuing years and therefore, has been the sole architect of the
present library; the Community Room, built in 1988, attracted many new
users to the facility and greatly expanded the library's programming
capability; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, more than 9,000 square feet of new space was added
to the existing 11,000 square feet, providing more space for people and
materials; the parking lot was enlarged, a story hour room was added to
the Children's Room, and the quiet study areas as well as the new staff
areas were positioned for easy access and security; central to the
facility is an atrium garden designed to be the focal point of various
seating arrangements; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, the Children's Wing and an enlarged Community Room
added an additional 3,000 square feet of space to the library; the chil-
dren's room was designed to accommodate double the collection of materi-
als as well as game and internet computers just for the children; the
most recent renovation, in 2008, transformed the Teen Corner into a very
special place for young people to read, play games and share interests;
and
WHEREAS, Another feature that truly sets Valley Cottage Library apart
from other public institutions is the beauty of its surrounding gardens;
situated on seven wooded acres, the library's cultivated beds and
gardens were originally planted by the volunteers of the Valley Cottage
garden club named the Forest Glen Garden Club; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its current materials collections of 92,000
items, Valley Cottage Library houses a collection of approximately 1,500
historical photographs that feature people, places and businesses of
Valley Cottage from long ago; and
WHEREAS, Today, Valley Cottage Library also offers free Internet
access, 24/7 reference and catalog service, a wide variety of audio
visuals materials and countless cultural programs for all age groups;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its many accomplishments, Valley Cottage
Library has been the recipient of two County Executive Awards over the
years; and
WHEREAS, Such success enjoyed by Valley Cottage Library is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have supported
the development of the library over the years, including the Library
Boards as well as countless volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable is Valley Cottage Library's superbly-
skilled staff, 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, Valley Cottage
Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks
forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural and intellectu-
al needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Valley Cottage Library upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Valley Cottage Library.