Readers welcomed to library deck

SUSAN WADE
Posted 5/22/19

ELDRED, NY — Brilliant sunshine was certainly welcome as the Sunshine Hall Free Library celebrated its latest capital improvement, a beautiful deck, with a ribbon cutting on May 19.  …

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Readers welcomed to library deck

Posted

ELDRED, NY — Brilliant sunshine was certainly welcome as the Sunshine Hall Free Library celebrated its latest capital improvement, a beautiful deck, with a ribbon cutting on May 19. 

Patrons will be able to enjoy their book, e-reader or wifi device while comfortably seated at the umbrella-covered tables on the approximately 700-square-foot deck, lulled by the babbling sounds of the Halfway Brook.   

A crowd of about 60 patrons was on hand to celebrate the new space, which was envisioned as a place in which the community could take advantage of the outdoor space while they meet with neighbors, enjoy coffee or a snack and, of course, read. The wifi will be available 24/7.

The ceremony was kicked off with brief remarks by Dorene Warner, vice president of the Barryville Chamber of Commerce, who acknowledged the unique and vital role the library plays in the communities of Highland and Lumberland. 

The deck was paid for in part by a New York State Library Construction Grant and by funds from the library’s building account. Board member and treasurer Shain Fishman thanked Patty Kennedy, library director, for the endless hours that were committed to the project. 

Also introduced at the celebration was a new funding campaign whereby patrons can, for a donation of $100, purchase a 3- by 5-inch plaque that will be affixed to the railing of the deck. Forms are available at the library. The next order of plaques will be placed on June 9. 

Fishman thanked a number of people and groups involved in the project including the Town of Highland Planning Board, zoning board of appeals, highway department and code enforcement officer, builder Willy Daw, and Mike Frazier and Melissa Cooper, who worked to complete the staining of the deck in time for the ribbon cutting despite considerable weather challenges. She also thanked fellow board member Karol Sundholm, whose expertise as a master gardener enhances the beauty of not just the deck but also the main building.
 
In recent years the library has added new siding and windows as part of its capital improvements. 

“We hope many friends and neighbors come and enjoy this wonderful outdoor space,” concluded Fishman. 

eldred, library, Hall Free Library, Barryville Chamber of Commerce, New York State Library Construction Grant

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