Libraries

Hazeltine Public Library
891 Busti-Sugargrove Road
Jamestown, NY 14701-9510
487-1281

Lakewood Memorial Library
12 West Summit Street
Lakewood, N.Y. 14750
763-6234

Mission Statement:
The Lakewood Memorial Library's goal has been, and continues to be, service to all residents of the community regardless of age level. This service includes providing the library materials necessary for the community residents to obtain information meeting their personal, educational, and professional information needs. Further, it is the intent of the Lakewood Memorial Library to offer the residents of the community the best material possible, as it becomes available, including the use of information technologies.

Hours:
Monday 9:30-5:00
Tuesday 9:30-5, 7-9
Wednesday 9:30-5, 7-9
Thursday 9:30-5, 7-9
Friday 9:30-5:00
Saturday 9:30-2:00
Loan Periods:
Most Books-3 weeks, New Fiction-2 weeks
Magazines and materials in current demand-1 week

Renewals:
Allowed Twice. No renewals on reserved materials.

Reference:
Materials do not circulate (use in Library only).

Past Due Fines:
$.05 per day, up to $1.00 for each cataloged item.
$.05 per day, up to $.35 for each magazine or non-cataloged paperbacks.

Lakewood Library rented one room in the local post office building from December, 1960 to July, 1970. With less than 700 square feet of available space the book stacks competed with furniture, equipment and patrons. The library had no storage space, no vestibule, no coat room, no office, and no work room. There was one small toilet facility. As use of the library services increased (190% by 1968), study and browsing became difficult. Insufficient space was obvious as a reason for moving or expansion.

As early as 1963 and continuing through 1966 the Board toured four buildings as possible locations: The Packard Estate, two churches and a hardware store. None proved suitable and a committee was appointed to investigate lots for sale.

Three sites were being considered at the time the Board applied for a Building Consultant Grant under the N.Y.S Library Services and Construction Act. The application was approved and a Consultant was appointed in February 1967. Consultant services were of great value and during 1968 the Board selected a registered architect, wrote a Building Program, hired a qualified professional fund raiser, and started a fund drive. All of these before applying for a Federal grant. Building Campaign co-chairmen were appointed and an application for a Federal Grant was filed October 1968. Before January 1969, the Board and Staff had pledged 100% and an office was set up for the work of campaign volunteers. Numerous committees continued their efforts and the Drive progressed satisfactorily with special publicity released to the local news media.

August brought confirmation that Lakewood would not receive State or Federal grants. The Board decided, therefore, "to proceed on our own," with a goal of $150,000. In September 1969, the existing buildings on the new site were demolished by the Public Works Department of the Village of Lakewood as a contribution to the project. Three local banks extended a "line of credit" based upon signed pledge cards. By October, construction contracts were signed with the architect and the builder. New construction costs were expected to beat least $200,000, including carpeting and air conditioning.

The new building provided 4,900 square feet of space; a one-floor plan with ground-level access, vestibule, main library area, adequate circulation area, reading lounge, conference room, two rest rooms, utility room, office and receiving room. All this is on a 3/4 acre site with room for parking, lawns, and space for future expansion. Moving day was July 11, 1970 and volunteers of all ages were on hand to help carry the book collection and furniture from the old quarters to the new building. Lakewood finally had a beautiful library with adequate space.

During the next five years pledge payments and gift monies were paid to the lending banks and by January 1976 the building loan was paid-in-full. Village and town officials have favorable supported requests for increased operating funds for the larger operation.

Annual support from the Village of Lakewood and from the Town of Busti has enabled Lakewood Memorial Library to provide public demands for local library service. The following summary indicates the continuous use of books, nonbook materials, and other Library facilities: