Baldwinsville Public Library

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33 East Genesee St.
Baldwinsville, NY 13027-2575

Telephone: (315) 635-5631
Fax: (315) 635-6760
E-mail: info@bville.lib.ny.us
Website: www.bville.lib.ny.us

SUMMER HOURS
Same as above except closed Sundays from July 1 through August 26

LIBRARY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Sunday before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Sunday before Labor Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Eve (close at 5 p.m.), Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve.

Grace Days: 3

HISTORY
In the fall of 1946, the Baldwinsville Travelers Club formed a committee to investigate the possibility of establishing a library in the village. The library opened its doors for the first time on January 6, 1948 in two rooms of the Lysander Town Building, formerly a trolley station. The library was open for service three days a week for a total of 20-1/2 hours with a collection of 1,000 books. As the Baldwinsville community grew so did the need for a larger facility. In 1956 the library moved to a renovated house on Charlotte Street. In 1974 the library became, and still is, a school district public library financed by taxpayers in the Baldwinsville Central School District. The library then moved into the old Woolworth’s store on Oswego Street in 1975.

By the early nineties the library had grown in terms of usage and the variety of services being offered. The library Board of Trustees determined that the Oswego Street building was no longer adequate for the increased use of the library and the changes in technology. In the fall of 1993 a public referendum was overwhelmingly passed for the purpose of constructing a new facility.

On October 29, 1994 the community gathered at the Oswego Street facility and attached commemorative bookmarks and ribbons to the shovels they brought with them. Then the “Shovels on Parade” proceeded to the construction site on East Genesee Street. Following a few words of greeting, those gathered used their shovels to turn over the dirt. After refreshments everyone left with a sense of excitement at having been present for the start of the newest chapter in the life of the Baldwinsville Public Library.

One year to the day, on October 29, 1995, over 2,500 people participated in the Grand Opening of the new library. Since that date, the library has endeavored to keep up with the increased needs and demands of the Baldwinsville community.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY
In addition to providing informational and recreational materials in a variety of formats the library maintains a local history room. The local history collection contains historical and genealogical information about Baldwinsville, Clay, Lysander, and Van Buren. It is continually being enhanced so that information about the past, as well as current events may be preserved for future generations.

A large type computer with access to the Internet, library catalog as well as word-processing, spreadsheet and database programs is available for use by library patrons. The computer has speech software, large print keyboard, large screen, and magnifier for print materials. A computer lab provides access to PCs and Macs. It is possible to do word processing and create databases, spreadsheets, signs, invitations, etc. There is Internet access, a color scanner, and (for a nominal fee) a color printer. An electric typewriter is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a community art gallery that features local professional and amateur artists. The library offers tours to school and community groups. Librarians are also available to visit schools and speak to community groups. Arrangements should be made at least two weeks ahead of time. The library offers a wide variety of programs for all ages. They are designed to provide community residents with activities which support their pursuit of personal, educational, and professional interests, as well as cultural, recreational, and leisure activities.

Current events and library services may be found on the library’s website.