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After an exhaustive search, including members of the local community, the board was very pleased to choose Norm Parry. He became the first library director with a Master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University. He began his duties May 16, 1994. With the arrival of Norm, it was evident that the New Woodstock Free Library would continue as a “small town” library, but with a larger view of the world. Mr. Parry stated, “I don’t believe in change for change’s sake, I do believe in growth, especially in services for the community. If everyone can continue to grow through what we offer them, the library will have satisfied its mission.”
The Library Board of Trustees hired an architect (Dick Rust), who drew up building plans. Eventually a piece of land at the corner of Railroad Street and Route 80 (near the New Woodstock Historical Society Depot) was purchased. As the Board discussed the various plans that had been drawn up, the members of the Federated Church of New Woodstock were struggling with what to do with 2 churches. Tim King, president of the church’s board of trustees stated, “It doesn’t make sense to maintain 2 buildings. We could think of no suitable use for it that would match the desires of the congregation. It was very unlikely that we could put it up for sale through a real estate broker.” The proposed library, however, had been the subject of controversy in the hamlet, both for its location (the green space on the main street), and the proposed design of the building. Therefore, the Library Board was relieved and grateful to learn that the 167-year-old Methodist Church building was going to be sold. “I think the decision was easier for the congregation since the building was going to be the new home of the library not just sold,” stated Barbara Cook, board president. {View All} {1} {2} {3} {4}
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