CALEDONIA

LIBRARY
YOUR PORTAL TO THE WORLD
THE MISSION of the
CALEDONIA LIBR ARY
is to encourage literacy, enrich lives, and

create lifelong learners. But as trends in

society, technology, education, economics,

demographics, politics, and the environment

continue to shape the world, the role of the

community library has expanded greatly.

Today’s library is a community’s center for

stability through knowledge and interaction.

 EVOLUTION of the library
Historically, our understanding of a library was that
of a rigid atmosphere of quiet and subdued activity,
designed to encourage solitary experiences and
introspection to the educated populous. Especially for
small communities, knowledge of the outside world was
found in the pages of books and on roles of microfilm.
But today’s technology has brought instantaneous
access to world-wide information, readily available
and often overwhelming. Now the challenge is to sift
through that information and identify what is factual
and pertinent. Technology has influenced more than
just where information is gleaned; it has changed how
we learn, and libraries have transformed in this aspect,
too. Learning and understanding today is rarely a
solitary experience.
A modern library inspires creativity and promotes
innovation. And modern libraries consider learning a
human right for all. Communities thrive on the ability
of all people to be informed and involved. Libraries are
places for community engagement, a platform for great
minds to come together, and the sharing of personal
knowledge and hands-on learning by doing. You will
still find solitary space for quiet time in today’s library,
but you will also find a community hub alive with
meaningful conversation, creative collaboration and
life-long learning.
In Caledonia, we find ourselves at a critical juncture.
Our library requires both extensive improvements
and historic preservation to meet the increasing needs
of our community while maintaining our cultural
heritage. We must expand and renovate our physical
space, improve our infrastructure, enhance our
collections and technology, and ensure that we are
accessible to all citizens.
The Caledonia Library Association, Inc. is committed to
a major expansion project that has been talked about
for decades. Now is the time, as our community needs
a modern library to deal with today’s complex society.
We are currently working on renovating the existing
historic building and have planned an expansion that
will result in nearly 3200 square feet of additional space,
for a total facility measuring over 4700 square feet.
To achieve our goal we need the financial assistance of
individuals, foundations, businesses, and organizations
who recognize the critical services a library provides
to everyone. Please consider helping us reach our goal
through a generous and greatly appreciated donation.

T O D AY ’ S C O M M U N I T Y L I B R A R Y

• I s a repository of knowledge and an institution of • S

learning through modern technologies such as
internet and Wi-Fi access, updated audio-visual
capabilities, virtual reality learning, e-books
and audiobooks, and readily accessible printed
material.
•P
 rovides free, democratic access and levels the
playing field by offering services to all regardless
of age, income, ethnicity, or physical ability.
A community library is a safe haven that
connects people through civic gatherings,
youth activities, senior learning opportunities,
informational presentations and classes, club
meetings, and public gatherings. Libraries
provide for much needed civil discourse through
dialogue and deliberation instead of debate.
 erves as a center for life assistance through
available resources and guidance on healthy
living and health care, job searches, insurance
needs, home repair, financial assistance,
genealogy, and information found on internet
databases not accessible at home.
• Is a key component in creating a livable,
environmentally friendly community by furthering
sustainability through education and partnering
with local business.
•C
 reates economic viability in the community
as an attractive and functional centerpiece to
the business district. The library also provides
important resources for small businesses and
those seeking employment.
• I s supportive of today’s family unit in whatever
form that may be. It provides learning and
entertainment opportunities for a family
group to interact and find meaning together
out of today’s complex society. Libraries are
also critical partners in child development,
encouraging young people in community
engagement, sharing, participation in the arts,
and exploring the world through technology.
•P
 romotes literacy to enable children and adults
to master the skills necessary to navigate and
thrive in a global information society.
Visit us today at
caledonialibrary.org
 “Libraries are also

critical partners in

child development,

encouraging young

people in community

engagement, sharing,

participation in the

arts, and exploring

the world through

technology.”
STORIES from our patrons

JOSH SHELTON
As an educator, a parent, and a lifelong resident of Caledonia, I recognize the value of our
community’s library. Our library has always been a place where people feel welcome. It’s a
place where students can grow socially and academically through learning and exploring their
curiosities. The library helps to provide children with some of life’s most important lessons
like accountability and responsibility. The exceptional staff we have at the Caledonia Library
know people personally and tailor their services to each individual’s interests and needs. As
the Director of the Village’s summer outdoor recreation program, I regularly send youth to the
library to balance their physical activities with educational and enrichment experiences. The
planned library expansion project will provide a much broader level of opportunities for young
and old alike. As a cornerstone of our community, our library is truly a gateway to knowledge,
understanding, problem solving, and success.

