A centennial history of the Altamont Free Library
Prelude
A good library benefits all the people of a community.
It enriches the social life of the community.
Man is essentially a social being and the value of his life depends greatly on the degree of intelligence and the wealth of ideas he finds in his environment.
Every man is impoverished when compelled to live in an atmosphere of impoverished ideas; every man is enriched when the world of ideas in which he moves is enriched.
Every influence that promotes intelligence, that enriches or enlarges the common stock of ideas of a community, makes life more valuable for everyone in that community; and every good book that goes out of the library is such an influence.
— Schuyler C. Phillips, president
Altamont Free Library Annual Report
Jan. 7, 1926
This is the story of the first 100 years of the Altamont Free Library, with its roots firmly planted in the earliest days of our village, when a small group of residents formed its very foundation. It has been a journey of passion, patience, hardship and deep commitment to literacy as vital to the core of our community.
And thus, from Altamont’s very beginnings, there has been a steadfast, unwavering dedication to creating, maintaining, and ultimately establishing a permanent home for a library.
As we close these first 100 years, it is perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the people of this community to be able to say, yes, at long last, we have found that home — the preserved, historic, focal point of the community — the Altamont train station.
But how was this achieved? What were the milestones along the way? Who were the people who devoted so much of their lives to such an enterprise? Where did the necessary support derive? It is said that it takes a village, but what exactly does that mean?
Here is our story.
THOSE EARLY YEARS
“While we are disciples of the forward movement, we are also believers in a backward look that holds the encouragement and the inspiration found in the past record of this Library that is our responsibility and our opportunity.
— Altamont Free Library Annual Report, 1936
The Knowersville Library Association
The year was 1882, the location was the hamlet of Knowersville, settled in the mid-1700s, and eight years before the village of Altamont was incorporated. A group of residents came together, and, with the conviction that literacy is vital to a community’s well-being, they decided to organize the Knowersville Library Association.
Two years later, in 1884, the Knowersville Library opened “at all hours” in the home of Nathaniel Sturges at 109-111 Maple Ave. Mr. Sturges served as the first librarian. Only dues-paying Library Association members were allowed to borrow books, at 10 cents a quarter. A fee of two cents was collected when a book was borrowed. Association officers in 1885 were George Lainhart, President; Sidney Crounse, Secretary; and Montford Sand, Treasurer.
As reported by village resident Keith Lee in his book, “Images of America: Altamont”: “By 1888, the Knowersville Library Association had some 400 titles available for lending at 2 cents per week per volume. For a fundraiser, to purchase 200 additional titles, the Association raffled the latest addition of the Webster Unabridged Dictionary, at 25 cents a ticket.” One-hundred-and-sixteen chances were sold.
It was during 1888 that the Knowersville Library Association Board decided to become a circulating Library, open to the public. Its reasoning:
“All will recognize the fact that in placing at the disposal of the public, a library of well selected works ....it is opening up a fountain of information from which it is well to take long and deep draughts. Parents, read yourselves, and inspire your children with a desire in the same direction. How much better to invest a trifle and have your homes well-supplied with good, sound, wholesome reading matter that will instruct both old and young, than to trifle away our time in ways of questionable repute.”
— The Altamont Enterprise,
December 15, 1888
In 1887, the hamlet of Knowersville was renamed Altamont, and, in 1890, the Village was incorporated. The Knowersville Library remained in existence at Nathaniel Sturges’s home for some years until it was temporarily moved to storage in 1894 at the Temperance Hall at 115 Lincoln Avenue until a new home could be found.
It was the Altamont Wheelmen, a group of resident bicyclists, who came to the rescue, by making room for the library in their quarters in J.S. Secor’s warehouse near what is now 125 Maple Ave. The Knowersville Library remained with the Wheelmen for at least three years, until 1897, after which no more ads or mention of the library appeared in the newspaper. Could the Knowersville Library have been closed that year? It remains a mystery.
