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Hollwedel Memorial Library

Hollwedel Memorial Library encourages kids to read during summer with magic show

By Press Release

Press Release:

Hollwedel Memorial Library is hosting a professional summer reading magic show, open to the community, on Monday, July 10 at 6 p.m., at the Hollwedel Memorial Library, located at 5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion.

The show, titled “Yes I Can” is being used as part of the library’s efforts to encourage children to read more during the summer. Admission is free, seating availability permitting.

The magic show, presented by professional magician Cris Johnson, will feature music, age-appropriate humor, fun magic, audience participation, and more. The show is intended for children ages 4-12 and any fun-loving adults.

“This particular magic show is something different – it was designed to promote our summer reading program theme of "All Together Now’,” Library Director Josselyn Borowiec explains. “Cris Johnson comes dressed in a fun costume, and the show will feature magic themed around different aspects of togetherness, a strong pro-reading, a fun FREE magic trick for every child who attends, an amazing effect where several kids help with a magic jigsaw puzzle, and more!”

Why did magician Cris Johnson go to the trouble of creating an entire show around the 2023 Summer Reading Program theme? “I’ve been creating and presenting themed shows to libraries and schools across North America for nearly 20 years and it’s a passion of mine,” Cris explains. “With budget cuts increasing all the time, we as a community really need to support our local libraries, encourage children to read more, watch less TV, and protect our children’s future.”

Esther Leadley to be honored in Pavilion before moving to be closer to family

By Press Release

histdepartmentribbon.jpg

Press release:

The Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion will be hosting an Open House on Monday, Nov. 7 from 3:30-5:00 pm to honor local leader, Esther Leadley.

Mrs. Leadley is moving out of her beloved Genesee County to be closer to family in the Fairport area.

Mrs. Leadley is a long-time community servant in the area. She served as a Genesee County legislator for 15 years, proudly representing the towns of Alexander, Bethany and Pavilion. She has been vital to the Hollwedel Memorial Library, serving as a Library Director, trustee, Friend of the Library, and active member of various library groups and activities. She has been a volunteer in many organizations throughout the county such as GLOW Women Rise, The ARC GLOW, and The Genesee Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

“I can’t imagine not seeing Esther’s warm smile every week at the library,” says Josselyn Borowiec, Library Director of the Hollwedel Memorial Library. “Her quick wit and vast wisdom will be sorely missed, but I have no doubt she will soon be shining her light brightly in Monroe County. I only hope she will visit often.”

Ms. Borowiec is encouraging anyone who has known Esther over her many years in Genesee County to stop down, enjoy some refreshments, thank Mrs Leadley and wish her much luck in her new hometown.

Photo: File photo of Ester Leadley, center, when she was a member of the Genesee county Legislature, with then County Historian Susan L. Conklin and then Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock.

Macbeth at Hollwedel Library postponed

By Press Release

Press release:

There is a  Covid outbreak in the “Shake in the Lake” troupe, so there will be no performance of “Macbeth tonight. The show has been rescheduled to Mon., Aug. 1 at 6:30 pm. at the library. The food trucks are still coming tonight if you’d like to get dinner and/or ice cream.  We hope to see you on Aug. 1!

 

Pavilion voters approve establishing Hollwedel as a school district public library, elect trustees

By Press Release

Press release:

The Board of Trustees of the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion announces that the proposition to permanently establish Hollwedel as a school district public library was approved 151 to 38 on May 18th.

In addition, all trustees were elected to terms of up to three years. They are: Deborah Davis, Sharon Fuerch, Stephen Gould, Joan Gray, Karen Kingsley, Danielle Offhaus and Timothy Wasiewicz.

"The Board gratefully acknowledges the public's support and confidence to change the library's service area to align with the Pavilion Central School District boundaries," says Board President Joan Gray. "We anticipate completing this process over the next few months.

"Once that is done, the hours will increase and more programs will be offered. We are excited about the opportunities for all in the school district."

