Senate Resolution No. 2349

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 115th Anniversary of the Utica
Public Library

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
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of its 115th
Anniversary celebrated on Thursday, December 12, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The origins of the Utica Public Library dates to 1825, when
a private subscription library opened at the Broad Street offices of
Attorney Justus Rathbone; the library had 400 shareholders and 1,000
volumes and was known simply as the Utica Library; and

WHEREAS, In 1856, the Utica Library relocated to City Hall, where it
remained for 22 years; in 1895, a handwritten card catalog was
established which took three years to complete and totaled 58,000 cards;
and

WHEREAS, Four years later, with the book collection and demand for
services growing, a move to construct a new and permanent structure was
underway; during this time Thomas R. and Frederick T. Proctors donated
the land and W.P. White began a building fund; and

WHEREAS, On December 12, 1904, the Utica Public Library officially
opened following the transfer of more than 25,000 books from its
Elizabeth Street site; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, the Utica Public Library began the first phases of
a five-year renovation plan which brought major structural and aesthetic
improvements to the exterior and interior of the building; and

WHEREAS, That same year, the installation of an on-line computer
system gave both staff and the public access to the Library's own
inventory, as well as to the holdings of all the public libraries in
middle New York; furthermore, in 1993, a new phone system was installed,
giving the library state-of-the-art telecommunications capability and
allowing for future growth; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Utica Public Library's Community Room hosts many
events, and the Children's Room is home to weekly activities which help
promote early childhood learning; in addition, its monthly programs and
ongoing clubs for adults and children offer opportunities to learn,
exchange information and become a part of the community; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Utica Public Library is
committed to developing resources and enabling people to serve as a
source of information for the community; and


WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Utica
Public 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 115th Anniversary of the Utica Public Library; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Utica Public Library.