The Genesee Library was once a two room school house, in a small rural community in upstate New York. When I say rural I look out the front door and admire the cows. We are proud of how far we have come, being able to serve our community since 1908. As we take the first steps in our next journey of starting this website we hope you will share with us and become apart of our online community and follow us Facebook as we begin our next chapter!! Here is a little bit about our history.

GENESEE LIBRARY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The building we are located in is the second school house that was built in Genesee, New York. The original school house burnt down in 1901. A new two room schoolhouse was built and operational in 1903.

On May 21, 1908, Miss Brown, a state organizer of libraries from Albany, came to help start a library in Genesee.  The Genesee Library Association was formed with 18 members.  To become a member, one had to pledge to pay at least 25 cents annually.  After canvassing Willow Brook, Street Brook, Sanford Hollow and Windfall Creek, 80 more members were secured with combined pledges totaling $50.00. By November, 232 new books had been purchased from F.R. Brothers in Olean and 212 received as a gift from the Seventh Day Baptist Sabbath School, making a total of 444 books to start a library.  A grand opening was held in the Seventh Day Baptist (S.D.B.) Church in November 1908.The books were displayed in two cases; costing $6.00, bought with the annual subscription money and placed in the entrance way of the church. Fifteen books were loaned that day and A.M. Burdick placed a box in his store where books could be returned.

In April 2,1909, the library was moved by the Secretary, Ida B. Coon, and some helpers to the lodge Room of the Town Hall.  By 1913, books in 25 volume lots were being sent to Dodge Creek and to Ceres to be loaned out.  In Ceres, the books were all kept at the Post Office.  In 1943, shortly before the fire that destroyed the old Town Hall, the library was moved to the old school building where it remains today.

1943-Present

Since that time, many changes and improvements have been made each time improving our facilities, until now the estimated value of our books and library materials is over $50,000. Our library now consists of two completely remodeled rooms such as Wainman Hall in the school building in Little Genesee. We not only offer the hamlet of Little Genesee, but all the outlying areas in the Town of Genesee: The library: an excellent assortment of books, magazines, dvds, talking books for the blind, large print books and pictures and books. A genealogy room has been started for those interested in their heritage and family trees and is located in the Bolivar Library with the B.R.A.G group. Updated computers and technology have been purchased to enhance the use of the library. The librarian is always glad to help you find a book even if she has to send to another library for it. We have excellent reference book and a well- equipped children’s library also.

We also offer crafts and maker spaces for our community, outside yard games and a wonderful digital collection for users that prefer digital content. In 2017 the Genesee Library automated all of it’s collection and opened the doors for further growth.

2020

In 2020 among all the changes that happened with the global pandemic. The Genesee Library made over 2,000 craft kits for families to take home. These kits provided fun and education to community. The Genesee Library also received New York State Construction Aid that year. Construction should start in 2021.

2021

Off to a destructive start in 2021. This year we started working on our construction aid project. Thank you New York State for the support and always to the Southern Tier Library System for the guidance and support. Working with Cyro Construction and several sub contractors, this year we expanded 3 doorways for A.D.A compliance. We are so excited to be able provide a safe and friendly space for everyone. The electrical was overhauled this included a new electrical panel 200 amp. New wiring for electrical outlets as well as additional outlets that were needed. Some existing outlets were updated to code. Our Florissant lights inside and out became environment friendly L.E.D’s. Insulation was added to the attic and we now have insulation in the walls. The faux paneling was exchanged for sheet rock and fresh paint. The hot water tank and water bladder were moved to the basement for more room. The bathroom was reorganized for A.D.A compliance. The foyer was fitted for a circulation fan and additional lighting for safety. Four additional circulation fans were installed to help with air flow. Safety lights and emergency exit lights were installed for the safety our our patrons. Our flooring was updated to a commercial fire resistant carpet and all floors near entry ways, kitchen, and bathroom received weatherproof flooring. As the building received so much attention we focused on any areas were we were loosing heat. Wow what a change already. By June we were ready for the rest of the year. The library stopped providing craft kits and was now 100 percent opened up to the public. A total of 3000 craft kits had been provided since the beginning of the pandemic. In July and August our youth came back for IN person summer programs.

2022

More bookshelves were added to the building. A new outdoor sign was constructed by Paul Lowery of Papa’s wood shop from the F.T. and Anna Manley Foundation. In August with a donation from the Town of Genesee and a grant from the Bolivar Hardware store painted the exterior of the building. T.L.C Painting joined in the libraries efforts to make our building beautiful. T.L.C. scraped, sealed, primed and painted the Genesee Library.

2023

This year we made progress of our curb appeal. The Allegany County Area Foundation provided us with funds to work on the landscaping of the building. Perennial flowers were purchased, two blueberry bushes were donated. We are working on the Genesee Rural Revitalization Grant to improve our insulation, boiler, and water mitigation areas of the basement. These plans are hopeful to be completed by 2024.

2024

This year we are working on the Genesee Rural Revitalization Grant, we have mostly completed it. The library has also recieved the F.T. and Anna Manley Foundation grant to work on our water filtetration system.