History / Renovations: New Woodstock Free Library

History

Currently under construction

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Located on Main Street, Rte. 13/80 in New Woodstock, the library is a modern, full-service public library chartered in 1939 by the State of New York to serve the needs of the community. Based strongly on volunteerism and local support, the library retains its hometown neighborhood charm while ranking as one of the fastest growing libraries in Central New York. In 1996 the library moved to its third building and current location.

With 3,990 square feet it was a considerable transition. In six months local contractors carefully renovated the 167-year-old Methodist church, keeping the historical integrity while updating it to modern standards. The choir loft became a semi-circular electronics and OPAC terminal workstation. The sanctuary with hardwood floors, 18-foot ceilings, 12-foot stained-glass windows and unique plaster tracery became the adult stacks. With minor structural modifications the kitchen and meeting room converted into the children and program rooms. Retaining most of original woodwork and casework picture molding was added to easily change displays and exhibits without harm. At the front of the building a back-lit stained-glass window in library motif was designed, made, and installed by local artist William Fais.

However the library has earned its name "the Growing place" by outgrowing itself once again. A new children’s wing was built. The 1,500 square feet addition will be the children’s room, storage area and kitchenette. The neighboring quarter acre lot on which the new wing is being built was purchased in July 2001 came with an empty 1 ½ story house that was so unstable no one wanted it. Demolition took place in Oct 2002.

The library has been featured in the American Libraries Journal. As an example of what a willing community can do for their library. Nearly thirty volunteers greet patrons work the front desk and shelve items.