The Community Library was begun on September 28, 1920 by community leader The Rev. Dr. John Van Schaick, Jr. He called together 20 men to meet in his father's home on Grand Street, Cobleskill, to discuss the need of a free public library. From that gathering a public meeting was held, and it was decided to open a library, financed by memberships of $1 each. In April 1926, a public referendum was passed by the residents of the Town of Cobleskill to establish and support a public library, and subsequently a charter was issued by the Regents of the State of New York, and the Cobleskill Public Library was founded. The Library operated on Union Street, then, outgrowing its tiny room, moved to the corner of Main and Grand Streets where it also outgrew its space, and finally purchased from the Cobleskill School District the former Cobleskill Academy 7 Union School on Union Street for the sum of $1. The building was originally built in 1884, and served as a school until purchased by the Library. It also houses the Town Offices, the Office for the Town Historian, and meeting rooms for the public. In October 1999, the Library officially changed its designation to become a school district public library, and it became The Community Library to reflect its service to residents of its service area. Its residency continues in this historic building, however, the Library is beginning the enormous undertaking of renovation of the entire building to expand Library space, accommodate growing technology, provide more community services and meeting rooms, and make office space available on the second floor. The Library, in addition to occupying a historic place in the community, serves as the location for Notebooks of Town Historians back to the mid -1800's as well as geneological and obituary information for Cobleskill and the outlaying areas. |
