Jim Doyle -Graduate Student- Music Librarianship student-University at Buffalo
In the Summer of 2015 as a graduate student in the Music Librarianship graduate program at the University at Buffalo, I decided to enrich my understanding of the NIOGA Library system in Western New York by personally visiting each of the 22 libraries in the NIOGA library system. The NIOGA association of free libraries is a hidden gem in the midst of a multitude of communities in the Genesee, Niagara and Orleans County region and this summer goal has been a significant learning opportunity in my degree process and understanding of the importance of public libraries in the communities in which they serve. The NIOGA System is one of 23 library Systems in New York State.
The visits took over 2 weeks to complete, as I wanted to construct a trip schedule where I had ample time to peruse through the materials, not feeling rushed, and visit with various directors, librarians and staff and take in the distinct environment each library had to offer. Although each library was a part of the NIOGA system, every library had its own unique character within the patron community it served and it was very interesting to see the likes and differences. I would tell anyone, whether they are working for NIOGA, or just a patron of their community, to visit as many libraries that they can. For my summer journey it was an eye-opener, and I am even more thankful that my hometown hosts a public library in the NIOGA system. -You come to appreciate your home library as a part of the greater system and the value it provides in seeking information or as a community gathering center. -Jim Doyle
Beginning with my hometown library, The Hoag Library, in the village of Albion, NY http://www.hoaglibrary.org/
The Holley Community Free Library, located on Main Street in downtown Holley, NY http://www.holleylibrary.org/
The Byron Bergen Public Library, Located on Route 19 in the Village of Bergen, NY
http://www.byron-bergenpubliclibrary.org/
http://www.byron-bergenpubliclibrary.org/
The Woodward Memorial Library, located at 7 Wolcott St, Leroy NY. http://www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org/
The Pavilion Public Library, located off from Route 19 in the village of Pavilion, NY http://www.niogalibrary.org/pav.html
The Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St., Batavia NY http://www.batavialibrary.org/
The Corfu Free Library, located at 7 Maple Ave, Corfu NY. http://www.corfufreelibrary.org/
The Haxton Memorial Library, located at 3 North Pearl St. in the village of Oakfield, NY http://www.haxtonlibrary.org/
The Lee-Whedon Library, located at 620 West Avenue, in the village of Medina, NY http://leewhedon.org/
The Royalton Hartland Community Library, located at 9 Vern Street, Middleport NY. http://royhartcommunitylibrary.com/
The Lockport Public Library, Located at 23 East Avenue, Lockport NY http://www.lockportlibrary.org/
The Yates Community Library located in the village of Lyndonville, NY at 15 North Street. http://www.yateslibrary.org/
The Barker Free Library located at 8706 Main street, Barker NY. http://www.barkerfreelibrary.com/
This Library burned to the ground on 1/20/2019 See: https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/21/fire-destroys-village-of-barker-library-town-hall/ A go fund me was started on Facebook.
This Library burned to the ground on 1/20/2019 See: https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/21/fire-destroys-village-of-barker-library-town-hall/ A go fund me was started on Facebook.
The Newfane Free Library, located at 2761 Maple Avenue, Newfane NY. http://newfanelibrary.org/newfane/
The Wilson Free Library, located at 265 Young Street, Wilson NY. http://www.niogalibrary.org/wil.html
The Sanborn-Pekin Free Library, 5890 West Street, Sanborn NY http://www.niogalibrary.org/san.html
Ransomville Free Library, 3733 Ransomville Rd, Ransomville NY. http://www.ransomvillelibrary.org/
Youngstown Free Library, 240, Lockport Street, Youngstown, NY http://www.youngstownfreelibrary.org/
The Lewiston Public Library, located at 305 South 8th street, Lewiston NY. http://www.lewistonpubliclibrary.org/
The Niagara Falls Public Library, located at 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls NY. http://www.niagarafallspubliclib.org/
The Niagara Falls Library, Lasalle location, located at 8728 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls NY. http://www.niagarafallspubliclib.org/
The North Tonawanda Public Library, Located at 505 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY. http://www.ntlibrary.org/
The list below provides which Libraries in NIOGA System are NYS Civil Service, and which are not.
Yes NO
Lockport Youngstown
Lewiston Albion
Medina Wilson
Byron-Bergen Lyndonville
Batavia Middleport
North Tonawanda
Leroy Holley
NIAGARA FALLS Newfane
NIAGARA FALLS (Lasalle) Ransomville
Barker Sanborn-Pekin
Pavilion
Oakfield (Just the Directors position is Civil service)
Corfu - as of 2018 - as per phone conversation with Genesee County Civil Service
Yes NO
Lockport Youngstown
Lewiston Albion
Medina Wilson
Byron-Bergen Lyndonville
Batavia Middleport
North Tonawanda
Leroy Holley
NIAGARA FALLS Newfane
NIAGARA FALLS (Lasalle) Ransomville
Barker Sanborn-Pekin
Pavilion
Oakfield (Just the Directors position is Civil service)
Corfu - as of 2018 - as per phone conversation with Genesee County Civil Service
Above information taken from the NYS Library Brochure 6/18/2015 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/brochurp.pdf
The American Library Association has a wonderful information link on the Social Role of Libraries in Communities. http://www.ala.org/research/librariesmatter/taxonomy/term/143
Do we still need libraries? An interesting point of view:
http://jpalfrey.andover.edu/2012/12/30/do-we-still-need-libraries/
http://jpalfrey.andover.edu/2012/12/30/do-we-still-need-libraries/