The Colony Club takes charge
In 1916, a group of civic-minded women, who valued and promoted community literacy, took up the torch. They were known as the Colony Club (originally spelled Kolony Klub). Thirteen women established the club in 1907 under the leadership of Mrs. Ella (Jesse) Crounse, with Mrs. Blanche (Elwood) Blessing serving as its first President. They were a ladies' literary group offering a gathering place to discuss literary works and issues of the day.
They met at least once a month; the initial membership was 30 women. Their motto was, “What we learn with pleasure we never forget,” and one of the “signature” aspects of their gatherings was at pre-meeting roll when each lady would respond with a quote, an historical name, or a literary reference — whatever the agenda called for. The Club sponsored, concerts, lectures, and educational programs” throughout its long tenure.
“At Sturges Hall, Monday evening May 8, the progressive Colony Club launched its latest project for the benefit and improvement of Altamont — a free library.
— Altamont Enterprise, May 1916
The Altamont Free Library is established
It was on that day, May 8, 1916, that of a handful of Altamont women from the Colony Club, their husbands and members of the old Knowersville Library Association, a total of thirty community citizens, decided to organize a “free library,” create and adopt a constitution, and elect the first seven trustees.
A representative from the NYS Education Department was present to explain the three possible structures under which they could organize: as a “public library” owned by the Village and supported by taxation; as a “private library” open to members of an association only and supported by book charges and dues; or as a “free library,” owned by a chartered association under the general direction of the NYS Library and supported by private donations and a share of state monies.
After a thorough discussion, the free library was decided upon as most advisable, giving free use of all books to any village resident.
— Altamont Enterprise, May 12, 1916
Mr. Edwin Sturges, son of Nathaniel Sturges, Knowersville Library Association’s first Librarian, served as the Chairman/President of the Board, Mrs. Anna Gray (Stephen) Ostrander served as the first Librarian, and the Altamont Free Library opened for business on July 26, 1916 at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Sturges at 109-11 Maple Avenue.
Organization and governance
The Altamont Free Library, as established in 1916, operated under a provisional charter, and was to be governed by a chartered Association. The charter was renewed by the State every five years, from 1916 to 1963. In 1963, a permanent charter was issued by the State Education Department (Bureau of Library Extension) of the State of New York.
For State funding and apportionment purposes, it was determined that the Altamont Free Library would serve a 22-square-mile area in the Town of Guilderland, with the Town of Knox added later in the Library's tenure. In 1960, the Library became a member of the Upper Hudson Library Federation, which provides affiliation with the Albany and Rensselaer County Libraries, giving all patrons access to each library through inter-library loan.
THE PEOPLE
The volunteers
Not alone are we in establishing our Library.
— Altamont Free Library Annual Report, 1918-1919
The story of the Altamont Free Library is the story of countless people who devoted countless hours and years of their lives to ensure that their community had a strong library presence.
All told, hundreds of Altamont residents have actively supported the growth and development of the Library. Leading citizens with recognizable names such as Van Aernem, Crounse, Blessing, Chesebro, Ostrander, Farnsworth, Taber, Keenholts, Ogsbury, Lainhart, Sand, and Whipple formed the foundation; mid-century well-known names, including Gregg, Westfall, Keenholts, Cole, Secor, Livingston, Weaver, Warner, Bivona, Walters, and Heins took up the mantel; and, in more recent decades, names emerged like Elgie, Hughes, Linendoll, Spohr, Terplak, Dague, Kirk.
In the past twenty years, as the Library moved to its permanent home, amazing devotion also was demonstrated by a core of people to whom the Library will forever be indebted, including Kossmann, Cure, Capuano, Ketcham, Spohr, Ginsburg, Howie, Quackenbush, and Hill.
These people believed literacy is at the core of a civilized society, and acted upon that belief. Through the years, this volunteer support never ebbed. Every generation, every decade, every facet of the community came forward, and there has never been a time in all these years when there wasn’t a core group of people whose dedication and devotion kept the Library strong and maintained its well-being.
Our library is with us today, one of the most desirable of community assets, because men and women here have interested themselves in its activities, have been of service and of substance, have carried its responsibilities and its influence on their hearts.
— Altamont Free Library, 1940
The board of trustees
Dozens of people have served as Trustees over the years. The number of Trustees began with 7, went to 8, then 9, and has since grown to 15. In addition, from the very beginning, standing committees were established. These committees originally included Finance, Book Selection and Administration, with each committee consisting of two trustees and two volunteer advisory members from the Association. Later, the Committee structure expanded to include Publicity, Property, and Historical Data as well as others.
One just has to look at the length of service of some of the Library’s leaders over the years to gain some insight into the dedication of these people. There are many stories of passion and commitment over the past 100 years, but four people can be especially acknowledged for their steadfast support for decades.
Blanche Blessing deserves our utmost gratitude for the instrumental role she played in the founding of the Library, serving as its secretary for 31 years, and continuing her support until her death in 1961 at age 88.
It is through her beautifully written and concise minutes that we have a very clear record of the Library’s early years. Mrs. Blessing served as the first President of the Colony Club and was on its executive committee at the time the Altamont Free Library was established. She was its first Secretary in 1916, serving in this capacity until 1946, and continued to support the Library long after she retired. She was viewed as a highly respected and loved civic leader. We owe the Library’s very existence in great part to Blanche Blessing.
The Trustees deeply appreciate Mrs. Blessings services... especially those services and gifts cheerfully given, which were not a part of her duties as secretary.
— Altamont Free Library Annual Report, 1947
Edwin Fowler also deserves special recognition for his 25 years of service as President of the Library Board of Trustees. He guided the Library through very difficult economic times, through the community sacrifices of two world wars and through continued growth of the Library, which required several moves to new and expanded space.
Another long-time devotee of the Library was Jessie (D. Wright) Westfall, serving as Board member for 25 years, as Treasurer of the Board for eight of those years and President for seventeen. Jessie was the sister-in law of the well-known Leo Westfall family of Altamont.
One other more recent Library advocates who deserve special recognition is Pat (Thomas) Spohr. A kindergarten teacher by profession, Pat first became involved with the Altamont Library as Trustee in 1975, and has since served as Secretary, and President and on many, many various assignments. She has been a strong advocate for all things concerning the Library for over 40 years, and spearheaded the successful drive to find a permanent home for the Library — the historic Altamont train station. The community owes Pat a deep debt of gratitude for all her efforts.
Presidents
| Edwin Sturges | 1916-1918 |
| Robert Shannon | 1918-1920 |
| Rev. George Furbeck | 1920-1922 |
| Schuyler Phillips | 1922-1926 |
| Edwin Fowler | 1926-1951 |
| Verner Sharp | 1952-1954 |
| Arthur Gregg | 1954-1956 |
| Luther Warner | 1957-1965 |
| Jessie Westfall | 1965-1982 |
| Pat Spohr | 1982-1985 |
| Joan Benson/Esther Goodfellow | 1986 |
| Merritt Glennon | 1987-1989 |
| Patricia Perfetto | 1990 |
| Stewart Linendoll | 1991-1992 |
| Yvette Terplak | 1993-1994 |
| Stewart Linendoll | 1995 |
| Yvette Terplak | 1993-1994 |
| Deborah Katz | 1996-1997 |
| Susan Burke | 1997 |
| Christine Capuano | 1998-2001 |
| Pat Spohr | 2002-2003 |
| Barbara Quackenbush | 2004-2005 |
| Tony Kossmann | 2006-2007 |
| Dan Capuano | 2008-2009 |
| Linda Cure | 2010 |
| Tony Kossmann | 2011-2012 |
| Sally Dague | 2013-2014 |
| Yvette Terplak | 2015-2016 |
The librarians
There has also been an amazing show of dedication to the Altamont Free Library by our Librarians. And over the years, several deserve special recognition for their lengthy terms of service and/or their exemplary service during a period of great advancement or challenge.
Mrs. Anna (Stephen) Ostrander, our first Librarian, served for an astounding 25 years from 1916 to 1941. She lived with the Library in its first locations, maintained the facilities, and was devoted to its service. During her tenure, Mrs. Ostrander moved the Library to new quarters four times.
She led the Library through the lean years of the Depression, when the Library’s funds were frozen in the Altamont bank, and through the difficult days of WWI. Only failing health could cause her to ultimately relinquish her post, although her support and love for the Library never ebbed.
The cheer and friendliness of her personality remain with us — a valued heritage. She gave herself to the up building of our community library and the gift is a memorial of lasting worth.
— Altamont Free Library Annual Report, 1942
Mrs. Mary (Harry) Weaver, having supported the Library for years, took the helm in 1945 and served as Librarian for 16 years. Ruth Painter served the Library in several capacities prior to assuming the leadership in 1967. She also served for 25 years.
Judith Wines came to the Library in 2005, just as the Library Board closed on the purchase of the Altamont Train Station. For the next nine years, Judith championed the effort to develop plans, secure funding, oversee a $1.2 million renovation, orchestrate the two moves and complete the first year of operation of the newly completed facility.
This was an immense undertaking and there are many in the community who attribute Judith’s sound, reasoned, unfailing, genial leadership to the success of the project. Judith was the right person at the right time, and the community of Altamont will forever to her be indebted. In addition to spearheading this massive effort, Judith was also known for her innovative programming ideas. In 2013, Judith received both the L. Marion Moshier and Asa Wynkoop Award for Distinguished Librarianship, and the Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award. In 2015, she received the American Library Association Scholastic Library Publishing Award for her extensive programming and outreach efforts for the Altamont Free Library.
Librarians
Anna (Stephen) Ostrander 1916-1941
May (Millard) Whipple 1941-1944
Lucille (Luther) Secor 1944-1944
Mary (Harry) Weaver 1945-1961
Mrs. Alfred H. Meese 1961-1961
Elma Keiter 1961-1964
Charlotte (Daniel) Ferguson 1964-1967
Ruth Painter 1967-1992
Helen King 1992-2001
Ginny LaJuene 2001-2005
Judith Wines 2005-2014
Joe Burke 2015 - present
The books
“ ...books are the record of human wisdom and achievement, and the vehicle of men’s best inspiration and noblest entertainment.
— Altamont Free Library Annual Report 1924
The Altamont Free Library began operation in 1916-1917 with 482 volumes, 108 of which were donated. In a community of 900, circulation that year was 4,678. Over the next 100 years, the library has grown steadily, increasing not only in the number of volumes, to over 13,000 today, but in the variety of its holdings. Such holdings included magazines and phonographic records in the early days to e-books, iPods, audio books and fishing poles today.
In addition, the public has consistently donated books and reference materials over the years, as has the NY State Library and the Upper Hudson Library Association. With the help of donations and government aid, the Altamont Free Library has been able to keep pace with the influx of printed material and the changing world of technology, including its first computer in 1980.
As a side note, for a time in 1940s and ’50s, all new book purchases were announced in The Altamont Enterprise and the Library received the nickname “Bookland” in the press.
Circulation
|
Years |
1916 | 1941 | 1966 | 1982 | 2015 |
| Volumes | 482 | 4,459 | 6,169 | 12,071 | 13,200 |
| Circulation | 4,678 | 10,983 | n/a | 16,368 | 31,000 |
I am your community library.....
And year by year my friendship with you,
your friendship with me,
has deepened and extended.
You have come to me, you grownup folk,
in varying moods.
Sometimes you’ve wanted to be entertained.
