LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Albany History Race Program at the
Albany Public Library upon the occasion of receiving the Adult Program
of the Year Award by the Upper Hudson Library System on June 10, 2015

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 honor the
Albany History Race Program at the Albany Public Library upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Adult Program of the Year Award by the Upper
Hudson Library System, to be celebrated at the 2015 Upper Hudson Library
System Annual Dinner, on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at the Century House,
Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes library programs which make
a real and positive difference in their communities; the Albany History
Race Program at the Albany Public Library truly educated, entertained,
and empowered the Albany community; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director, Scott
Jarzombek, the Adult Services librarians at the Albany Public Library
have created numerous dynamic and informative programs which support
literacy, financial security, entrepreneurship, and the arts; the Albany
History Race was comprised of a one-day team competition and tour of
many historic buildings and sites within the city of Albany; and
WHEREAS, This vital program successfully strengthened the Albany
Public Library's reputation as a curator of local history, forged
relationships with local businesses, delighted passionate history buffs,
and engaged library followers; and
WHEREAS, Local history librarian and Albany native, Jim Davies,
created the Albany History Race, which introduced people to the capital
city's heritage in a fun and interesting way, by joining an old-fash-
ioned scavenger hunt with the popular television show THE AMAZING RACE;
and
WHEREAS, 17 teams of more than 50 enthusiastic competitors drove
around Albany on a Saturday afternoon in November of 2014, completing
various challenges related to the city's rich history; and
WHEREAS, Jim Davies crafted mission clues using pamphlets, photo-
graphs, yearbooks, newspapers, books, and maps from the Albany Public
Library's Pruyn Collection of Albany History; the resulting clues led
teams to 12 spots around Albany, including the old YMCA building on
North Pearl Street, the former Cataract Brewery on Park Avenue, and a
trolley pole that still stands on Quail Street; and
WHEREAS, The teams documented their visits to the clue locations with
digital photos, and once all the clues were deciphered, and locations
visited, teams raced to McGeary's Pub to determine the winners; the top
three teams received bragging rights and prizes, which were procured
from local businesses; and
WHEREAS, By combining an old-fashioned scavenger hunt, intriguing
pieces of local history, and social outreach, Jim Davies was able to
craft an exciting adult program which sparked an interest in Albany's
history and the library's extensive collection; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Albany
Public 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
honor the Albany History Race Program at the Albany Public Library upon
the occasion of receiving the Adult Program of the Year Award by the
Upper Hudson Library System on June 10, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Scott Jarzombek, Executive Director, Albany Public Library.