There will be a Special Meeting of the library's Board of Trustees at 6 p.m. Monday, May 24 via Zoom to discuss and possibly vote on changes to the library's Reopening Procedures: Level 3 -- Criteria and Services.

The meeting is open to the public.

Here's the access information:

  • Zoom link
  • Meeting ID: 882 6268 5565
  • Passcode: 6vfvFk

Previously: Pavilion voters to decide May 18 if Hollwedel should become school district public library

Previously: Hollwedel board asks Pavilion board to hold vote forming school district library

Pavilion voters to decide May 18 if Hollwedel should become school district public library

By Press Release

Above, Adeline Offhaus enjoys a book she found at the Hollwedel Memorial Library about wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Submitted photos and press release:

A proposition to transition Hollwedel Memorial Library, currently chartered to serve the Town of Pavilion, to a Pavilion Central School District public library will be put to a vote May 18.

An online presentation by the Hollwedel Memorial Library Board of Trustees with details about the proposition has been available and can be viewed at www.HollwedelLibrary.org/vote. The slides used in this presentation can also be picked up at the library.

An informational flier with details about the vote was mailed to Pavilion Central School District residents in early April.

The Hollwedel Memorial Library Board of Trustees also hosted two small group sessions at the library for residents on April 24 and 26. At these meetings, Joan Gray, president, and Stephen Gould, vice president, shared information about the proposition to transition the library to a school district public library.

Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at Pavilion High School.

If approved, the library’s service area would expand to serve the residents of the Pavilion Central School District. Currently, the library is chartered to serve the Town of Pavilion.

Stabilizes Funding & Provides Elected Representation

The library would remain housed in the same building with the same staff. The school district would have no direct control of the library but would collect funds for the library. This transition to a School District Public Library would stabilize the funding needed to operate the library, and provide elected representation to the taxpayers as library trustees will be elected rather than appointed.

According to Board President Gray, “We hope that residents remember to vote on May 18. At our meetings and online, we have explained that library usage has increased steadily while our funding has not. With this vote, the proposed level of community-based funding would amount to 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed values on properties in the Pavilion School District.

"Without this transition, the future of the library is uncertain. We have been encouraged by the positive comments we have received from the community who believe that the library is important to all of us.”

The slide presentation along with additional information about the upcoming library vote are available online at the library’s website at www.HollwedelMemorialLibrary.org/vote. Residents with questions can also contact the library at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Below, Harper Offhaus and her mom, Danielle, often enjoy a book together in the Children’s Reading area at the Hollwedel Memorial Library. Danielle currently serves on the library's Board of Trustees.

Below, grandmother Lisa Schiske shows Chase Radesi, left, and Ari Schiske how to read one of their favorite children’s books online at the library.

Below, Oscar Staba uses the Hollwedel library’s computers to get his homework done, and he enjoys the free WiFi for use on his phone.

Director of Hollwedel Memorial Library named a NYS Outstanding Librarian

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

New York State Senator Sean Ryan (NY 60th) has announced Josselyn Borowiec (photo above), director of the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion, as a winner of one of the 2021 NYS Outstanding Librarian Awards.

To mark National Library Week, Senator Ryan solicited nominations from across New York for librarians who go above and beyond to serve their communities. Nominations came in from every corner of the state, and a total of 11 winners were chosen. As an award winner, Borowiec received a framed New York State Senate Proclamation, which will be on display at the Hollwedel Memorial Library, located a 5 Woodrow Drive. 

Specifically, Senator Ryan recognized her leadership in growing the library’s innovative programming, improving technology use and knowledge, effective use of the library’s social media presence, and connecting with the Pavilion community. In addition, Senator Ryan noted that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has worked tirelessly to maintain services for patrons.

National Library Week took place from April 4-10 this year in libraries all across the country. This annual celebration was first sponsored in 1958 by the American Library Association (ALA). 

The ALA’s theme for 2021 is “Welcome to Your Library,” and it promotes the idea that libraries extend beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.

According to the Senator, “Libraries are pillars of our communities and our librarians are dedicated public servants who work every day to keep all of us informed, educate young people, and ensure our libraries are centers of knowledge and learning. During the past year, being a librarian has been especially difficult.”

