Senate Resolution No. 3092

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING the Uniondale Public Library upon the
occasion of celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2019

WHEREAS, Library programs provide the means for individuals to enter
a lifetime of learning while gaining cultural understanding and the
enhancement of global communication skills; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 library
institutions whose purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the
needs of its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Uniondale Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating
its 65th Anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, In early 1954, residents of Uniondale, New York, met and
created a Uniondale Library Association, and the first Chairman was Dr.
Philip Cosgrove who was also the President of the Uniondale Kiwanis
Club; through his insight, imagination and love for education, and
partnership with Kiwanis, the Uniondale Public Library was formed; and

WHEREAS, Through the support of the community, the Uniondale Library
Association collected desks, books, funds, hardware and paint, and
volunteers created the Library; local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops
collected three truckloads of books which were temporarily stored at
Dale Pharmacy; and

WHEREAS, The Uniondale Public Library officially opened its doors
for the first time to the public on September 1, 1954; under the
supervision of Ruth Ann Hawthorne and Helen Graves, a volunteer staff
served the people; and

WHEREAS, Within its first year, the Uniondale Public Library issued
almost 1,200 library cards, built a collection of over 7,000 books, and
operated solely on the volunteer efforts of the community without tax
support; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Uniondale Public Library book collection
contains 115,000 volumes, and various video and audio collections; under
the luminous leadership of Assistant Director Mara Marin, the Library
holds numerous public events including exercise, adult and children's
classes, and provides many services to the community such as tax filing
and job search assistance; and

WHEREAS, The Uniondale Public Library has been an invaluable
resource for residents of Uniondale for 65 years; people come to the
Library to connect, discover and learn through story times, book group,
and various programs for all ages; and

WHEREAS, A vital part of its community, this remarkable institution
has continually strived to provide outstanding service to a diverse
population of neighborhood residents; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Uniondale Public Library is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of the Library over the years; and

WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the Uniondale Public Library's
Board, President Deborah R. Mabry, Vice President Claude J. Mangum,
Ph.D., and members, Onisha R. Nichols, David Sweet, and Joann Urban; and
its superbly-skilled staff, whose involvement is and has always been
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on
behalf of the Library and the population it serves; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Uniondale
Public 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
commend the Uniondale Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating
its 65th Anniversary in 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mara Marin, Assistant Director, Uniondale Public Library.