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History of WSPL |
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Prior to the school merger in 2001, the
libraries were separate entities that served each community, now they share a
budget and service all three budding communities. Delaware Free Library began
over fifty years ago with a meager 600 books and sixty registered patrons,
now the branch contains nearly 17,000 items in its collection with 900
registered borrowers. The Narrowsburg
branch began as an inspired storefront reading center 14 years ago on Main
Street. The branch has since grown into a bustling community center that is
the heart of the river-town. Jeffersonville Public Library also started as a
reading center in 1979 and was to become, not only a vital part of the
community but the main branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library. |
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Western Sullivan Public Library consist of the
following three branches in the Sullivan West School District; Delaware Free
Library located in Callicoon, NY, Jeffersonville Public Library, and
Tusten-Cochecton Branch located in Narrowsburg, NY. |
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There are many extraordinary elements to each
of the libraries, here are a few; Narrowsburg’s Story time for children is
one of the most popular programs in the area. Story time creates a link
between a child and a library that lasts a lifetime. The Delaware Free
library has a room dedicated to its mystery collection and a patron base that
loves its hearty collection of non-fiction. The Jeffersonville branch
provides brand new cozy reading room. Reference appointments can be made
there with the Librarian for special or in depth questions. All the branches
provide Internet access and designated areas for new books, magazines and
daily papers. The three branches also offer a wide variety of
programs for children, young adults and adults. Each branch holds a Summer
Reading Program and rewards children for continuing to read throughout the
summer. Last year’s program was highly successful and ended with a pizza
party in Jeffersonville and a tie-dye party for participants in Narrowsburg.
Some of the annual events at the library include; The Summer Reading Program for Children, Peter
Roidl Photography Contest, Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest, Jeffersonville
Firehouse Book Sale, Tusten-Cochecton Riverfest Book Sale, Valentine’s Day
Pancake Breakfast. Many people remember their experiences at the
library with joy and reverence. The taste of learning with unfettered access
to a plethora of information is not easy to forget. With today’s world of
online stores and books by mail it is easy to assume libraries are a thing of
the past, but the history of libraries and their place in our world cannot be
forgotten so easily. Who doesn’t love to turn each page of a mystery while
under the covers on a rainy day? Who do we ask when we don’t know who to ask?
Who provides privacy and question free assistance? Who can tell you the
temperature in Bali in September or the height of the highest mountain in
France? The library is a resource, not just information, not just to check
out a bestseller, it is a place akin to home, a refuge of poetry, literature,
community and life. Visit us. Director: Susan Scott Branch Manager Delaware Free/Jeffersonville: Audra Everett Branch Manager Tusten-Cochecton: Mary Paige
Lang-Clouse Mission Statement The library is dedicated to providing materials, programs
and a variety of services to promote the education, creativity and knowledge
in the communities it serves. The library supports the private and
professional sectors of the district as well as the artistic, educational and
other interests of the communities It is with great care that the library
enhances its materials selection, program provision and technological
advancement to encompass the communities’ diverse interests. The Western
Sullivan Public Library is dedicated to equal access and the pursuit of
knowledge through the power of information. |