About Our Library
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WHAT WE DO AND MATERIALS WE HAVE:
Easton Library offers a collection of books, both fiction and nonfiction, to meet a wide variety of interests for all ages. Magazines, audiocassettes and videos are also available.
A brightly decorated children's room provides a warm and friendly atmosphere where children may explore and learn and develop an early love of reading. In 1998, the library became more "baby friendly" with the addition of such items as early learning toys, a playpen, a storytime carpet and a great selection of board books. Older children will easily find a good book for recreational reading and a fine selection of nonfiction to meet the demand for school reports on several topics such as Native Americans, the Age of Homespun, the Civil War, Ancient Egypt, the States of the U.S. and countries of the world.
A special collection of parenting books and videos is available. Other strengths in the library's adult book collection are reflected in the following subject areas: medical/health (especially cancer issues), gardening, cooking, home decorating and career guidance, as well as local history and genealogy. Many novels on the "best seller" lists can be readily found on Easton Library shelves. Large print books are also available.
The library's collection of books on tape is growing in size and popularity. These are very useful to persons who are experiencing visual limitations. They are also a great way to shorten the commute to work or spend travel time with the family. Others like to listen while gardening or doing handiwork.
A summer reading program is offered each year for children preschool -- grade 6. Other special programs for all ages are scheduled throughout the year and may include storytelling, lectures, author talks, musical entertainments, parent education, arts and crafts and other cultural presentations. A display case near the library entrance features the talents and collections of area residents.
Computer services:
Computer-based catalog displays holdings of SALS and MVLA member libraries
Multi-media computer with educational software for children - adult
Computer for word processing use
Internet access
Other services include:
Interlibrary loan
Outreach services for the home bound
Outreach site for Washington County Literacy Volunteers
Photocopy machine
Meeting room for library events and community use
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
One-Room Schools of Easton
In 1997 a group of people working on behalf of the Easton Library initiated a project to preserve information about rural school education in Easton. The photographs we have
on display were reproduced from historic originals coming primarily from
a collection thoughtfully preserved by Avis and John Visser, and loaned
by Theresa and Gilbert Pratt. Natalie Beck, Shirley DeFoe and Gilbert
Wright also provided photographs. There are 18 photographs in our collection.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
"When the Library idea once started, it grew like wild-fire. I remember no struggle. It meant long social evenings spent together rehearsing plays. It meant good teamwork, fine companionship -- to read, to think, to dream, to love, to pray, to throw oneself wholeheartedly into something you believe in. I know no greater happiness."
-Lucy P. Allen-
on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Easton Library
March 25, 1939
The Easton Library was established in 1879 as part of the Friends’ Seminary. On February 18, 1895, the library received its first charter from the University of the State of New York. With the closing of the Seminary, the library was housed in a number of local homes until May 8, 1902 when it moved into one room of Burton Hall. It remained there until the completion of the present building. The formal opening took place on September 10, 1955. Easton Library functions under the Easton Library Association. It is governed by a board of seven trustees elected by this Association for a term of seven years. It is financially supported by the Town of Easton, the Greenwich Central School District, Washington County and the Library Extension Division of the University of the State of New York. The library also pursues special grants each year to assist in providing additional materials and programming. Easton Library is a member of the Southern Adirondack Library System. For 120 years Easton Library has been a center of information, community culture, recreation and lifelong learning.
[Look at our Historical Timeline.]
This page last modified: Friday September 15 2000