Libraries should be a quiet place.

But you shouldn't need to bundle up to read a book or a magazine, surf the net, or browse through the stacks.

For five-and-half-days, the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy has been quiet, frigid, and, as a result, closed. 

While the library operates on its own budget, the district owns the library building and is responsible for its maintenance.

Superintendent Merritt Holly gave the Board of Education a heads up at this past week's meeting and will come back at a future meeting with details on cost.

"Obviously, we will be out of compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) if we don't do it," Holly said.

District Finance Director Brian Foeller explained that because the elevator is seldom used, the oil in the hydraulic system dries out.  If the elevator were used 100 times a day, everything would stay well lubricated, but with dry oil, metal rubs against metal and then shavings begin to impede movement.

The current elevator was installed in 1995 and is inspected annually -- also a significant expense -- but it hasn't been fully serviced before.

"So it comes down to -- we have to evaluate what's the most efficient way to get this done without having more issues with it but also knowing what the full cost is," Holly said.

Press release:

It’s the season of giving, and Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy is doing its part by holding a Holiday Book Drive!

All donated books will benefit the Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund’s Holiday Partnership.

You can participate by bringing new (or gently used) children’s books to the Library from now until Nov. 30.

Need some ideas? You may visit our Giving Tree in the Children’s Room for suggestions on the types of books you can purchase to donate.

All who donate will have their name added to a leaf on our Giving Tree!

The walkway leading from Wolcott Street to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy may look like a mess now, but things will be a whole lot better in about a month, according to Le Roy Central Schools Superintendent Merritt Holly.

As part of a $12.1 million capital improvement plan approved by voters, the district is investing $186,349 in a new sidewalk for the library.

The old sidewalk was no longer up to safety standards.  The new sidewalk will not only be more attractive but its safety enhancements will include a snowmelt system.

"This (system) will eliminate the use of salts and/or other de-icing materials and physical damage from our tractors removing snow," Holly said. "Furthermore, when our maintenance crew leaves at the end of the school day, and the library remains open in the evening, the sidewalks will stay clear of snow and ice.  We have also added a small slope change to the sidewalk as you walk up to the library using the sidewalk."

 Holly said the district expects the sidewalk project to be completed before July 13.

Photos by Howard Owens

As part of the project, a main power line for Woodward Memorial Library and the Wolcott building was replaced, hence the big hole in front of the library during construction

In the age of social distancing, Woodward Memorial Library has created a "story walk" leading up to the steps of the library.

Director Betsy Halvorsen said a new story is posted on signs along the walk every Friday and new stories will be posted through Aug. 21.  

The stories are pages from picture books mounted on lawn signs and are designed to encourage children to continue with their summer reading.

Several libraries in the Nioga system are participating in the program.

As long as I was at the library on a beautiful day, I took a picture of the bust of Lemuel M. Wiles, a highly regarded artist of the 19th century who was director of the art school at Ingham University. Ingham was an all-women university in Le Roy. The bust was created in 1922 by sculpture Chester Beach.

*Signing up for the first one each month will sign you up for the entire month*

11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 5, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 12, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 19, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 26, 2020