“I feel this award is a reflection on our great community and our Board of Trustees. It also speaks to what a terrific community treasure the Hollwedel Memorial Library really is. I am happy to be a part of it,” says Borowiec. 

“Senator Ryan’s recognition of the dedication of our library staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a wonderful thank you for all of their efforts,” says Joan Gray, president of the Board of Trustees. “But it is the community that inspires us."

Residents can find more information about the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s programs and services on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org  or contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Two info sessions to be held on Hollwedel library's pursuit to become school district public library

By Press Release

Press release:

Residents of the Pavilion Central School District are invited to attend either one of two information sessions to be held at the Hollwedel Memorial Library on its decision to pursue becoming a school district public library.

The one-on-one meetings will take place on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Monday, April 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. 

The meetings were announced in a mailing sent to Pavilion Central School District residents earlier this month.

They will be hosted by the Board President Joan Gray and Board Vice President Stephen Gould.

As a school district public library, the library would have a service area that aligns with the boundaries of the Pavilion Central School District.

The library’s budget and the board of trustees would be determined by a public vote. The library itself would remain housed in the same building and be staffed by the same professionals.

The school district would collect tax money for the library and turn the funds over to the Library Board. The school district would have no direct control over the operations of the library.

All recommended COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed for the meetings at the library. Please wear a mask for your visit.

Residents can find more information on the library’s website; ask questions via email at:  hollwedellibrary@gmail.com, or contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Hollwedel board asks Pavilion board to hold vote forming school district library

By Press Release

Press release:

The Board of Trustees of the Hollwedel Memorial Library has formally requested that the Pavilion Central School District hold a vote on creating a school district public library that would take place in May of 2021. 

In a letter sent to the Board of Education, the Trustees expressed their desire to comply with the New York State Board of Regents policy urging libraries to shift tax support from general appropriations from municipalities to a direct public vote. Currently, the Hollwedel Memorial Library receives operating funds from the Town of Pavilion, and to a lesser degree from Genesee County, the towns of Bethany and Covington, plus donations and fundraising events.

As a school district public library, the library would have a service area that aligns with the boundaries of the Pavilion Central School District. The library’s budget and the board of trustees would be determined by a public vote. The library itself would remain housed in the same building and be staffed by the same professionals. The school district would collect tax money for the library and turn the funds over to the Library Board. The school district would have no direct control over the operations of the library.

The change to become a school district public library is being considered in order to provide enhanced library services to all residents of the area, to comply with the New York State Board of Regents policy, and to provide a secure and sustainable source of operating income for the library. 

The Hollwedel Memorial Library has seen steady growth in the number of borrowers and use of services by local residents while experiencing flat and/or reduced funding revenue over the past several years. In addition, the mandatory New York State Minimum Wage Laws have had a significant impact on the library’s budget.

The Board of Trustees of the Hollwedel Memorial Library will communicate the details of the library budget vote to all residents of the Pavilion Central School District before the vote. 

Communication plans include an informational mailing to district residents, an online presentation, small one-on-one sessions to be held at the library, newspaper articles and legal notices in print, as well as information that will be posted on the library’s website at www.HollwedelMemorialLibrary.org.

“This is the beginning of a process," says Board President Joan Gray. "The Hollwedel Memorial Library Board of Trustees is working to share information. It is important to us that school district residents are well informed about the future of the library. We know that many local residents use our Wi-Fi, computers, materials and services.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are relying on the library for internet usage, materials, services and programs. With this type of community-based funding, our library would be able to continue to provide opportunities for lifelong learning and access to the latest technologies that we have laid out in our Strategic Plan. It would also make it possible for us to keep the library open for more days and times than our current funding allows.

“While much more information about this process will be announced soon, we invite residents to visit our website or the library to read our Strategic Plan. In addition, residents with questions can contact me directly at (585) 506-5642.”

