Senate Resolution No. 2430 BY: Senator WALCZYK COMMEMORATING the Centennial Anniversary of the Parish Public Library on May 30, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across the great State of New York is reflective of certain exemplary organizations whose purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Parish Public Library on Thursday, May 30, 2024; and WHEREAS, With humble beginnings, the Parish Public Library began construction in May of 1922; the library served as a gift to the citizens of Parish from Samuel Franklin Mills and Nathan Albert Petrie, first cousins born and raised in the town of Parish; and WHEREAS, Briefly serving as the headquarters for the local bank after it was destroyed by a fire, the Parish Public Library was officially dedicated on May 30, 1924, and chartered by New York State on April 24, 1926; and WHEREAS, To begin its collection, Nathan Albert Petrie donated 500 volumes from his personal library to the Parish Public Library; today, the library's collection has grown to more than 26,000 print and electronic items; and WHEREAS, Providing enrichment, enlightenment, education, and entertainment to the members of the community for over 100 years, the Parish Public Library serves residents of the five towns within the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District; it also facilitates over 3300 annual patron visits, hosts numerous youth and adult programs, and provides various other services; and WHEREAS, The Parish Public Library became part of the North Country Library System in 1983; and WHEREAS, Currently, the Parish Public Library is undergoing construction for an addition that will almost double its size, expanding its capacity to serve the local community; and WHEREAS, The Parish Public Library has been an invaluable resource for residents of Parish, New York, for 100 years; people come to the library to connect, discover, and learn through story times, book groups, and various programs for all ages; and WHEREAS, The success of the Parish Public Library is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated leadership, and its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the library and the population it serves; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Parish Public Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural, and intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Parish Public Library on May 30, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Parish Public Library.