Hudson Falls Free Library

The Hudson Falls Free Library began in 1910 when a group of interested citizens formed the Public Library Association and elected the first five trustees: Josephine H. Allen, Emily M. Devine, Charles D. Kellogg, Erskine C. Rogers, and Willoughby Sawyer. The first treasurer was Mrs. Marcus Allen who served from 1910 until her death in 1962.

As librarian, the trustees appointed Miss Genevieve Clark, a junior high school English teacher who, for $750 a year, furnished a room for the library in her home at 110 Main Street and her services as a librarian six afternoons and evenings a week. This library was chartered by the Board of Regents on October 27, 1910, to serve the people of the township of Kingsbury.

The current library building was completed in February, 1916, at a cost of $13,216. The Women's Civic League played a major part in collecting funds for this building which was made possible through the gifts of many organizations and individuals in the area.

Miss Esther Sherman became librarian upon Miss Clark's retirement in 1928 and served until her own retirement in 1973. In January of 1973, Miss Marie L. Gandron, the current library director, was appointed.

Over the years, three major renovation projects have taken place. In 1960, the entire first floor of the building was redesigned and the basement was converted from storage area to a children's room. In the late 1980's, the first floor was again remodeled, moving the circulation desk, adding shelving, and installing a central-air conditioning system.

Most recently, the library has seen the installation of an elevator, making the 1915 building accessible to those with physical disabilities.

In the year 2000, the library celebrates its 90th year of service. We will enter the new millenium in a big way. Plans are already underway to fully automate the check out/check in process. All library materials will be bar coded and all patrons will be issued new computer-friendly library cards.

The library receives the major part of its funding from the Village of Hudson Falls, the Town of Kingsbury, and the Hudson Falls school district. Book sales and a membership drive make up the library's primary fund-raising events.