History of the Allens Hill Free Library

 

In the late 1800's, there was a very active Literary Society in the Allens Hill area. They had regular meetings where they reviewed books, presented recitals, and had programs of interest to the members. In 1883, the Allens Hill Literary Society formed the Allens Hill Free Library to store their collection of books.

 

Mrs. C. W. Simmons was the Literary Society Secretary and the first librarian of the Allens Hill Free Library. At first the books were loaned from her home. Later the books were located in the Allens Hill General Store which was owned by C. W. Simmons. The Librarian's salary was $15.00 per year. 

 

On February 28, 1895 the Allens Hill Free Library received a Provisional Charter from New York State. At that time the Trustees were Richard Allen, Hiram Case, Mary Green, Horace Pech and Anna Sayre. 

 

The first public funds were received by the Allens Hill Free Library in 1906. Before that the library was supported by the Literary Society.

 

In 1895, the books were moved to a room on the north side of the Richard Allen home. The room measured eleven feet by thirteen feet and books covered every inch of the space. After Richard Allen's death, the rent of fifteen dollars per year was paid to Tracey Allen. 

 

In 1960, the Ontario Cooperative Library System was formed and Allens Hill became a member. Interlibrary Loan had a dramatic effect on our library because patrons were now able to borrow books at Allens Hill from the large libraries in the area. There was a delivery service twice a week.

 

At one time, the Allens Hill Library had the distinction of being the smallest library in the state. A 1951 state publication entitled Report of the Governor's Committee on Library Aid shows side by side photos of the New York Public Library and the Allens Hill Free Library- the state's largest and smallest. 

 

The library remained in the Allen home until 1970, even though the shelves were overflowing and stacks of books took up most of the floor space. The waiting line at the desk often had to stand outside, for lack of room. 

 

During the 1960's, a building fund was started and in 1972 a new library was built on land donated by James Stanton. The new library was the size of a two car garage. The building committee consisted of George Deal, Jim Maycock, Harry and Louise McKee, and Floyd and Caroline Shilling. 

 

The building for the new library was erected by Rudco Co. The construction was financed by gifts from people in the community and other neighboring towns. The finishing work, inside and out, as well as the landscaping of the grounds, was done by communitee volunteers. 

 

In 1992, the library had once again outgrown the building's sixe and an addition was built. Both of these buildings were built with funds earned by the library board and with funds donated by members of the community. Shelving was furnished and constructed by the Honeoye Rotary. 

 

In 1995, the library again experienced significant improvements. Donations of a computer and desk enabled the library to quickly tap into the resources of other libraries. The outside of the library was painted with volunteer labor. A large and colorful mural, painted by students and faculty members at Honeoye Central School, was added to the outside of the building. Carpet was installed in the new addition, and handicapped access to the library was built.

 

Allens Hill Free Library celebrated its 100th anniversary with an open house on November 11th, 1995, at which time long-time trustee, Hellen Anna Launt was honored. Helen retired after 28 years of service to the Library Board. 

 

Mission Statement

 

The Allens Hill Free Library provides print and non-print materials and services to the community members to help meet their informational and recreational needs. Emphasis is placed on stimulating all ages to view the Allens Hill Free Library as a life long center for learning, information gathering and leisure reading. 

 

Library Roles

 

The following roles have been chosen for Allens Hill Free Library:

 

1.  Popular Materials Library

          The library currently offers high demand, high interest materials in a variety of formats. The library             will maintain its current level of adult materials. 

   2.  Learning Center for Children

          The library owns a large, well maintained, well used collection of children's books. The library will                 maintain this collection, add to it, and continue to help parents seek appropriate materials for their                children. 

   3.  Community Learning Center

          The library supports individuals of all ages as they pursue learning objectives. The library will                         continue to provide materials in many formats.