Commemorating the centennial of the New Lebanon Library’s charter as the Joseph Hooper Free Library, the Library and the Lebanon Valley Historical Society will co-sponsor a program on Saturday, April 21, at 11 am at the Library.
Art Robinson will deliver a presentation on the discovery of the burial place of Jesse Torrey, in Montezuma, NY. Jesse Torrey founded the Juvenile Society for the Acquisition of Knowledge, a free lending library, in New Lebanon,
in March 1804. This is credited as the first free lending library in America and was the progenitor of the New Lebanon Book Club, the Joseph Hooper Free Library and the present-day New Lebanon Library. Torrey influenced many early nineteenth century leaders to adopt the concept. Robinson, who is distantly related to Torrey, was doing genealogical research and discovered the gravesite, solving a long standing mystery of local interest.
Library Trustee and past President Danny Lynch will discuss the history of the New Lebanon Library, focusing on the work of its founder, the Reverend Joseph Hooper. He will also discuss the contributions of Directors and volunteers over the years, paying special attention to Clemence Bull, Olive Hand and Mary Gillen. Audience members will also be asked to share their memories of the Library.
All are welcome to this free event. Following the two hour program, light refreshments will be served. The library, at 550 State Route 20, is located ¼ mile north of the yellow blinking light at the intersection of Routes 20/22.