| Hours of Operation |
Directions | What's to read | About us | Events | Mid-York Catalog |
| Fundraisers and Friends |
Links | Policies | Kids & Young Adults | Services | Contact Us |
 |
 |
 |
The founding force behind the Ilion Free Public Library was Clarence W. Seamans. Seamans was born in Ilion New York, June 5th 1854. He was educated in the public schools until he was 15 years old and began to earn his living in the employ of the Eliphalet Remington & Sons arms works in his native town. In 1875, he abandoned that work temporarily and went to Utah where he spent three years as a mine superintendent, returning in 1878 to become manager of typewriter sales for Fairbanks & Co., and Eliphalet Remington & Sons. In 1882, he organized the firm of Wychoff, Seamans and Benedict, which was later incorporated as the Remington Typewriter Co. In 1893 he became its president.
During his long years with the Remington Company, Seamans was known for his philanthropic activities including the founding, planning and implementation of the new library. In 1891, Seamans purchased land for the site of the new library from Michael Gibblin. The Romanesque-styled building was designed by the architect George P. Chappell of New York City, and executed by the local builder Albert N. Russell. Two years later, on October 28th 1893, the library was formally opened. At that time a bill was introduced into the New York State legislature and shortly thereafter passed and signed by the Governor Hank Gardner, authorizing the Village of Ilion to appropriate money for the maintenance of the new library.
For the purchase of books and furnishings, a committee was appointed to raise $5,000.00. This sum was collected through the form of public fetes and musical entertainment with the whole community joining in the effort.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ilion Free Public Library
is a public library chartered by the State of New York Regents. It is supported
largely by village funds and is administered by five local trustees. Each
trustee is appointed by the Village Board for a period of five years.
Current Board of Trustees
Gail Campo
Frank Kucerak
Noreen Metz
Jim Moragne
Alene Bosquet
Kim Conley is Village Liaison and Thomasine Jennings is library Director.FRIENDS OF THE
LIBRARY
The Friends of the Library is a group of
volunteers committed to furthering the aims and activities of the
library. Annual dues are $5 for an individual membership and $10 for a
family membership. The Friends of the Library donate $1,000 annually
for the purchase of books. Fund raisers include bake sales, silver
clinics, plant sales, raffles, etc. To become a member of the Friends
organization, stop by or call the library.
Check out the Fundraisers and Friends page for more information on upcoming events.