LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brookhaven Free Library 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 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
the Brookhaven Free Library upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th
Anniversary, to be celebrated on Sunday, May 20, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Brookhaven Free Library began in 1912, with 27 local
ladies who started the Fireplace Library Club, which has since morphed
into the Fireplace Literary Club and continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, The Library was initially housed in the Brookhaven Elementary
School and when its book collection grew, that urged James Howell Post
to donate the land and contribute funds for the building's construction,
which started in 1923; the library opened its doors in 1926; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, there have been many additions to the
Brookhaven Free Library including the one that Charles Oliver Wellington
contributed to their first Children's Room in 1959; and
WHEREAS, A new Children's Room was built in 1989; another small exten-
sion came on board in 2005, and there was interior restoration that took
place in 2008, one that replaced the shelving for the non-fiction books
with new wood resting places; and
WHEREAS, The Brookhaven Free Library building is 5,000 square feet on
one floor, and offers 30,000 books; and
WHEREAS, All through the Library are interesting nooks, like the
seafaring collection, antique books like the 1909 edition of "The Last
of the Mohicans," and unusual items like the double-barreled rifle with
an interesting story; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Brookhaven Free Library has about 5,000 cardhold-
ers and 18 staffers; and
WHEREAS, Known for its children's programs, the library staff members
come up with fun events, like its pet parade that has been taking place
on and off for 25 years, a Mother Goose Let's Sing, the St. Patrick's
Day Gold Hunt outside on the lawn, and Kid Med; and
WHEREAS, The Brookhaven Free Library's best known event is its annual
Holiday Sing, where an outside singer comes to the library to sing
carols with children and parents; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Brookhaven
Free 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 the Brookhaven Free Library 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 Library Director Kathleen Scheibel, the Brookhaven Free
Library.