The Oneida Public Library's 100th birthday gift? A Library of the Year honor
Libraries don’t just keep fairytales safe – they preserve history, according to the Oneida Public Library, in Madison County.
The Central NY Library Resources Council (CLRC) recognized the Oneida Public Library with the Library of the Year award, just in time for its centennial celebration.
Libraries of all types – public, private, academic, medical, and law – from across four counties – Oneida, Madison, Herkimer, and Onondaga – were considered for the nomination.
“The Oneida Public Library sets itself apart through its wide-ranging programs and services that cater to people of all ages across different platforms,” said CLRC officials, in a statement. “The dedicated staff at the library is devoted to providing an extensive array of resources and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its patrons.”
Oneida Public Library Executive Director Michele Ryan said that the recognition was “inspiring and encouraging.”
“The library community understands the importance of exceptional service and this award lets us know we are on the right track.”
Public enrichment
According to Ryan the library's orientation point – their “North Star” – lies in their mission statement.
“We are dedicated to the enrichment, enlightenment, education, and entertainment of all members of our community,” said Ryan. “We do this by providing free and easy to multiple formats of information in an effort to evoke a meaningful learning experience.”
As of the fiscal year of 2019, New York state had the highest number of public libraries in the United States.
“Libraries are essential to the growth of an educated and informed public,” emphasized Ryan. “They provide the tools for continued learning and allow curious minds to explore.”
Program expansion
After nestling into their new location on Main Street, the library initiated several new programs. In turn, attendance rates and meeting space occupation has risen.
“In the past, room capacity and lack of digital infrastructure limited our ability to realize many of the creative services we envisioned for our community,” said Ryan. “Our new building has been critical in expanding the scope of our programs.”
In the new building the library can accommodate programs while simultaneously offering quiet areas and meeting spaces.
The library hosts ongoing adult programs – yoga, chair yoga, and knitting groups – as well as reading programs for the children. Youth Services Coordinator Megan Gillander hosts ‘Ready to Read’ classes each Tuesday to cater to the preschool level.
100 year anniversary
When asked what was in store for 2024, Ryan said that it will be the library’s 100th anniversary.
In 1924 the Oneida Public Library opened in the back room of the Oneida Chamber of Commerce.
“To kick off the centennial celebration we will honor the pillars of the OPL community,” said Ryan. “We will have historical exhibits in our art gallery, a poster contest for high schoolers, a downtown walking tour, summer concert series, cemetery tour and more.”
Ryan asked her son why he always wanted to know “why?” he responded: “because i want to know everything.” She understood how he felt.
“People see librarianship as rather dull and dusty but for me it’s the most exciting job on the planet,” explained Ryan. “Alongside my son I get to delight in life’s “why’s” on a daily basis.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida Public Library honored ahead of its centennial celebration