Information about the library and its programs and services can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion offers curbside pick up of books, magazines and movies

By Press Release

Press release:

Still not comfortable going places? The folks at the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion understand. That’s why we are offering curbside pick up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is how you can still enjoy reading and movies at home. From the Services tab on our homepage at www.HollwedelLibrary.org, log into your account to search and request books, magazines, or the movies you would like.

  • If you prefer to submit your requests directly to staff, you can email us at hollwedellibrary@gmail.com.
  • Staff will sanitize and check out those library materials to you. Then they will be bagged for your privacy and protection.
  • During library hours, come to the front of the library for your items and call us to let us know you are there.

Our electronic services are also an option. You can download and enjoy ebooks, movies, audiobooks, TV shows, music albums and more with them using your library card. They are also available from links on our website homepage. 

Information about curbside pick up, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. Current hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Phone is (585) 584-8843.

Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion closed due to water break

By Press Release

Public Notice

The Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion has been forced to close due to a water break at the Town. Workers are attempting to fix the break, but it is uncertain if the Library will be able to open tomorrow.

Patrons can call 584-8843 or check FB in the morning to find out. If it is not able to open fully, curbside service will be provided. The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive.

Pavilion's library offers 'round-the-clock Wi-Fi, plus free use of computers when open

By Press Release

Submitted image and press release:

Now more than ever, it’s important to be able to connect to the internet so the Hollwedel Memorial Library has a Wi-Fi area that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We know that not everyone has access to the internet, and especially during the COVID pandemic, residents have been using our Wi-Fi and computers for all sorts of tasks,” says Josselyn Borowiec, library director. “We want everyone to know that when we are not open, they can still pull into our parking lot Wi-Fi area and connect at any time of the day or night.”

Residents can also use the computer stations inside the library that have popular software and provide access to the internet at no charge.

Information about the many programs and services available at the library can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org. Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. 

Current hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Photo: Hollwedel Library Director Josselyn Borowiec demonstrates using the library’s Wi-Fi in the Wi-Fi area designated by the signs in front of the building.

Pavilion's Hollwedel library to livestream yoga for adults and children

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

If the COVID-19 pandemic is stressing you out, the whole family can get some relief with yoga classes. They are held online and brought to you by the Hollwedel Memorial Library. 

There are two live sessions scheduled this month: one especially for adults and one for just for the children. The sessions will be livestreamed on Facebook on the library’s wall. 

The adult session will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and will be perfect for all levels including beginners.

“If you have never attended a Yoga class, this will be a great start,” says Josselyn Borowiec, library director and a trained and certified yoga instructor. “Yoga has many benefits and has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety and is good for the heart, blood pressure, bone density, strengthening and balance.” 

Yoga for the kids will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. The focus is on fun during this yoga class and always includes a story.

“The yoga class for the kids is a great time to get some exercise, and we have been known to share some laughs as we learn,” says Borowiec, who also leads this session. 

Information about these online yoga programs, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Currently, hours are:

  • Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. to noon
  • Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Photo: Yoga instructor and Hollwedel Library Director Josselyn Borowiec* will be leading adults and children in two online yoga classes on Jan. 27 and Jan. 30.

* RYT® 200 -- successfully completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training and registered with Yoga Alliance.

COVID-19 Community Chronicles being collected at Hollwedel Memorial Library

By Press Release

Press release:

What are you doing during the COVID-19 Pandemic? The folks at the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion would like to hear from residents about this historic time by publishing a collection of stories that they share about their lives in the pandemic.

They are putting out a call for residents to share their memories and accounts to be published in a book entitled, “Covid Community Chronicles – Our Lives During the Pandemic.”

“As this is a distinct time in our lives and in the world, we would like to capture a bit of what everyday life was like in our area during the Pandemic," says Josselyn Borowiec, library director. "A collection of short accounts along with photos will be something we can keep to document and share what life was like in our community. We all had to find different ways to work, learn and spend our time with each other, and we would like to have a permanent record of that here at the library.”

