Yates library cuts ribbon on new Book House, with space to loan outdoor gear
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Yates Community Library on Thursday celebrated a new book house next to the library at 15 North Main St.
Tom Wenhold, president of the library’s board of trustees, cuts a ribbon made from pages of discarded books. The ribbon is held by Lynne Johnson, left, the chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature and a Yates resident; and Heather Rutherford, the library’s director.
“This library is the rock of our community,” Johnson said. “It’s been for many years.”
The new building is 14 by 40 feet. It replaces one that was 12 by 18 feet.
Part of the building is used to sell used books while the back part will have outdoor supplies. Yates Community Library partnered with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to provide free fishing rod loans through “I Fish NY” and backpacks with binoculars and birding reference materials through “I Bird NY” initiatives.
Wenhold, a physical therapist, said the fishing gear and binoculars should encourage children and adults to get outside and have more physical activity while exploring the natural world, which will be good for their mind and body.
Tom Wenhold holds a ceremonial check for $27,500 that went towards the new building. That grant was awarded from the WNY Rural Library Resources Council using money from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
The entire project for the building, electric and the supplies is about $50,000, said Heather Rutherford, the library director. She wrote the grant application for the $27,500.
Tammy Nunciato, grants and office support specialist with the WNY Rural Library Resources Council, said the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation wants to direct more funding to rural communities in WNY. In back from left include Yates library trustees Kateri Moskoluk, Ginny Hughes, Marlie Miller and Tom Wenhold. Other trustees include Jim Watson and Kathy Sillick.
Yates was approved for a grant with its application: “From Shore to Sky: Supplying Our Communities Outdoor Explorers.” The library is right next to Johnson Creek.
The library welcomes teachers, scout leaders, and other educators to check out sets of binoculars, fishing and birding resources, and other nature exploration kits that are geared to be used for larger groups.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley congratulated Yates library officials on the new building and outdoor gear for the community. Hawley presented a certificate of merit to the library.
A representative for State Sen. Rob Ortt presented a citation commending the library for the project, and County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson presented a certificate of achievement on behalf of the Legislature.
Frank Sykes, executive director of the Nioga Library System, praised the Yates Community Library for the new building and expanding services.
People tour the back section of the new building. Heather Rutherford, the library director, said the outdoor materials will help the community appreciate nature right in the library’s backyard.
“Over time, the library will continue to purchase more active lifestyle materials to investigate bugs, test stream water quality, or create nature journals,” she said. “All of these items promote the library’s mission to provide current materials for education, enjoyment, enrichment, and lifelong learning to local residents.”
The celebration included cookies with the library logo.
