The DeRuyter Public Library began in 1931 when the Home Bureau started a small library in the back of what is now Red & White Video. It was November 1932 before it was officially organized at which time it was located on the second floor of Lyman Coon’s IGA store. In March 1949 the library was opened on the second floor of the old post office on the corner of Division and Cortland St. The library, now called DeRuyter Free Library is no longer just a room full of books with a desk and files of cards. The library now offers videos and DVD’s, books on tape and CD, music CD’s, magazines, public access computers, and wireless internet access. In January, Joan Ball retired, and Nancy Nivison was hired. In the near future, plans must be made to find more space to accommodate the growing collections and programs.
The library continues to provide programs for all ages, including Summer Reading Program, an After School program in the Fall and Spring, Crochet Club, Book Discussion Group, and a year round Pre-school program. Recently DeRuyter was chosen to be a resource center for an Early Literacy Program, Growing a Reader, which will lead to stronger and broader early childhood programs for children and their families. The library has seen continual growth over the years. Fifty years ago, the budget was approximately $1250, with about 2500 books, and a circulation of 750. Twenty-five years ago the budget was about $2000, and circulation was 12,000. In 2001 the budget was $34500, circulation was 22,315 and holdings were approximately 18000. The 2006 budget is approximately $40,000, with circulation, holdings, and programs, increasing steadily.