Plans for the book include accounts of how people are spending this time in their lives, what they learned, how normal routines changed, what was hard for them to deal with and/or what they will remember most about it. Residents are also encouraged to send along a photo or photos that they would like to use along with the stories that they share. 

“This time in our lives has impacted us deeply, and I know that people have had to change many things over the past several months," says Joan Gray, library board president. "We think it is important for people in our community to share our challenges, and to preserve what was important. When the collection is complete, we will also provide a way for people to order their own copy of the Covid Chronicles."

“There are submission forms at the library for anyone to pick up and use to share their story,” says Borowiec. “Of course, people can just write their account or memory and provide that to us as well.”

Residents are asked to email, mail, or drop off their stories and/or photos about this time in our local history. A short, signed permission form granting the library use of their stories and photos will need to be completed.

The permission form to publish photos and stories is available online and at the library. The email address to send submissions is:   hollwedellibrary@gmail.com.  

The very first entry in the book will be from the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees. It is an account of what happened starting on March 20, when all nonessential businesses had to close.

“The challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced to substantially change all we were used to in our library lives,” writes Joan Gray, “It is now November 2020 and the ‘new normal’ is a fluid reality. But working together we rose to the challenge throughout these many months to figure out safe and innovative ways to serve our patrons and surrounding communities."

Information about “Covid Community Chronicles” as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Countdown to Christmas begins today at Hollwedel Memorial Library

By Press Release

Photo: Library Director Josselyn Borowiec shows off the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar.

Starting today, Dec. 2, patrons who enter the library have a chance each day to reveal a new holiday-themed book on the countdown calendar.

Stop in and see if you are the lucky person to unwrap a new book that will then be added to the library’s collection.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Road, Pavilion. Current hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Thursdays and Sundays. Phone is (585) 584-8845.

Masks are required. Number of patrons allowed inside is limited.

Submitted photo and information.

Hollwedel library to host drive-thru 'Trunk-or-Treat' on Halloween day

By Press Release

Press release:

Families are invited to visit the Hollwedel Memorial Library “Trunk-or-Treat” on Halloween day for a fun drive-thru event. Kids can show off their costumes and pick up some treats as they drive through the loop in front of the library. 

Visiting “Trunk-or-Treaters” are asked to stay in their cars for the safety of all. Treats will be delivered to each car in the loop. 

The library is open for the "Trunk-or-Treat" and regular library services that day from 10 a.m. to noon

Information about this family-friendly event, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Hey pumpkin people -- Hollwedel library wants to display your decorated ones for their contest

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

Calling all creative people to dress up a pumpkin in any style they choose to compete for an Amazon Gift Card at the Hollwedel Memorial Library!

Everyone is invited to bring in a festive pumpkin anytime between now and Wednesday Oct. 28 to take part in a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Library patrons can vote for a winner from the entries on display when they checkout any books, DVDs, or other library materials.

There are two age categories, one for children up to 12 years of age, and the other for folks that are 13 and older. Each winner in their category will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

“We already have some pretty cute entries that are getting votes,” says Library Director Josselyn Borowiec. “We’d love to have more dressed up pumpkins to choose from.”

Enter your decorated -- not carved -- pumpkin from now until Oct. 28. Get in early so people can see and vote for your creation!

Information about this contest, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Photo: Library Director Josselyn Borowiec shows off two of the entries in the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Votes can be cast at the library at checkout. 

Hollwedel library in Pavilion hosts 'Christmas Magic' show with pro magician Dec. 2, free

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hollwedel Memorial Library is hosting an awesome, professional Christmas-themed magic show, open to the community, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

The free show, titled “Christmas Magic,” is being used as part of the library’s efforts to encourage children to read more during the holiday season.

The magic show is presented by professional magician Cris Johnson and will feature music, age-appropriate humor, fun magic, audience participation, and more. The show is intended for children ages 4-12 and any fun-loving adults.

“This particular magic show is something different – it was designed to promote what the meaning of Christmas is supposed to be in terms of kindness and a giving attitude, but this show does not feature any religious content,” Library Director Josselyn Borowiec said.

