LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Cragsmoor Free 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 citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Cragsmoor Free Library; this auspi-
cious occasion was celebrated with an art tour and party at the library
on Saturday, January 25, 2014, in Cragsmoor, New York; and
WHEREAS, During the late 1870s, Cragsmoor, New York, located in the
Northern Shawangunk Mountains, saw a dramatic shift in weather that
produced unusual flora and fauna, and extraordinary natural beauty;
subsequently, artists began to settle in the area, and an Artist Colony
was established; and
WHEREAS, The Cragsmoor Free Library was founded by this group of
artists and their spouses in 1913 with a collection of donated books;
after moving to various locations, a temporary charter was obtained in
1915, and in the early 1920s, the community came together and decided
the collection needed its own building; and
WHEREAS, In 1923, The Cragsmoor Free Library was designed and
constructed on land donated by Frederick Dellenbaugh; the library opened
in 1925, was chartered as an Association Library by New York State in
1949, and has been in continuous service to the public since that time;
and
WHEREAS, The library received a grant to pursue the admittance of
Cragsmoor to the National Register in the 1980s; on June 18, 1996, the
Cragsmoor Historic District was created and entered on the New York
State Register of Historic Places, and on August 7, 1996, the Cragsmoor
Historic District became part of the National Register of Historic Plac-
es; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, this small library has become a commu-
nity center; in addition to books, DVD's, newspapers and magazines,
there are several computers available to its patrons, as well as numer-
ous programs during the year that appeal to children and adults; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the original founders of the Cragsmoor Art Colo-
ny and their contemporaries donated many of their works to the library,
creating a truly unique and historical atmosphere; the Cragsmoor Free
Library continues to be a proud and vital part of life in the Town of
Cragsmoor, 100 years after it began; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Cragsmoor
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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Cragsmoor Free Library; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Cragsmoor Free Library.