On April 25, 2024, I was honored to speak about the early history
of the Wyandanch Public Library at their 50th Anniversary celebration. These
were my remarks (with a few added notes):
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I am something of a fan of libraries. I appreciate them as spaces
to learn and do, and I appreciate the people who work to keep them going.
A Little History About Town of Babylon Libraries
When it comes to libraries most Long Islanders don't realize how
good they have it. The 218,000 residents of the Town of Babylon are served by
10 library districts, and typically live within a couple miles of a public
library. But, libraries don't happen all by themselves. They are not an
automatic community resource. It requires residents to declare their intention
and hold public votes to create a library district.
In the Town of Babylon, the oldest libraries are the Babylon
Library Association formed in 1895, and Amityville’s in 1904. However, these
were not public libraries as we know them today; they were subscription
libraries which was like being part of a private club. Members pay dues to use
the library and borrow books.
When Babylon opened its first library building in 1911 the yearly
membership fee was $3; about $98 today. But, as a private organization it
struggled financially. In 1933, the Village of Babylon agreed to provide a
yearly subsidy, making it a free public library. And, in 1964 the school
district assumed financial support for the library. The library survived
because local residents appealed for support.
- Amityville
became a public library in 1957
- Lindenhurst
library opened in part of the village hall in 1953
- Copiague opened
in part of an elementary school in 1960
- North Babylon
opened in a shopping center in 1961
- Deer Park opened
in 1966
- West Babylon
opened in 1983
- ... For those
who are keeping track, East Farmingdale and Wheatley Heights are served by
the Farmingdale library district (1923) and Half Hollow Hills library
district (1957).
Each one of those libraries opened after years of public campaigns
and votes, and many defeats along the way. Around 1967 Wyandanch voters
defeated a proposal for a public library.
Why were our communities creating and seeking to create libraries
in the 1950s and 1960s? The Suburban Boom.
The population of the Town of Babylon nearly quadrupled from 1950
to 1970 (45,000 residents to over 200,000 residents in 20 years). Houses were
built for families coming eastward from NYC. Families brought children and more
schools needed. Families needed jobs. Roads were widened to alleviate the influx
of drivers headed to work and stores. Park facilities were expanded so that
people had things to do.
A lot of people recognized that libraries were among the public
amenities that they wanted for themselves and their families. Just as public
parks are there for the enjoyment of all residents, public libraries are there
for the use and education of all residents, and a place where community can
come together.
A Library For Wyandanch
Renewed efforts to open a public library in Wyandanch began in
1973 when the Wyandanch Community Development Corporation established a Library
Committee, comprised of Joyce Bagnall, Delia Burnett, Geraldine Diggs, Sister
Carol Kenz, Maria Lightner, Edith Reisner and Barbara Rooks.
In 1974, Wyandanch was one of six Suffolk County communities that
had a population of more than 10,000 residents but did not have their own
public library. Wyandanch residents were served by Suffolk Cooperative Library
System bookmobiles that brought about 4,000 books to the community for a couple
hours each week. They could also use the facilities of other local libraries
but had to pay a fee of $30 per family; that is $190, today. It was expensive
and not the same as having a hometown library.
In the lead-up to the community vote in Wyandanch, supporters
emphasized that a library would be more than just books and educational
materials, it could be a cultural center for the community. Voters were asked
to approve a library housed in two portable classrooms (known as the
“trailers”) on property donated by the adjacent Marine Midland Bank.
On April 24, 1974, the library proposal passed with 59% of the
vote and the first library board was elected – Venice Baird, Geraldine Diggs,
Kenneth Hobbs, Joseph Horton and Lawrence Wright. The struggle to secure the
votes was over, and the work of creating the library began.
The library opened by the end of 1975 with Wendell Cherry as
director and Maria Lightner as children’s librarian, operating from its
“temporary” structure. Which Mr. Cherry later recalled that the space was so
small, “If you moved your elbows, you touched someone.”
The current library building opened in 1989 and Newsday reported
that the modern 18,000 sq. ft. building had high ceilings, lots of glass, a
100-seat meeting room and a computer. Mr. Cherry, still
director, asserted that the new library building “shows the pride of this
community in itself.”
That community pride is evident today, as we gather to celebrate
this 50th anniversary. Honoring the work of those who struggled
to pass the library vote, the contributions of the community to the library’s
growth and acknowledging all of those who have worked in the library to create
a public space for learning and gathering.
Congratulations!
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Sources:
“Wyandanch
Library: Needed, Costly,” Newsday, March 26, 1974, p. 17
“A
Hearing Is Scheduled On Wyandanch Library,” Newsday, April 15,
1974, p. 20
“Voters
in Wyandanch Approve New Library,” Newsday, April 25, 1974, p. 26
“Preview
Suffolk/II – Libraries & Museums,” Newsday, January 19, 1976,
p. 20A
"A
Dream Becomes A Reality, Wyandanch Public Library Opens," Babylon
Beacon, January 29, 1976
“A Primer
of Hope,” by Donald P. Myers, Newsday, April 6, 1989, Part II, p.
4-5
“New
Library Looking Up,” Newsday, April 17, 1989, p. 31
“Lending a Hand To the Handyman,” by Betty Ommerman, Newsday, November 26, 1989, p. SBA5