Reading books had been pretty much a luxury around Richfield Springs until 1899.
It was that year when a charter was granted to the Richfield Springs Library. At the 125th anniversary of receiving the charter, the library will celebrate with its second annual Local Authors and Artists Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Spring Park along U.S. Route 20.
Mindy Baker, head librarian at the Richfield Springs Public Library, said that unlike the first event, local artists will display their work at the event, as she already displays several local artists’ work at the library during the year.
“I just want to make everybody in the area aware of all the talented people we have around us,” Baker said. “There are so many smaller authors who really need exposure, compared to the big authors who have the ability to get out there and display their talents.” She felt the same way about our area artists.
Other community organizations will be participating in the day’s events.
How important was acquiring that charter? The village had a library starting in 1860, organized by several ladies in the village. There were 11 members who contributed $2 each to create a book fund. The books were rented at 10 cents, and the income was then used to purchase new books for the library.
Looking to improve, a library board was formed in 1899 and the State Board of Regents granted a provisional charter for a public library. An absolute charter was then granted in 1909.
Leading up to 1909, village businessman Thomas R. Proctor made an offer to the board to erect a $5,000 building for a public library. Proctor owned the Spring House, which once occupied the present grounds of Spring Park. Proctor was very successful, also owning three hotels in Utica, and wanted to give something back to his community.
Village resident Richard Montgomery offered a 75-foot by 95-foot lot on Main Street and the village overwhelmingly voted to have an annual grant for library purposes. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1910 by the architect, Frederic H. Gouge of Utica.
The new library opened in January 1911, and Proctor insisted that his name not be used in connection with the library. According to the Richfield Springs Mercury of Jan. 5, 1911, “although the atmosphere outside was unpleasant, that of the library’s interior was cheery enough at the opening on Monday with its two brightly-burning wood fires, while the enthusiasm of the visitors added to the general good feeling.
“The fiction shelves were of course the most popular but the others were noted with interest also.
“New books will be bough each month and the library patrons are invited to make suggestions for the lists.”
An extensive addition was built in 1919 and was named the Proctor Memorial Room. Thomas and his brother, Frederick, built the room to commemorate their sisters, Dalusia and Lomy. Another gift to that room was a collection of Lincoln memorabilia, along with furnishings from his sister’s home, completing the room, which is used today as a meeting place for civic organizations.
Visitors to the Expo at Spring Park also will notice the landmark clock. It was designed by Gorham, the New York firm of jewelers and silversmiths. Proctor also gave the clock to the village, first put to use on Sept. 11, 1918. It once stood in the center of U.S. Route 20’s intersection with state Route 167. It was moved to its current site in Spring Park in 1963.
With better than a dozen local authors participating so far, Baker says the list is growing, and any additional artists and authors can still contact her to participate in the Expo, at rs.mindy@4cls.org or 315-858-0230.