And fiction has been your request.
Another time you’ve yearned
to visit a faraway place
And a travel book has been placed in your hand.
Or it may be you are interested in pottery, china,
furniture, glassware of grandmother’s day.
Well, I even had what you wanted along that line.
Maybe you wanted to get better acquainted
with some great man or woman.
Turning to the biography section,
you found just what you were looking for!
But it’s not only the grownup that comes to me
looking for book treasurers.
Every library day brings through my doors
the boys, the girls!
They come so gayly, they go so happily,
A reading treat before them
in the books they are carrying home.
— Altamont Free Library, Letter to the Editor
Altamont Enterprise, February 1939
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
State, Town, and Village operating funds
From the very beginning, the New York State Education Department and the Village of Altamont have steadfastly provided support of the Altamont Free Library. Each provided $100 at the beginning with ever-increasing funding as the Library grew. In 1958, the Library also decided to join the Guilderland Library Program, and the Town of Guilderland has provided support to the Library ever since. In later years, the Knox Town Board voted to provide funding since the Library serves this area as well.
In 1960, the Library decided to join the Upper Hudson Library Federation, which included Albany and Rensselaer County Libraries, in part because it provided further access to state funds. This funding is based on a State-Aid apportionment formula, which is set at 22 square miles for Altamont and 34 square miles for Guilderland. It was also discussed in the 1960s whether to request funding from the local school district, along with Guilderland Library, but the Board decided against it. Federal funds were also sought in 1964, but the Library was determined ineligible.
Operating funds from these government sources have been integral to the success of the Altamont Free Library, and the people of Altamont are indebted to the officials who have made this possible.
The Colony Club
The Colony Club supported the Altamont Free Library for the first 16 years of its operation, with annual financial support, and through sponsoring fundraising events — such as operettas and bake sales. It was a tremendous loss to the Library when the organization disbanded in 1932. Always generous, its final donation was the Club’s remaining fund balance.
The annual community canvas
Membership provided the primary source of funds for the Library from its inception. Residents could borrow books at no cost but, if you wanted to vote for the officers and trustees at the Annual Meeting, you had to become a member of the Altamont Free Library Association, which cost $1 per year. When the Library opened in July 1916, there were over 175 members.
In 1917, it was decided to canvass the Village, asking for contributions for Altamont’s apportionment for the Library WWI Fund. This was the beginning of what would become an annual canvass of the village for Library memberships and support that would last for over 40 years. Volunteer solicitors were appointed for each Altamont street, and letters were sent to neighboring individuals.
In later years, The Enterprise listed all individual donors, as well as business contributors. The annual canvass appears to have been disbanded in the early 1960s.
“We ask that you consider the place our library holds in our community; the service it renders, the influence it sends out, and what it has meant and continues to mean to you personally. Then give commensurate to your estimate of its worth as a village investment.”
— Annual Canvass Being Made For Library
Altamont Enterprise, 1950
It should also be mentioned that occasionally, a special canvassing appeal was made when Library funding was in jeopardy. One occasion was in 1933 when the United States government closed all banks due to the Depression, and the Library’s funds held in the First National Bank were frozen. “It is absolutely up to you whether our library closes or continues to carry on,” AFL 1933.
Another special appeal came when funds were needed to support a move, as was the case in 1950. A special appeal was made in 1923 when there was a slight falling off of membership “due in great measure to the fact that the radio now takes some of the time that was formerly devoted to reading,”AFL 1923.
The community always stepped forward to heed the call.
Financial practices
One final note on operating funds must be mentioned. For the years between 1976 and 1982, the Library wisely invested a percentage of its funds in Certificates of Deposit (CDs), which for those years ranged in earnings from 7.5 percent to 11.1 percent, which provided a nice little addition to the operating budget for those years!
