LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Wilson
Free Library, May 21, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Wilson Free Library in Wilson, New
York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Saturday, May 21,
2011; and
WHEREAS, The Wilson Free Library has a long and illustrious history;
in 1909, the Wilson, New York, women's group, The Delphic Circle, began
a campaign to bring a public library to the community; and
WHEREAS, In November 1910, a library association for Wilson, New York,
was formed and it was issued a provisional charter on January 25, 1911;
and
WHEREAS, The first Wilson Free Library was opened in a room at the
home of Arthur Dobbs, who served as the first librarian; in 1919, the
library occupied rented rooms on the second floor of the "Blake Block"
on Young Street; and
WHEREAS, The Wilson Free Library's first permanent home was estab-
lished in 1929 at the former property of the Haner Grocery Store; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, the community of Wilson, New York, launched a grand
community project to expand and renovate the library; during its expan-
sion and renovation, the library never closed and operated in temporary
housing in the basement of the Exley United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, November 18, 1991, the newly expanded and reno-
vated Wilson Free Library opened its doors; 20 years later, the library
continues to serve and evolve in its beautiful and spacious location;
its circulation and cataloging system were automated in the year 2000
under the auspices of then Director, Maggie Stein; and
WHEREAS, Under the able and skilled leadership of its current Direc-
tor, Marjorie Clark, the Wilson Free Library serves a population of
5,840 residents with a collection size of 20,867 volumes; it circulates
23,875 items per year; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Wilson Free Library in Wilson,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marjorie Clark, Director, The Wilson Free Library, 265 Young
Street, P.O. Box 579, Wilson, New York 14172.