KATHY HARTNESS

When I came to Caledonia fifty years ago, I fell in love with our library, the wonderful old stone building
that is a treasure in our town. It had great charm, and a wonderful history of care and service.
I admired the art deco lighting, the wonderful wood shelves and the sturdy little wooden chairs in the
children’s room. Ten years later it became my home away from home, and I was privileged to watch
and help it respond to innovation. Gone were the old card catalogs, the extraneous furniture and in
came the computers. In came the deliveries from other libraries, as we became a more consolidated
system. Wonderful changes and growth! I left after 29 years as the Director, but my love for the library
has not altered, but grown. The building’s physical boundaries and mechanics are just not large or
modern enough to do all the things they need to do. There is a greater need for community space,
more advance technology both for the physical building(s) and information advancement. After the
painful closure, due to Covid 19 virus, and as we approach the new normal, the library needs to grow
into its possibilities. Please consider a donation to expand this treasure.
 BILL WHITE
My wife, Linda, and I moved from Virginia, where I was a Professor in the Art Department of a small
university, to the Village of Caledonia after my retirement so we could be closer to our daughter and
grandchildren. We bought a building on Main Street directly across from the Caledonia Library and
opened The Village Gallery to display both my artwork as well as art from regional artists and invited
guest artists. Living across the street from the library, which is a beautiful historic building, allows
us to be in the heart of the community activities. We were able to schedule one of our visiting artists
to do a reading from the two children’s books she wrote and illustrated at the regularly scheduled
Children’s Story Hour. After the Story Hour, the children were invited to the gallery to talk to the artist
about her paintings that were on display. This type of collaboration is a meaningful activity for both
the gallery and the library. As an advocate for living a creative life, one key ingredient is exploring new
ideas, and our library is an important place for this to be nurtured.

KATHY CALLANAN

Libraries have always been a part of my life. I treasure the memories of my father taking me once a
week to the library as a child. I am fortunate to live in a community that has a library and a dedicated
staff. So much more than books our local library offers – Wi-Fi, computers, DVDs, story hours,
tutoring space, and most importantly a knowledgeable staff. The current Caledonia Library is juggling
extremely limited space to accommodate its expanded role in the community and has an impressive
expansion plan in place to address that. As someone who uses the library to tutor young people,
I would love to be able to show them a young adult section. Some of the students have not been in the
public library since grade school. Kids are very visual, and a young adult section would help address
their educational and developmental needs. When there are two teachers tutoring, we end up using
most of the tables, so having more tutoring space would be greatly appreciated as well. The recent
Covid-19 lockdown has shown many people how much a library can be missed. Expanding the library’s
resources will allow it to continue as a cornerstone of the community.
CALEDONIA LIBRARY planned expansion

1 COMMUNITY ROOM

3 N E W L I B R A R Y S PA C E

2 CHILDREN’S ROOM

SPACE RECOGNITION DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Every donation to the Caledonia Library’s Expansion Project will certainly be recognized. However, we want to provide
a highly visible form of public recognition for substantial donations by dedicating rooms throughout the Library.
If a donor choses to “sponsor” a particular space, the donor will be recognized in that space with a handsome wall plaque.

An area for public meetings and presentations, library educational programs and workshops, small
1 COMMUNITY ROOM
business and job training classes, and health and wellness seminars. MINIMUM DONATION: $100,000

Dedicated entirely to the younger members of the community, with resources designed
2 C H I L DR E N ’ S R O O M
to promote literacy and inspire creativity and learning. MINIMUM DONATION: $50,000

The center of it all, holding the majority of the planned expanded collection of
3 N E W L I B R A R Y S PAC E
resources in a space designed to inspire. MINIMUM DONATION: $200,000
4 RE ADING ROOM
5 WEST ROOM

6 LIBRARY LOUNGE

EXTERIOR - FRONT EXTERIOR - BACK

DESIGN SCOPE: LIBRARY EXPANSION DESIGN DESIGN SCOPE: LIBRARY EXPANSION DESIGN
3108 MAIN STREET CALEDONIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, INC. 3108 MAIN STREET CALEDONIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, INC.
CALEDONIA, NY 14423 MARCH 2020 CALEDONIA, NY 14423 MARCH 2020

A quiet place for thoughtful study.