Community support and events
Community groups came forward on many occasions in support of the Library, including the Community Chorus, the Laurel Band Class and Bible Class of the Altamont Reformed Church, and the Mothers’ Club, all prior to 1940. The St. John’s Lutheran Church Women were also instrumental in preparations when the Upper Hudson Library Federation met in Altamont, and the Altamont Senior Citizens helped fund a movie projector. Altamont Elementary School children donated funds from their annual fair, the Altamont Business Association donated bookmarks, and the local Business and Professional Women made a contribution.
And, yes, beginning in 1934, a series of bake sales were held to make up for the loss of funding at the disbanding of the Colony Club. Bake sales continue to be a lucrative source of funds to this day.
In 1939, the three local churches came together to hold a community-wide White Elephant Sale and Lenten Supper for 300 at the Masonic Hall. These two events offer hints of the future as the annual I Love My Library Gala now in its ninth year, had raised close to $17,000 in 2016. And we must not forget the Annual Chicken BBQ, which has generated hundreds of dollars a year for the Library’s coffer.
The Kiwanis Club almost single-handedly refurbished the space for the Library when it moved into the Lainhart Building in 1961. The club also donated a full set of World Book Encyclopedias in 1967.
In addition to the more traditional Library holdings, the Library has also been the recipient of many artifacts and artwork.
In later years, as a new permanent home was in sight, many community groups came forward to support the Library, all of which cannot be mentioned here, but for which the Library is immensely grateful.
Memorials, bequests, grants, and business operational support
Over the years, the Library has received many gifts in honor or in memory of family members. The gifts include: the John B. Brownell Fund in honor of Mrs. Elton Walker’s father in 1919; a bequest from the estate of Christine Livingston, a long-time Library trustee; and a bequest from the estate of Jennie Wasson (her sister Mary Wasson was an original founder of the Library).
More recently, generous contributions from friends and families continue to provide support for the many innovative programs and operations that define the Altamont Free Library.
The Altamont Free Library also recognizes the impact of local business and corporate support, as well as foundation grants. Since the Library’s inception, the business community has stepped forward and has been instrumental in helping to secure many of the locations for the Library. In recent years, many businesses annually donate goods, services and money to the Library Gala Auction which has resulted in thousands of dollars for Library operations.
In addition, organizations, such as the NY Arts Council have also contributed routinely to Library public programming.
Giving back to the community
I am your community library.
I take pride and pleasure
in the position I hold among you.
And I give ... I give all that I am
and have to you ...my friends.
To you...my boys, my girls, my patrons of older years
— Altamont Free Library, Letter to the Editor
The Altamont Enterprise, February 1939
From its very beginning, in addition to providing access to books, magazines, movies, patterns, puzzles, computers and other materials, the Altamont Free Library has had an extensive service and program component.
In 1917, the Library solicited donations of books for Soldiers and Sailors, and purchased books related to WWI for patrons. During this time, the Library served as the distribution center for leaflets concerning the conservation and preparation of food, war recipes, etc. provided by the government.
The Library has always participated in community events, such as a float for the 4th of July Parade in 1920, and once again participated in a Victory Book Campaign for distribution to members of the armed services during WWII. Children Book Weeks were also held, although the first such event had to be postponed due to a whooping cough epidemic.
In 1962, the Children’s Story Hour was initiated, open to the public, and organized by local volunteers, with volunteer Stewart Linendoll a favorite reader. In 1968, a five-week summer-reading program was initiated with books coming from all over the country in support. A loan program for the Guilderland Nursing Home was implemented, as were programs for the group home, Helderberg House. A program for Altamont’s shut-ins was organized and Meet the Local candidates forums were held.
Programming by the Library has taken off since the 1970s, from coupon exchanges, an artists’ group, and Friday afternoon children’s movies, to a bicycle workshop, candlewicking, computer training, and more recently trivial-pursuit night, Eat Around the World Potluck Dinners, and many varied guest speakers. One especially creative project, an idea of Librarian Judith Wines to get middle- and high-schoolers more involved, was designing skateboards, and then using them to make deliveries to seniors around town. This “Create Your Skate” program received a Program of the Year Award in 2013 from the Upper Hudson Library System.
