Utica Public Library history |
The origins of a library in Utica date back to 1825, when a private subscription library opened its doors at the Broad Street offices of Attorney Justus Rathbone. It was 400 shareholders and 1,000 volumes strong. Known then as simply the Utica Library, the enterprise underwent several relocations while experiencing a steady growth in acquisitions. Other significant dates include: |
| 1838 |
Utica's first free public library begins, the result of New York State establishing school district libraries. |
| 1842 |
Called the City Library and located on Franklin Square, the Library benefits from a New York State appropriation of $583.86 to purchase books. Its collection now totals 1,700 volumes. |
| 1856 |
The Library relocates to City Hall, where it remains for 22 years. |
| 1865 |
The collection reaches 4,000 volumes. |
| 1877 |
The Library occupies space in what was once the Utica School District administration building on Elizabeth Street. |
| 1881 |
Theodore S. Faxton leaves $2,500 for the purchase of new books. |
| 1893 |
The Charter is granted by the Board of Regents, and dated June 21st. In September the first Board is organized, with Robert S. Williams as president. Louisa S. Cutler becomes the first librarian under the new arrangement. |
| 1895 |
A handwritten card catalog is started. It takes three years to complete and totals 58,000 cards. |
| 1899 |
With the book collection and demand for services growing, a move to construct a new, permanent structure gets underway. The Thomas R. and Frederick T. Proctors donate the land, and W.P. White gives $1,000 to start building fund. The citizens of Utica approve a bond issue to finance the project. |
| 1903 |
May 3rd, the cornerstone is laid. |
| 1904 |
December 12, the building opens following the transfer of more than 25,000 books from the Elizabeth Street site. |
| 1988 |
First phases of a 5-year renovation program begin. Completed in 1992, the program brings major structural and aesthetic improvements to the exterior and interior of the building, including a new roof, drainage system, skylighting, floor and wall coverings, and handicapped accessibility. With the installation of an on-line computer system, both staff and the public are able to access not only the Library's own inventory, but the holdings of all the public libraries in the Mid-York Library System. |
| 1993 |
A new phone system is installed, giving the Library state-of-the-art telecommunications capabilities and following for further growth. |
| 2004 |
The Computer Room opened its doors on February. On December 12th the Utica Public Library celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the building. |
| 2005 |
Installation of a Fire Alarm System. |
| 2006 |
Installation of a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. |