“The show will feature magic such as beautiful Christmas lights appearing from thin air, a drawing of a Christmas elf that comes to life, an indoor ‘snowstorm’ and more!”

Why did Johnson the magician go to the trouble of creating an entire show around Christmas?

“I’ve been creating and presenting themed shows to libraries and schools all across North America for nearly 20 years and it’s a passion of mine,” Johnson said. “With budget cuts increasing all the time, we as a community really need to support our local libraries, encourage children to read more, watch less TV, and protect our children’s future.”

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Hollwedel library in Pavilion hosts 2020 Census Job Fair and info meeting this afternoon

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hollwedel Memorial Library is hosting 2020 Census Job Fair (4-6 p.m.) followed by informational meeting at 6:15 p.m. today (Oct. 23).

The Census Bureau is holding informational events all over the country to answer questions about jobs and the hiring process with the goal of recruiting temporary workers for positions beginning in the spring of 2020. These jobs are critical to ensure a complete and accurate census.

The Census Bureau needs to hire about 500,000 census takers across the country in 2020.

In order to meet this goal, the Census Bureau is starting peak recruiting efforts now.

Applying early to work as a census taker is a great way for holiday seasonal workers, students, retirees and workers in the gig economy to line up spring and summer employment opportunities.

Any questions can be directed to the library director, Josselyn Borowiec, at (585) 584-8843.

Hollwedel Memorial Library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion.

Hollwedel library in Pavilion to hold Open House March 16 to honor retiring manager

By Billie Owens

From Hollwedel Library Trustee Deb Davis:

The Hollwedel Memorial Library Friends and Trustees will be hosting an Open House from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 honoring their retiring manager, Suzanne Schauf.

Schauf has been the Library Manager since 2003 and has worked at the library since 1999.

She will be greatly missed.

Please stop in to wish Suzanne well and enjoy some refreshments with us.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

A search for a new library manager is underway.

(Photo of Suzanne Schauf courtesy of Richard Schauf.)

Legislature wants more discussion about some towns not paying for library services their residents use

By Howard B. Owens

Local library directors are asking Genesee County to provide $48,000 in funding in its 2019 budget, which would restore the county's share of funding to 2011 levels.

Without committing, either way, several members of county's Human Services Committee on Monday questioned why towns in the county that don't have libraries aren't doing more to assist funding libraries since their residents certainly use libraries, whether it's the Richmond, Haxton, Corfu, Woodward, or Hollwedel libraries.

"You need to make a presentation to GAM (Genesee Association of Municipalities) because there are still significant portions of the county that are not contributing to the libraries," said Robert Bausch, chairman of the County Legislature. "I hate to say that certain people in certain towns are dumber than other people so, therefore, they don’t need libraries. I don’t think that’s true but the bottom line is, this has gone on now since approximately 1986, so this has gone on for 30 years and these other towns have not stepped up."

Suzanne Schauf, director of the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion, suggested that because of towns without libraries -- such as Bethany, Alabama, Alexander, and Elba -- aren't legally obligated to pay for libraries, any funding that comes from the towns could be precarious and subject to political whim.

Bethany, she said, used to make a contribution to the Pavilion library, but then somebody said the wrong thing to somebody, somebody else got mad, she said, and the funding was cut.

To secure more funding from these towns, libraries would need to recharter to incorporate these towns either in a library district or as part of an appropriate school budget.

That can be a lengthy process, though the Corfu Free Library rechartered as a school district library and became the Corfu Public Library in 2016.

Bausch was actually part of the committee 30 years ago that came up with the formula for the county to provide financial support to all of the libraries. The original plan was for the county share to be $60,000, or $1 per resident.

Over time, that share was reduced and is now less than $48,000, though the county's population is 58,000.

More than half the money goes to the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia and though that is the largest piece of the funding pie, said Director Robert Conrad, it is the smallest portion of the library's revenue stream.

The county share is generally used for the purchase and upkeep of technology and purchasing new books.

The Legislature is asking that the topic be placed on the next GAM agenda.

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