The Walworthians: Walworth-Seely Library
The Walworthians
A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209
by Kate Chamberlin
Library
Walworth-Seely Public Library
Walworth-Seely Public Library; 3600 Lorraine Drive, Walworth, New York 14568; Telephone: (315)986-1511; FAX: (315)986-5917.
*January 27, 1960: the Walworth Reading Room opened with an all volunteer staff. The first librarian was MaryJane Bowdy.
*October 5, 1961: the Walworth Town Board passed a resolution establishing the Walworth-Seely Library to be managed by an appointed board of 5 trustees.
The first trustees of the library were: Lorraine B. Finley (1961-72), Doris D. Gardner (1961-64), Ethel Henning (1961-79), Esther Wesenberg, and Jay Taber.
*February 23, 1962: the New York State Board of Regents issued a provisional Charter detailing specifications of its operation
*March 16, 1962: the library contracted with the Wayne County Library System for exclusive service.
*August 19, 1962: the library officially opened its doors to the public.
*January 29, 1969: NYS Board of Regents issued an Absolute Charter.
*March 5, 1969: the building was sold by the Walworth Chamber of Commerce to the library for $3000. The addition was made in 1970 increasing the square footage to 1490 sq. feet.
*December 6, 1989: the library endorse the system plan of service of the Pioneer Library System. The Geneva Free Library is the central point of the system.
*November, 1992: the library moved to the newly built Town Hall Complex. The area was increased to 3200 sq feet of space.
Here are some interesting facts about our library the happened during 1994:
*42,600 items were checked out in 1994. This represents a 55% increase during the previous 5 years.
*The Busiest day was June 7, 386 items were checked out.
*The Slowest day was January 4th when only 23 items were checked out and then they closed because of a bad snow storm.
*As of December 31, 1994, there were 3,139 registered borrowers.
16,541 items of which 1,770 are books, 105 magazine titles, as well as a multi-media computer featuring the Encarta Encyclopedia and color printer. There is also an Ellison letter maker for patron use.
*The card catalogue was replaced in 1994 with a computer keyboard system that uses a light wand to scan information into its files.
*Book Jammers is a library club especially for children in grades 4 and up. They share reading interests, help with children’s story hours, explore the many multi-media facts of the library and assist in library duties such as gluing on labels and due date stickers.
*One evening a week, COMMUNITY PARTNERS: The Homework Place meets in the library. A homework coach is available to assist students with research projects or homework.
*The Current Trustees are George Schaller, Elaine Leasure, Tom Ormsby, Loren Rachow and John Cojan.
*Mary Perry is our energetic Head Librarian.
*Our friendly, experienced Staff: Candace Komorowski/ Clerk, Lorel Madden/clerk, Alice Reynolds/Sr. Clerk, Susan Hermann/clerk and *Children’s Librarian, Anthony Volpe/Page.
On the personal side, I was writing a ladybug story and needed some information. I phoned the library and they not only looked up the correct spelling of the Latin name for ladybugs but counted spots so I’d have the correct name and bug!
*The new Library hours are: Mondays and Wednesdays AM – 8PM, Tuesdays 10AM – 6PM, Thursdays and Fridays 1PM – 6PM, Saturdays 10AM – 1PM.
2019 Up-Date: The library has a strong presence with lots of information. Walworth – Seely Public Library Board of Trustees
Jessica Vance President
Drew Britt Secretary
Carol Dame Financial Officer
David Teetsel Vice-President
Vacant Trustee Position