4 R E A DI N G R O O M
MINIMUM DONATION: $50,000

Still in the planning stages, this space may be used for educational displays,
5 WEST ROOM
technology, teen activities, and virtual reality activities. MINIMUM DONATION: $50,000

Complete with fireplace, the lounge will be a place of peaceful habitation

6 L I BR A RY L O UN G E
for relaxing, reading, and conversing. MINIMUM DONATION: $100,000
VALUE and technology

The Caledonia Library will provide current information and recreational materials for all people

in our community, will create and provide a warm and encouraging atmosphere for children of

all ages, and will serve as an ongoing hub for community information.

IN 2019 THE CALEDONIA LIBRARY

SAVED OUR COMMUNITY $746,743
LIBRARY SERVICE SAVINGS

NUMBER OF BOOKS CHECKED OUT VS. THE AVERAGE COST OF A BOOK

$227,500
INTERNET USAGE VS. PRIVATE INTERNET USAGE
$479,520
DVD’S BORROWED VS. THE AVERAGE COST OF A DVD
$39,723

FREE WIRELESS ACCESS • DOWNLOADABLE E-BOOKS, MAGAZINES, & AUDIOBOOKS

TWO PUBLIC USE DESKTOP COMPUTERS • ONE PATRON CATALOG COMPUTER
WI-FI HOTSPOTS FOR PATRON USE
 CIRCULATION
Total Circulation (books, audiobooks, videos and magazines)................................. 17,847

Materials Borrowed from Other Libraries.................................................................. 3,062

Materials Loaned......................................................................................................... 3,008

E-books Borrowed........................................................................................................ 2,185

COLLECTION
16,701
Total Print Material...................................................................................................

Magazine Subscriptions........................................................................................... 43

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
28
Story-time Sessions..................................................................................................

Children Enrolled in Summer Reading Program..................................................... 105

 HISTORY of the C ALEDONIA LIBR ARY BUILDING

In 1910, the trustees of the Ladies Circulating Library

purchased the Blakeslee’s residence for a price of $2200.

Initially, the library was housed in what is currently known as

the children’s room, with the other rooms rented to the Tri
County Gas Company.

The matter of enlarging the library to include the room then

occupied by the gas company was discussed in 1919. Also
discussed were various repairs and “the putting in of a toilet.”
Interestingly, library records show there was still discussion
The Caledonia Library Association has great pride in our about adding a toilet 18 years later.
building and its history. In November 2007, we were listed
Throughout this building’s history, it has housed many
on the registry for the State Historic Preservation, and a
things. It started as a home, which grew to include a store,
month later we were placed on the National registry. This
apothecary, bank and post office. It has housed a gas
is one of the earliest surviving residences in the village, and
company under the same roof as a young library. It has seen
is an outstanding example of cut limestone, Federal Style
the Caledonia Fair rent space and sheltered the Red Cross
residential architecture. We are proud to have our building
as they rolled bandages in the back room during WWI and
on the historic registries.
upstairs during WWII.
The original building, where the circulation desk is located,
We plan on the future of this building to be as interesting
was built around 1826 by General Gad Blakeslee and uses
and exciting as its past. For over a century our library
load bearing stones taken from the quarry on Quarry Road
building has been lovingly cared for in the public trust.
in Caledonia.
That legacy will continue.
The Blakeslee house was more than just a home; it was also
where he ran a shop, and, as he was the town postmaster,
cared for the mail.

“A library is not a luxury but „

one of the necessities of life.
— Henry Ward Beecher

CALEDONIA LIBRARY YOUR PORTAL TO THE WORLD

3108 Main Street • Caledonia, NY 14423 • 585.538.4512 • caledonialibrary.org

Brochure design by Tracy Clarry • Tracy Design • tracyclarry@gmail.com • 716.983.1795