LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
William H. Bush Memorial Library in Martinsburg, New York

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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the William H. Bush Memorial Library in
Martinsburg, New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Saturday, August 11, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The William H. Bush Memorial Library has a long and illus-
trious history; on December 1, 1912, Dr. M. Anstice Harris and Alice
Whitaker opened a reading room in Dr. Harris' home to provide the commu-
nity with good reading material; and
WHEREAS, On March 14, 1913, a meeting was held to form a library asso-
ciation for Martinsburg, New York, and a constitution and by-laws were
adopted; and
WHEREAS, The first Martinsburg Free Library was opened in a room at
the home of Dr. M. Anstice Harris; Mrs. C. O. Thatcher served as the
first librarian; and
WHEREAS, The Martinsburg Free Library's first permanent home was
established in 1924 in the former Hazen home, purchased by William H.
Bush who then donated the property to the library association; the
library's name was then changed to William H. Bush Free Library; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, the Library Board of Trustees undertook the monu-
mental task of having the library building razed and replaced with a
"fire proof building, fronting on Main Street" as William H. Bush
requested in his will; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, July 26, 1980, an Open House was held in the
newly constructed Martinsburg library and was renamed the William H.
Bush Memorial Library; the library continues to serve and evolve in its
beautiful and spacious location; its circulation and cataloging system
were automated on March 26, 2007, under the auspices of the North Coun-
try Library System; and
WHEREAS, Under the able and skilled leadership of its current Direc-
tor, Karen Dening, the William H. Bush Memorial Library serves the 1,249
residents of the Town of Martinsburg with a collection size of 15,145
volumes; the Library circulates 9,500 items per year; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the William H.
Bush Memorial Library 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the William H. Bush Memorial
Library in Martinsburg, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Karen Dening, Director, William H. Bush Memorial Library.