History
The East Rockaway Free Library was first opened to borrowers January 24,1903. It was still located, by invitation, in the Hewlett building and started with 200 books. The Librarian and her assistants volunteered their time and services. During the first six months 808 books were circulated to 97 borrowers and 348 new books were added by purchase and gift.
In its beginnings the Library was supported by the annual association dues of $1.00 per member and by entertainments such as lawn fetes, boat rides, food sales, dances, euchres and voluntary contributions as well as state aid varying from $25 to $100 per year. Books were bought at Bargain and Hurt Book Sales and at Second Hand Book Stores, and from the start books have been generously donated by friends of the Library.
The building was furnished to a large extent by voluntary contributions. Frederick Loeser & Co. donated a large American flag. President Theodore Roosevelt gave an excellent, autographed photograph of himself. Mr. Phipp had the title searched, Mr. Beeson had the grounds graded and landscaped, Mrs. Sage added book racks, many books and a privet hedge. Andirons, fender and grate were the gift of Mrs. Blottner, and others gave pictures, shelf labels and holders and ornaments.
In August, 1926, Miss Davison resigned from active work in the Libraryitself, and as several of the women who assisted her also wanted to be relieved, the Trustees decided to obtain the services of a paid Librarian. Mrs. Leo Guichard was appointed and the building was opened to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon and Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:00 in the evening. Miss Davison still continued to buy the books, accession,catalog, label them and get them ready for the shelves. She and her former assistants also continued to mend and rebind worn books.
In 1926 the Village Board made its first appropriation toward the financial support of the Library and has continued this support each year. In 1927 the furnace refused to heat the building and Miss Irene Davison had a pipeless furnace put in. In 1929 the attic of the Library building was enclosed, partially shelved and equipped as a Children's Room. All the Children's books were put up there. A table and chairs were given by Miss Amelia Davision and, although the Trustees realized the conditions were not perfect, this gift did relieve to a considerable extent the overcrowded conditions in the Library.
By 1970 it had experienced outstanding growth both in circulation and book stock. However, with book stock nearing 30,000 volumes, the increasingly cramped conditions forced the curtailment of services contributing to the fall in circulation from a high of 106,664 in 1963 to the 67,736 recorded in 1969. The Library Board, no longer was able to rely on the generosity of public spirited citizens like Miss Baisley, Mrs. Sage or of the Davison family sought public support for the construction of facilities that would permit the East Rockaway Public Library to continue to grow and thereby better serve the people of our Village.
In 1973 the old PIC building at 477 Atlantic Avenue was completed and the library was moved to the 11,000 square foot facility. From 1996-1997 the library was expanded and renovated . In June of 1997 the completed 12,500 square foot building was re-dedicated. The newly renovated library has computers, an online catalog, and databases as well as good books for your reading pleasure, reference help, children's programs and much more.
