LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Richmond
Memorial 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 of its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of Richmond Memorial Library, at its Tea
with the Richmonds Celebration, on Thursday, April 3, 2014, in Batavia,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Active within her community and known for both her charity
and sharp business acumen, Mary E. Richmond memorialized her late son
and husband with the donation of The Richmond Memorial Library; and
WHEREAS, The Richmond Memorial Library is as vital and important today
as it was when it first opened to the public April 6, 1889; it has been
able to remain true to its founder's vision even as it adapted to meet
changing times over more than a century; and
WHEREAS, Construction of the Richmond Memorial Library began on July
11, 1887, and the building was formally presented to the Union Free
School District No. 2, now Batavia City School District, on March 12,
1889; and
WHEREAS, Mary Elizabeth Wood served as the first Librarian and set a
tone of service by instituting a story hour for children; generations of
librarians have followed in her footsteps, each seeking new ways of
encouraging people of all ages to read; and
WHEREAS, Today, Richmond Memorial Library serves the public in count-
less ways and has been instrumental in the success of the Muriel H.
Marshall Fund for the Aging in Genesee County which, with the SAGE
program, delivers books and other items to senior citizens unable to
travel to the library; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the library offers its space for community meet-
ings and serves as a gallery for the display of local art work; as a
member of the NIOGA Library System, Richmond Memorial Library provides
access to research and other materials far beyond the means of a single
community library; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Richmond Memorial Library has undergone
vast changes and its offerings go far beyond books; its purpose, howev-
er, remains true to its 125 year old vision of service to the community;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Richmond Memorial Library; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richmond Memorial Library.