Senate Resolution No. 3335

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING the Plainedge Public Library upon the
occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary

WHEREAS, Library programs provide the means for individuals to enter
a lifetime of learning while gaining cultural understanding and the
enhancement of global communication skills; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 library
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
commend the Plainedge Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating
its 60th Anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, The first library services in Plainedge, New York, were
provided by the local Kiwanis Club, which collected and dispersed a
small collection of books; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, a group of Plainedge citizens organized a small
community library which was housed in one room in the Southedge Junior
High; the entire library was stocked with donated books and staffed
entirely by volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Upon its closure, a referendum to establish a tax-supported
public library in Plainedge was held on November 17, 1962, and voters
overwhelmingly approved the proposal; a New York State Provisional
Charter was granted in March of 1963, and the Plainedge Public Library
opened its doors to the public for the first time on October 22, 1963;
and

WHEREAS, As the community grew, so did the demand for expanded
library services; on October 22, 1966, Plainedge residents once again
approved a bond, and the construction of a new library building soon
began; and

WHEREAS, The new 20,000 square foot, modern Plainedge Public Library
opened its doors directly across the street from its original store
front on Monday, September 9, 1968; by the end of the day, 600 ecstatic
residents had visited the new Library, and by the end of the week, 8,500
books were borrowed, and 200 new cards were issued; and

WHEREAS, After waiting for this day for 15 years, residents were
happy to receive a permanent New York State Charter on September 28,
1968; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Director Michele
Lipson, the Plainedge Public Library provides a myriad of services which
include museum passes, career and job training assistance, young adult

services, children services, high school and college student academic
assistance, and multilingual services; and

WHEREAS, The Plainedge Public Library has been an invaluable
resource for the residents of the Hamlet of Plainedge for 60 years;
people come to the Library to connect, discover and learn through story
times, book group, and various programs for all ages; and

WHEREAS, A vital part of its community, this remarkable institution
has continually strived to provide outstanding service to a diverse
population of neighborhood residents; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Plainedge Public Library is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of the Library over the years; and

WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the Plainedge Public Library's
Board, President Ellen Ryder, Vice President Laura Oden-Bell, and
Trustees Am Doxsey, Michael Giris, and Doreen Oliver; and its
superbly-skilled staff, whose involvement is and has always been
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on
behalf of the Library and the population it serves; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Plainedge
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
commend the Plainedge Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating
its 60th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michele Lipson, Director, Plainedge Public Library.