by Andrew Henderson

The Fulton Public Library’s elevator project is progressing, according to library Director Penny Kerfien.

The project, which began Sept. 25, involves the installation of a four-story elevator tower to make all four levels of the historic Carnegie structure fully accessible. Ground was broke on the river side of the building.

“The project will be completed in two sections,” Ms. Kerfien said. “The first part of the project will be to construct the tower, on the river side of the building, from ground level to the roof.”

She explained that this part of the process will be completed this fall, along with some of the interior work. The finishing of the interior, doors, and the elevator itself will be installed in early 2010, Ms. Kerfien noted.

Library board President Marian Stanton reports that the full cost of the project has not yet been raised.

“The board felt it was important to begin construction as encouragement to the community—and ourselves—that we’re determined to be successful,” she said. “We have several other sources of funding pending, and we are continuing our fund-raising activities.”

The Fulton Public Library, built in 1905, was one of many public libraries built throughout the nation with funds from early-20th-century philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The library was originally chartered in 1895 by the New York State Education Department. At that time, it was located in the old Fourth Street High School and contained books from the high school and Falley Seminary, which were used only by students.

In November 1898, the library moved to a room in the Phillips Block at 7 South First Street (above the W.J. Watson drug store). The long, narrow second-floor room was lined with bookshelves and scattered with potted plants and had large windows at each end. Mrs. Helen Emens served as librarian. The library was free to the public; children were allowed to borrow one book per week. The collection numbered over 4,000 books in 1900, and circulated around 25,000 books that year.

In 1902, after many requests, a letter received from Andrew Carnegie stated that if the city would find a suitable site and pledge at least $1,500 per year, he would donate $15,000 for the building. Finally, a 120-by-50 site next to the river at 160 South First Street was agreed upon. Syracuse architects and local construction firm D. E. Wadsworth built it.
An old stone building which had served as housing for canal workers was demolished and the stone was used for the library’s foundation. Stone from the same source was also used in the construction of Auburn Prison. Laying of the cornerstone of the library took place in June 1905; Mrs. Emens directed moving into and opening the new building in February 1906.

The Carnegie-funded building was designated an Oswego County Historical Landmark in 1985 and was added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1999.

The library was awarded a matching grant from the New York State Library Construction Fund last year for the current elevator project. The library launched a campaign within the community to raise approximately $130,000 to match the grant for the elevator.

The elevator will put the library in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. The only restrooms are on the second level.

“This will give us an opportunity to be accessible for children with disabilities,” Ms. Stanton said “That’s been a big gap in our service. Unless somebody can carry them, they can’t go down to the lower level and the children’s room. So, we’re really hopeful that people will come through and help us.”

The library also has plans eventually to convert the basement into a community meeting room. Library officials are planning to incorporate creatively into the design an existing rock formation and running spring that trickles through the library’s sub-basement.

In recent years, the library has become a busier place. In 2003, the library’s circulation was 51,636. In 2007, the circulation was more than 71 percent to 88,517. The library’s computers were used by children and adults 27,544 times and the number of audio books and videos loaned has increased similarly.

The computers at the library, complete with free Internet access, are being used by an average of 88 patrons per day.

Approximately 8,148 area residents have been issued library cards, which is more than double the number five years ago. By comparison, the City of Fulton has a population of less than 12,000 residents.

The library and its board are planning a number of fund-raisers to raise the necessary funds to complete the project.

“We even have an evening of Irish music by Belfastman Geordy Austin and friends along with a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner planned for late this fall at the Fulton Polish Home, chaired by Rosa Kemmis and Bob Vayner,” Ms. Stanton said. “We expect to have a firm date to announce within a few days.”