Can you believe it?  The Rosendale Library is celebrating its 50th birthday!  Just 50 years ago there was only a small informal library located in the Rosendale Post Office under the supervision of Anna Mae Auchmoedy and the Comus Club, a group of about 17 young women.  The members of the Rosendale Women’s Club recognized the importance of a library to the community, and their support and enthusiasm spread throughout the area.   Andrew Snyder purchased the Episcopal Church building where the library now exists and the first Library Fair was held on the grounds.  Community organizations took tables, sold articles and food with all profits going to the library. 

Over the past 50 years the library has grown to meet the changing needs of the Rosendale community.  Not just books, but a true multimedia center with adult and children’s programs, tapes, DVDs, computers and Internet access.  The library has changed much in the past 50 years but the support of the community and the recognition of the importance of the library to Rosendale citizens remains as strong and enthusiastic as 50 years ago.  On Saturday, September 13, 2008 the Friends of the Rosendale Library invite you to a birthday party for the library at the Rosendale Community Center (see page 6).  Whether you were part of the planning 50 years ago or a newer resident, join us for cake and ice cream to show your support and enthusiasm for the library at this free event. 

Gates Grant
In today’s society, computers and the Internet have become central to how we look for and use information that improves our lives.  With almost forty percent of Americans lacking these tools at home, libraries are the first or only place to get connected for many people. 

Recognizing the importance of offering and maintaining quality technology services to our patrons, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded

a $13,000 Opportunity Online matching  grant to the Rosendale Library to replace older computers so our community can better benefit from the world of information online.  The grant will be initialized in 2008-09 with funding spread over two years. The library is expected to match 25% of the funds given by the Gates Foundation in the first year and 50% in the second year. Monies raised through community support of the activities of the Friends of Rosendale Library will be used to provide the matching funds.

The Gates Grant also provided a special professional development symposium designed to give library professionals the skills they need to build partnerships, work with local leaders and reach out to communities to secure future stable funding and services.  Following Rosendale Librarian Ann Sarrantonio’s attendance at the April 13, 2007 conference, she reiterated the importance of this funding to the library.  “Computer and Internet access have become essential services that our patrons require.  It is critical that we have the resources necessary to properly maintain these technology tools so that the library can help all people in Rosendale access the information they need to thrive and contribute fully to our community.”

Millions of Americans use computers and the Internet at public libraries to earn long-distance degrees, start and advance small businesses, find critical health information, find jobs, learn English, get government information and more.  “It is virtually impossible to succeed today without access to computers and the Internet” said Allan Golston, president of the Gates Foundation’s United States Program.  “Fast reliable online access can open a world of economic, educational, and social opportunities.  It is imperative that all communities acknowledge the role our libraries play in providing this service and give libraries the support they need to continue providing critical technology tools long into the future.” 

From the Desk of
Robert Sena, President, Library Board of Trustees

Greetings from the Library Board of Trustees. Much has happened since the last newsletter. In March we received the first half ($37,500) of the $75,000 challenge grant from the State Education Department for replacement of the library roof. The roof is the original slate roof and is 132 years old. It will be replaced by a slate roof with tiles of the same color, shape, style and pattern. We must raise $75,000 to match the grant. The Library is going to do this by using its own funds (from interest and small grants), money raised by the Friends of the Library, gifts and the “Raise the Roof” campaign. The campaign kickoff event was May 9th and donors can adopt a tile or tiles at $50 a tile. As of June 1st the campaign has raised $16,500. The campaign will run through the late spring of 2009. Individuals and families who adopt a tile or tiles will be given an opportunity to personalize them on the underside before they are put on the roof. This process will be supervised by Michael Hughes, the craftsman who will be replacing the roof, once the tiles are delivered. People who wish to personalize tiles will be notified of the day. By the time you get this newsletter, work on the roof will be well advanced. Stop by and take a look. The kiosk that provides tourist information has also been completed and is now in operation.                                                                                                                                                             

This year is the Library’s 50th anniversary and a number of birthday events have been planned. Many of these events will occur in the early to mid-Fall of the year and are being organized by the Friends of the Library. Check the calendar and page 6 in this newsletter

Library Vote

The annual voter referendum on the library budget and Board of Trustees will take place in the library on Thursday, September 4th from 11:00am to 8:00 pm.  Absentee ballots can be obtained at the library prior to September 4th. Please support your library by voting.  On the 4th the library will remain open for business on the normal Thursday schedule (11am – 7:30pm).  Please put this date on your calendar and be a part of this important vote!

