Walworth-Seely Public Library: Finley

History of Walworth-Seely Public Library
by Lorraine Finley Date Unknown

Jay Tabor asked me to write the history of the Walworth-Seely Public Library.

I rummaged through my file and found the enclosed booklet* that gives a fairly complete history. However, I will add a few points.

Probably the person that made the biggest contribution to the formation of the library was Jean Connor from the New York State Department of Education, Library Services Division. At that time, some people in the county were interested in forming a County Library System. Jean suggested that a library in Walworth be established first.

It was felt that by establishing a Reading Center open only four hours a week (two hours Friday evening and two hours Saturday morning) could give a basis to see if the Reading Center would be used. The results were very good, so we asked the Town Board to establish a library.

One amusing thought here, as I remember, the heat in the Reading Center left something to be desired, so in the cold months volunteers often used a stone to keep their feet warm!

Miss Bessie Seely donated her father’s building for “use by the general public”. She was very pleased that we hoped to establish a library. She also donated $500 to help with remodeling or any improvements to be made.

Jean Conner suggested the guideline for the name. She felt any library should include its location in the name – thus Walworth and, of course, Seely for the generous gift. In my mind it is for both Bessie and her father Jay, but she requested for her father only.

To broaden our tax base, we asked the Wayne Central School Board to include a sum in their budget for the library. There was a sum for the Ontario library. Also certainly a library is a resource for education for all ages.

The first paid librarian was Mary Jane Bowdey.

The cover on the booklet was drawn by Frank Finley, my brother-in-law.

The first sign for the library was made by Arnold Taber, Jay Taber’s brother.

Miss Bessie Seely was present at the opening ceremony. There was a ribbon cutting – the ends of the ribbon were held by Kathy Duell Emerson and Kathy Triou.