Harrison Public Library: A History
The rich history of the Harrison Public Library, which is comprised of the Main Library at the Halperin Building and the West Harrison Branch, is depicted in this collection. Included are the Diamond Jubilee Photo Journal, a Bicentennial Cookbook On Harrison’s Table: 1976, and the first volume (1962-1968) of library scrapbooks. The remaining scrapbooks covering the years 1968-1995 will be digitized and added over time.
read more The rich history of the Harrison Public Library, which is comprised of the Main Library at the Halperin Building and the West Harrison Branch, is depicted in this collection. Included are the Diamond Jubilee Photo Journal, a Bicentennial Cookbook On Harrison’s Table: 1976, and the first volume (1962-1968) of library scrapbooks. The remaining scrapbooks covering the years 1968-1995 will be digitized and added over time.
The Diamond Jubilee Photo Journal was published in 1980 to commemorate the 75 years of library service to the Town of Harrison. The main article, written by Library Director Marie Mersky, details the history of the library. Photos throughout the book represent not only the library but also notable Town of Harrison individuals. Of particular significance are Mrs. George Macy Barron, the founder of the Harrison Reading Room in 1905 and Amelia Earhart at the dedication of The Marker,1932.
On Harrison’s Table:1976 is a compilation of the favorite recipes of the residents of the Town/Village of Harrison. It was compiled by the staff of the Harrison Public Library to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.
The scrapbooks were compiled throughout the years by dedicated staff members committed to preserving the history of the library. They contain library publicity materials such as local newspaper clippings, photographs, programs and fliers. The newspaper articles provide information on newly acquired library materials including books on various subjects, magazines, records, and equipment. Also featured are the hiring and retiring of staff and library board members and the expansion of library services, hours and facilities. They highlight the wide variety of library programs from art shows, story hours, musicals, author talks, art classes, youth discussions, chess tournaments, and films. Topical and seasonal programs include Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Series, civil rights, self-help and mental health discussions, parenting and career workshops, summer reading games for children, A Caroling-We-Go, and Holiday Festival of Lights. A Japanese Tea Ceremony and Kimono Show, a Brazilian Culture Show and a French Week Festival were among the many cultural events that took place over the years.
Well documented is the strong collaboration between the library, local schools from kindergarten through college, and many local organizations. Of particular note are the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, UNICO, the Women’s Club, the Lion’s Club, the Garden Club, the Girl Scouts, and the League of Women Voters. Evident throughout is the unwavering commitment and support of The Friends of the Harrison Public Library.
A focal point of the scrapbooks are the many familiar names and faces that have contributed to library activities. Articles spotlight the unique personal collections of local residents on display at the library and feature many contest participants and winners. Photographs are plentiful, including those taken of children participating in the very popular summer reading games and drama workshops, and of selected artists of the month.
This collection showcases the growth of the Harrison Public Library. Because of the vision, determination and ardent support of the people of Harrison, the library has been transformed from “books and a bookcase” in the town’s first firehouse in 1895, to a one room library in 1905, to two thriving centers of the community serving all residents of the Town of Harrison, and beyond.
read more The rich history of the Harrison Public Library, which is comprised of the Main Library at the Halperin Building and the West Harrison Branch, is depicted in this collection. Included are the Diamond Jubilee Photo Journal, a Bicentennial Cookbook On Harrison’s Table: 1976, and the first volume (1962-1968) of library scrapbooks. The remaining scrapbooks covering the years 1968-1995 will be digitized and added over time.
The Diamond Jubilee Photo Journal was published in 1980 to commemorate the 75 years of library service to the Town of Harrison. The main article, written by Library Director Marie Mersky, details the history of the library. Photos throughout the book represent not only the library but also notable Town of Harrison individuals. Of particular significance are Mrs. George Macy Barron, the founder of the Harrison Reading Room in 1905 and Amelia Earhart at the dedication of The Marker,1932.
On Harrison’s Table:1976 is a compilation of the favorite recipes of the residents of the Town/Village of Harrison. It was compiled by the staff of the Harrison Public Library to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.
The scrapbooks were compiled throughout the years by dedicated staff members committed to preserving the history of the library. They contain library publicity materials such as local newspaper clippings, photographs, programs and fliers. The newspaper articles provide information on newly acquired library materials including books on various subjects, magazines, records, and equipment. Also featured are the hiring and retiring of staff and library board members and the expansion of library services, hours and facilities. They highlight the wide variety of library programs from art shows, story hours, musicals, author talks, art classes, youth discussions, chess tournaments, and films. Topical and seasonal programs include Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Series, civil rights, self-help and mental health discussions, parenting and career workshops, summer reading games for children, A Caroling-We-Go, and Holiday Festival of Lights. A Japanese Tea Ceremony and Kimono Show, a Brazilian Culture Show and a French Week Festival were among the many cultural events that took place over the years.
Well documented is the strong collaboration between the library, local schools from kindergarten through college, and many local organizations. Of particular note are the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, UNICO, the Women’s Club, the Lion’s Club, the Garden Club, the Girl Scouts, and the League of Women Voters. Evident throughout is the unwavering commitment and support of The Friends of the Harrison Public Library.
A focal point of the scrapbooks are the many familiar names and faces that have contributed to library activities. Articles spotlight the unique personal collections of local residents on display at the library and feature many contest participants and winners. Photographs are plentiful, including those taken of children participating in the very popular summer reading games and drama workshops, and of selected artists of the month.
This collection showcases the growth of the Harrison Public Library. Because of the vision, determination and ardent support of the people of Harrison, the library has been transformed from “books and a bookcase” in the town’s first firehouse in 1895, to a one room library in 1905, to two thriving centers of the community serving all residents of the Town of Harrison, and beyond.
