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 as a school district library. It was located in 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. Notable upgrades to the Hubbell building were 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.

November 29, 2011, the Chazy Public Library was relocated to the historic Simon Fiske 1807 shoe shop building on the Little Chazy River, more recently the Clark Medical Building. This much welcomed expansion was made possible by the generous gift of Dr. George W. Clark who willed his former medical offices to be used as the new library. Both buildings are rooted in the rich early history of the hamlet of Chazy. But, the present location offers much needed space, inside and out, while retaining the quarried stone exterior.

The cost of relocating the library was paid for by grants and generous donations. 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 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 Holiday Tea and the summer Book Sale.

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.

Copyright 2006-2012 Chazy Public Library - Last updated: January 14, 2012
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