LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Starr
Library in Rhinebeck, New York, April 14, 2012

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 150th Anniversary of the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Saturday, April 14, 2012,
at the Library at 68 West Market Street, Rhinebeck, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established by the New York State Legislature in April 1862,
the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York, is one of the oldest libraries
in New York; it was conceived by Mary R. Miller, granddaughter of Gener-
al Philip Schuyler of Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, First known as the Starr Institute, the Starr Library began
its service to the community with a reading room and library in the
Village of Rhinebeck with 666 bound volumes and 150 pamphlets; it was
named in memory of Mary Miller's late husband, William Starr Miller, a
New York congressman in the 1840s; and
WHEREAS, The Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York, has grown over the
years to become a 10,000 square foot building with a collection of near-
ly 50,000 items; it hosts more than 130,000 visitors each year; and
WHEREAS, The Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York, is an integral part
of the Rhinebeck community, fostering educational and recreational
opportunities and accommodating community groups, sponsoring free
programs, providing access to public computers and the internet, and
offering reference assistance and guidance to a substantial collection
of local historical resources; and
WHEREAS, The Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York, was among the first
libraries to join the Mid-Hudson Library System in 1959, giving greater
access and resources to its members and the community; its collection
currently includes books, DVDs, e-books, and audio works; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Board of Directors and
extraordinary Director, Steven Cook, and assisted by an active Friends
of the Library group, the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York, is
fulfilling its mission to provide the Rhinebeck community with the high-
est quality library and information services; and
WHEREAS, The auspicious occasion of its 150th Anniversary presents a
unique opportunity for this Legislative Body to pay tribute and recog-
nize the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York; 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 150th Anniversary of the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, New York.