Assembly Resolution No. 374

BY: M. of A. Otis

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the New
Rochelle Public Library Foundation on May 9, 2019

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 organizations 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 25th Anniversary of the New Rochelle Public Library to
be observed at a Gala on Thursday, May 9, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) Foundation was
established in 1993, on the occasion of the library's 100th Anniversary;
the foundation was officially launched with a Gala Centennial
Celebration on April 30, 1994, featuring prominent local residents who
shared the belief that a vibrant library is an essential component of a
culturally dynamic city like New Rochelle; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation's first major project, the Reach for
Tomorrow Campaign, was launched in the late 1990s to renovate the entire
second floor and to build an endowment fund to ensure the facility and
programs stay up-to-date and to meet the needs of New Rochelle's
residents; and

WHEREAS, As technology has advanced, the Foundation has focused on
updating the Library facility, computers, software and programming in an
effort to ensure that modern technology is accessible to all; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the NRPL Foundation has funded all or
part of numerous critical upgrades and modernization projects including
the renovation of the children's room, lobby, gallery area, the
reference and information service area, and the adult reading room; and

WHEREAS, This vital foundation implemented the One City, One Book
Community Reading Initiative, Spanish Storytime, and various programs
for both children and teenagers; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the NRPL Foundation redesigned the Library's
website; replaced worn, popular fiction books; established a foreign
language book collection; added to the E.L. Doctorow Local History Room
Collection; and provided funding for electronic newsletters and e-book
collection of adult fiction and nonfiction titles; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the New Rochelle Public Library
Foundation on May 9, 2019; and be it further

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