A Message from
Wendy Alexander, Library Director

Speaking of Taxes......
Since we all have concerns about finances these days, I'm writing with what I hope is a bit of comfort....

            "Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries."  -Anne Herbert, The Whole Earth Catalog

To reinforce the above truth, let's look at some facts that may ease your mind.  Because Rosendale Library is a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) beneficial consortium of libraries, all residents in the mid-Hudson River Valley have access to all the services of at least 70 other libraries.  We share our library collections and MHLS provides delivery for these interlibrary transactions. Plus MHLS consultants are available to provide free assistance to help member library boards, staff and Friends make wise, cost-saving decisions.

             "For every $1 of State Aid that New York State's public library systems receive, public library users receive approximately $12-13 in services."   -New York State Library, Division of Library Development

We attempt in our local library to be just as frugal in controlling spending and only request absolutely necessary tax increases to maintain high-quality library service. Our collection of wonderful resources for your borrowing pleasure is a timeless idea with a young name: recycling. With free computer access, excellent databases on important areas of interest like health or genealogy, and fascinating, free programs for children and adults, Rosendale Library offers what many would say are priceless riches.

             "My two favorite things in life are libraries and bicycles.  They both move people forward without wasting anything.  The perfect day: riding a bike to the library."  -Peter Golkin, museum spokesman

Best of all, let's remind ourselves of the powerful reason we join together in support of libraries: so there are chances for all to grow and become their best.

 

Vote September 4th!

 

BookCorner

This year, we decided to continue our Preschool Story Hour through the summer.  The summertime is such a great opportunity to meet new people and to explore new books.  The Summer Reading Program, Catch the Reading Bug, was a great success. We had many participants this year and numerous performers and programs especially geared to the young people of our community. 
Stewarts awarded a $500 grant to help provide for the children’s summer program.  Likewise, Assemblyman Cahill sponsored funding for our Summer Reading Program.  We are very grateful. 

Our Fall Preschool Story Hour will begin on Thursday, September 11th at 9:30-11:00 and will follow the Rondout Valley School Calendar. We are looking forward to another great year.  Plan to join us.



50th Celebratory Events: 

There are a wide variety of ways to participate in the Library’s 50th birthday celebration.  We hope you will plan to participate in many of the following events:

Birthday Party for the Library,  Saturday, September 13th  from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm at the Rosendale Recreation Center.  Please join us at this free, family centered event for cake, ice cream and a lot of fun!

Raffle:  Available at the library or the September Birthday party will be raffle tickets to benefit library programs and activities.  At $1 each or six tickets for $5, you may be the lucky winner of one of four great raffle prizes.  Winners will be selected at the September 13th party.  

• 1st prize: Man's Bike
• 2nd prize: DVD Tower of  Power that holds 80 DVDs
• 3rd prize: Birding package containing the new Orvis Beginner’s guide to Bird Watching book and a Steve Fabrico's Ceramic Bird House
• 4th prize: “Bread for a Year” from Panera - a coupon to pick up a fresh loaf of bread once a month for a year

50th   Birthday Luncheon, Sunday, October 19th at the Postage Inn, Route 32, Tillson, from 1:00pm to 3:30pm.  To reserve your seat come to the library, or you can register by completing the form below and returning it with a check for $25.  Seating is limited, so register as soon as possible for what will be a delicious buffet lunch.  To add to the enjoyment of the day, Steve Huben will read from and sign copies of his book The Villagers (see below).

