Senate Resolution No. 249 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating its 120th Anniversary on December 12, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating its 120th Anniversary on Thursday, December 12, 2024; and WHEREAS, The origins of a library in Utica, New York, date back to 1825 with the opening of a private subscription library, which housed 1,000 volumes, at the offices of Attorney Justus Rathbone; known originally as the Utica Library, the enterprise relocated several times to accommodate its growth; and WHEREAS, In 1838, Utica's first free public library was established upon the designation of school district libraries in New York State; four years later, the Utica Library was called the City Library, and a State appropriation fund provided an additional 700 volumes; and WHEREAS, The City Library relocated to City Hall in 1856 and remained at that location for 22 years; throughout the years, numerous volumes were acquired, immensely expanding the collection; and WHEREAS, The Board of Regents granted a Charter on June 21, 1893, and the first Board was organized in September; Robert S. Williams was the first President, and Louisa S. Cutler was the first Librarian; in 1895, after three years to complete a handwritten card catalog, the Library had 58,000 cards for public access; and WHEREAS, Upon approval by the citizens of Utica, the financing for the project to construct a new, permanent building commenced in 1899; the cornerstone was laid on May 3, 1903; on December 12, 1904, after more than 25,000 books were transferred from a previous location, the Utica Public Library officially opened; and WHEREAS, On December 12, 2004, the Utica Public Library celebrated its Centennial Anniversary; and WHEREAS, Adapting to continual advancements in the public sector throughout these 120 years, the Utica Public Library has served its visitors competently; the culmination of generous philanthropy, civic leadership, governmental support, and exceptional staff members has provided an unwavering cornerstone of the community that will endure for future generations; and WHEREAS, The success of the Utica Public Library is in direct correlation to the efforts of 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; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Utica Public Library upon the occasion of celebrating its 120th Anniversary on December 12, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Utica Public Library.