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The Two Hundred Year History
of the Chazy Public Library |
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The Town of Chazy, on the western shore of Lake Champlain, was incorporated in 1804. With foresight, the founding citizens recognized a need for a public library, and in 1805, they established the earliest known library in the North Country. Later, by an act of the State Legislature, various school districts of the Town established their own libraries. The Chazy Public Library was officially chartered in 1901 by the New York State Board of Regents. Since then it has occupied the historic law office building originally built by Julius Caesar Hubbell. From 1916 to 1931 William H. Miner and the Miner Foundation covered all expenses associated with the Chazy Public Library. In 1932 the descendants of Julius C. Hubbell deeded the building to the Library Association. In recent times a tax levy has defrayed most operating expenses. The Chazy Public Library was the first library in Clinton County, outside the City of Plattsburgh, to pay its librarian. Scores of volunteers have contributed their valuable books, money and time to maintain this unique and historic institution. The picturesque building has undergone renovations though the years. Among the notable changes has been the electrification of the building in 1950 by the Miner Foundation. A well was drilled in 1962 to provide on-site water. A pleasant children’s room was added in 1974 and dedicated to J.Ralph McCuen, a long-time Trustee. The Boards of Trustees have continued to preserve the historic character of this charming edifice. The Friends of the Library were organized in 1952 by Mrs. B. B. Burton. Members have been tireless in contributing their time and energy to embellish the library building and its contents. Their notable fund raisers have been the Christmas “Silver Tea” and the summer Book Sales. A more complete source of information about The Chazy Public Library and the Town of Chazy can be found in: “A History of the Town Of Chazy” by Nell Sullivan and D. K. Martin (available in our library), a source used for the above short history. |
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9633 Rt. 9, Chazy, New York 12921 tel. (518) 846-7676 |