The Villagers, by Steve E. Huben Jr. is “A delightful book, by turns humorous and poignant…” about growing up in Rosendale, NY. Available for $10 at the library, at the October 19th lunch or online at rosendalelibrary.org, (S/H $3.75 + .80 tax).  Mr. Huben has graciously donated 100 copies of his book to benefit the library.

Memory Book/Journal:  The Friends of the Rosendale Library are printing a Journal to celebrate this important event.  Attendees at the September 13th birthday party and the October 19th luncheon will receive a complementary copy.

Quilt Squares, at a suggested donation of $5 ($1 kids), are available at the library to be signed along with any memories you wish to record.  After assembly, the quilt will be displayed permanently at the library.

The quilt is a way to let future Rosendalians know about the great people that went before them.

50th Anniversary Tote Bags: Beautiful silk screened bags can be purchased at the library or on-line for $10 empty, or $20 with up to 10 used books from the book cellar.  Tote bags can also be ordered on-line at rosendalelibrary.org and sent directly to the recipient as a gift (S/H $3.75 + .80 tax).

Friends of the Rosendale Library, PO Box 482, Rosendale, NY 12472
50th  Luncheon, Sunday, October 19th , 1:00pm, Postage Inn, Route 32, Tillson

Name(s):                                                                                                      
Address:                                                                                                       
Phone:                                                   
Reservations @  $25.00 per attendee ________
Please make checks payable to Friends of the Rosendale Library.

 

Friend of the Library
In this our Anniversary Year, the Friends of the Rosendale Library would like to recognize and thank YOU, a Friend of the Library.  Each of you, through a multitude of ways have supported the library and enabled it to grow and continue to be an integral part of the Rosendale community.  From the youngest attending Story Time to senior citizens and everyone in-between, hundreds-of-thousands of books have enriched lives and opened new worlds of learning.  You have made this possible by attending and supporting library events, voting in the annual referendum, volunteering, donating books, (a lot of our collection is made up of these books), encouraging the support of our local and State legislature members (in particular N.Y.S. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and N.Y.S. Senator Bonacic), supporting the many granting agencies that have given financial support to the library (DCAC and NY State Council for the Humanities, and so many others over the years).  While impossible to name each of you, we do thank each of you. Your commitment to the library truly makes you an honored  “Friend of the Library”.

Anna Mae Auchmoedy/Lottie Burns Scholarship
Congratulations to Lily Morganstern, this year’s winner of the  $600  Anna Mae Auchmoedy/Lottie Burns Scholarship.  A June graduate of Rondout Valley High School, Ms. Morganstern plans to attend Clark University. Active in many school organizations and a community volunteer, Ms Morganstern says “The library has had a big influence on my childhood and high school years….People realize the intrinsic value of our public libraries: they allow us all to participate in one of the most successful institutions our country has to offer.”  Congratulations Lily!

Celebration of the Arts Workshop/Lecture Series:

Bookbinding Workshop:

Join book artist Tana Kellner and bookbinder Christina Petrone at the final Celebration of the Arts Workshop. The presenters will lead three two-hour bookbinding workshops in which participants will create a basic bound pamphlet and book structure:

Saturday.  September 20, 2008,  
Location: Women’s Studio Workshop,
10:am-noon Ages 9-13,  Max. 10 participants
10:am-noon Ages 14-18, Max. 10 participants 
2pm - 4 pm, Adults, Max.10 participants
Registration and payment of fee is required two weeks in advance at the library.

Lecture by Thomas Olsen:
Gutenberg and The Invention of Print; Revolution or Evolution
Sept. 10, 2008, 7:00 pm, Library
The digital revolution is to modern times what the invention of moveable type was to the 15th century. This fascinating lecture focuses on Johannes Gutenberg, who is credited with the invention of moveable type, and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible. Thomas G. Olsen, an Associate Professor in English at SUNY New Paltz and recipient of the Chancellor’s award for Excellence in Teaching, explores the “revolution.” Slides of medieval manuscripts, early printing techniques, book binding & book illustrations will be shown. Questions concerning Gutenberg’s contribution and its influence throughout the world will be explored. This is a free, no charge to participate, presentation. This Program is funded by the New York Council for the Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.