Senate Resolution No. 249

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING the Utica Public Library upon the
occasion of celebrating its 120th Anniversary on
December 12, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating its
120th Anniversary on Thursday, December 12, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The origins of a library in Utica, New York, date back to
1825 with the opening of a private subscription library, which housed
1,000 volumes, at the offices of Attorney Justus Rathbone; known
originally as the Utica Library, the enterprise relocated several times
to accommodate its growth; and

WHEREAS, In 1838, Utica's first free public library was established
upon the designation of school district libraries in New York State;
four years later, the Utica Library was called the City Library, and a
State appropriation fund provided an additional 700 volumes; and

WHEREAS, The City Library relocated to City Hall in 1856 and
remained at that location for 22 years; throughout the years, numerous
volumes were acquired, immensely expanding the collection; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Regents granted a Charter on June 21, 1893,
and the first Board was organized in September; Robert S. Williams was
the first President, and Louisa S. Cutler was the first Librarian; in
1895, after three years to complete a handwritten card catalog, the
Library had 58,000 cards for public access; and

WHEREAS, Upon approval by the citizens of Utica, the financing for
the project to construct a new, permanent building commenced in 1899;
the cornerstone was laid on May 3, 1903; on December 12, 1904, after
more than 25,000 books were transferred from a previous location, the
Utica Public Library officially opened; and

WHEREAS, On December 12, 2004, the Utica Public Library celebrated
its Centennial Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Adapting to continual advancements in the public sector
throughout these 120 years, the Utica Public Library has served its
visitors competently; the culmination of generous philanthropy, civic
leadership, governmental support, and exceptional staff members has
provided an unwavering cornerstone of the community that will endure for
future generations; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Utica Public Library is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and

always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating its
120th Anniversary on December 12, 2024; and be it further

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