CASE MEMORIAL LIBRARY A Volunteer Organization Supports the Library

A Volunteer Organization Supports the Library

WRITTEN BY: JANICE B. FODERO

The history of the Orange Public Library began as a direct result of the growth of suburban development in the 1950s. Young families, migrating from urban centers, recognized the need for a local library.

The Orange Public Library opened in 1956 in a leased vacant store space at the Firelight Shopping Center on Old Tavern Road. This modest storefront library gained the support of the Community and paved the way for the Orange Public Library, later named Case Memorial Library.

Four years later, planning began for a library building in the town center and in 1961, the new library opened at 605A Orange Center Road (now the Orange Visiting Nurse Association). The new building served the Town well for 38 years but became congested and uneconomical. Fortunately, plans for a new building on Tyler City Road were bolstered by a multi-million-dollar bequest from Marjorie Case, a town resident. Marjorie’s generous donation began with her request for a copy of a National Geographic article about the building of the Panama Canal. Her husband had been an engineer on the project and Marjorie was looking to validate and preserve this piece of the family history for her son. When the librarian retrieved the article from the library attic, Marjorie was elated. Her joy was compounded when she was given the magazine. Her gratitude was recognized when the Case Memorial Library opened in 1999.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Interest in the Library grew, and several members decided to form a ‘Friends’ group in 1991. The Friends of the Case Memorial Library’s purpose is to promote the library as a community resource through fundraising efforts.

Every Wednesday morning a dedicated group of volunteers meet to sort book donations, which are organized for resale to the community. Proceeds augment library purchases, such as furniture and equipment, and help support the organization’s events including musical programs, historical impersonations, author book talks, storytellers, and cooking demonstrations.

The organization also funds the Lucy Scillia Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a local high school senior who has plans to pursue higher education. The scholarship’s namesake was a professional librarian and an active Friends member.

Friends of the Library members serve as greeters at program presentations and organize refreshments for special events. Each year at the Country Fair, members are at the library table on Sunday when they give out complimentary books and DVDs.

Friends’ member Ellen Ginsberg says, “I am very proud to be a member of the Friends. Involvement in the activities of the library is nothing new

Photo: Leslie Wasserman

to our family. My father was involved in the inception of the Orange Library back in its earliest years. For many years, my mother has carried on this dedication to our town library through her active participation in the Friends of the Case Memorial Library, both serving on past Boards as well as weekly book sorting in the basement. This legacy continues to a second and third generation, as I am currently serving on the Board as well as enjoying book sorting in the basement during the summer months alongside my daughter.”

Upcoming Friends of the Library programs are listed in the display case in the foyer of the library, and used books are available for sale in the Friends’ bookcase, which is located to the left of the main entry. The organization’s future projects include a technology committee tasked with setting up a portal for online book sales.

Kathy Giotsas, Library Director, describes the Library as a Community Center and says, “Our staff is dedicated to providing programs for all age groups. The library is the place to go for preschool literacy; research assistance, arts/craft workshops for adolescents and adults; technological help and entertainment programs for adults. Our active Friends group supports activities and never hesitates to assist in enhancing and expanding library resources.” The Friends of the Library can provide an inexpensive way to start or enlarge your existing home library, bring educational and entertaining programs to the Town, support a scholarship, and help to make the library both a community and cultural center.

Photo: Paula Severino

The Case Memorial Library located at 176 Tyler City Road.

For more information about the Case Memorial Library or to become a Friend of the Case Memorial Library, go to casememoriallibrary.org. 