LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Sunshine Hall Free Library on June 30, 2016

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 Sunshine Hall Free Library, to be
recognized with a Centennial Celebration on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at
the Carriage House, Barryville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Sunshine Hall Free Library was officially chartered by
New York State 1916; much of the enthusiasm for this new venture came
about as the result of the efforts of its first librarian, Walter B.
Styles; and
WHEREAS, The Sunshine Hall Free Library grew to more than 1100 active
members by 1919, an amazing fact considering that the population of the
Town of Highland at the time was approximately 900; a survey completed
that year ranked Highland number three in the entire State for reading
fiction and non-fiction, which was quite an accomplishment for a rural
community; and
WHEREAS, The decade of the 1920s was one of enormous change in the
United States, and in Sullivan County; nationwide there were great popu-
lation shifts, women were entering the workforce in larger numbers than
ever before and the automobile was becoming accessible to the common
person; and
WHEREAS, Although tucked in a corner of Sullivan County and isolated
from much of this transition, the Sunshine Hall Free Library was faced
with change as well; the library had simply outgrown its accommodations
in Sunshine Hall and the membership continued to grow, as did the insti-
tution's role in the community; and
WHEREAS, During this time, it went on record to pledge itself to
assume responsibility for the erection of a new library building and the
conversion of the old building into a community building; the new build-
ing was erected and the old building was remodeled; and
WHEREAS, The Sunshine Hall Free Library was developing from its modest
beginning to a force for good; its sphere of activity was continually
broadening and it developed a real live community spirit, serving High-
land, Lumberland and Shohola Townships as well as many other villages
and towns; and
WHEREAS, The people of these communities came together once again, and
the result was a new, modern library building; above the brick and
mortar of the structure itself was the notion that it had all sprung
from very humble beginnings to become a major force for good in the
community; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July to the
Christmas holidays, Sunshine Hall Free Library had truly become the
center of community life; and
WHEREAS, More than any other, the name of Walter B. Styles became
virtually synonymous with the library through much of its early life, as
he gave freely of his time and energy to tirelessly promote and develop
its usefulness as an education center; and
WHEREAS, Today, located in Eldred, New York, and under the able lead-
ership of its Library Director Patricia Kennedy, the Sunshine Hall Free

Library has become every bit as much a part of the community as the
community has been a part of it; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Sunshine
Hall Free Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it
looks forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural and
intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Sunshine Hall Free Library; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Sunshine Hall Free Library.