The Long and Winding Road
The Beatles’ song noted above perhaps sums up the journey of the Altamont Free Library in finding a permanent home. It took almost 100 years, hundreds of people and thousands of dollars, but, in the end, the effort proved successful. The journey began in 1916, and continued:
The Altamont Free Library Opens
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Sturges
109-111 Maple Avenue
Jacob Van Aernam building,
known as the Heck House
115 Maple Avenue
Hellenbeck Building,
Second Floor (Fredendall Funeral Home)
199 Main St.
Beebe Harness Shop (ReNue Spa),
Front Area,
119 Maple Avenue
Frederick Keenholts purchases building,
Move to Back Area
119 Maple Avenue
Lainhart Building,
Former Post Office Space
112 Maple Avenue
National Commercial Bank Bldg
(KeyBank), basement
105 Park Street
Altamont Train Station,
Purchased by Library 2005,
becomes final home
179 Main Street
The journey to find a permanent site actually began in July 1918 when the first Building Fund was established. Over the years, the fund grew slowly through designated contributions. Other properties were considered over the years, but decided against including: in 1921, the upper floor of the Altamont Enterprise building; in 1964, purchasing the Mynderse residence at the corner of Park and Main streets; purchasing the Lainhart Building for $16,500; in 1968, the Village considered giving the old firehouse on Maple Avenue to the Library; and, in 1994, the Village offered to lease the former tennis court property on Maple Avenue to the Library for construction of a new facility. All of these options were ultimately rejected by the Library Trustees.
And the dream comes true, 100 years later
Since 1972, the Library had been housed in the basement of the KeyBank building, which isn’t accessible to people with handicaps. In 2005, the Library Board decided it was imperative to find a fully accessible facility so all community residents could be served. Through the efforts of Library Trustees, the Town of Guilderland agreed to finance the purchase of the Altamont Train Station by issuing a $300,000 bond. However, because the building was a designated historic site, and because of its deteriorated condition, what had hoped would be a two-year renovation effort became an eight-year, $1.2 million project. And 2005 just happened to be the same year Judith Wines became Altamont Free Library’s Librarian and Judith saw the project through from beginning to end.
An incredible amount of work and planning was required, and Argus Architecture and Preservation, P.C. created a design that preserved the historic features, while accommodating the needs of a library. The new Library is approximately 2,100 square feet and includes a children’s area, a meeting/conference room for a variety of programs and group meetings, as well as many energy conservation measures such as a solar panel hot water system for the restroom and kitchenette.
The generosity of over 500 individual donors, plus hundreds of pennies from schoolchildren; Village, Town, and State appropriations through the Public Library Construction Grant Program; member items from now retired-State Assemblyman Jack McEneny, from Senator Neil Breslin, and from State Senator George Amedore; major grants from the New York Environmental Protection Fund and State Arts Council; and, significant corporate donations and foundation grants made the project possible.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all were the volunteers. Hundreds of residents and friends stepped up — craftsmen, trustees, family members, children, business owners, a campaign council, library staff, the elderly, the teens. It was a labor of love, an incredible example of individuals coming together to solve a community problem. What a testament to our Village, and to all who understand the inherent value in supporting a community library!
The Altamont Free Library has provided 100 years of service to the community. And as the Library continues to provide for that community, we can still look back at words from the past, because they foretell the future.
It has given of itself abundantly, graciously,
through its ministry of information,
inspiration, entertainment.
It faces the future hoping that ways may open
leading to greater opportunities:
the fulfillment of dreams that translated into deeds
will increase the usefulness of the institution,
and build it more firmly
within the lives of those it reaches.
— Excerpted from the Altamont Free Library
Annual Report 1939
Blanche Blessing, Secretary