Ogden Farmers' receives donations

The Ogden Farmers' Library recently received three major donations of materials from area residents.

John and Margaret Wittman of Euler Road have donated an extensive collection of Native American books and pamphlets that they acquired beginning in the 1960s. The Wittmans became interested in Native American culture after attending events such as the Green Corn Festival on the Tonawanda Reservation, and became regulars on the Powwow Circuit. John and Margaret, along with their daughters, traveled to gatherings throughout the United States and purchased books and pamphlets to help them learn the Native culture. These books cover such topics as history, Native American beading techniques, quill work, costuming, homes, food, and other crafts. Many of the items given to the library were produced on a small scale and are no longer available for purchase. These materials are now available for use in the library.

The Wittmans no longer travel the Powwow Circuit, and actively pursue other interests and hobbies such as model railroading and quilting.

R. Alfred Bergeron of Parma Center Road gifted the library with a large collection of materials covering the topics of local history and genealogy. Bergeron has been an active family researcher for many years and acquired a large library of books and pamphlets on the subject. These books include extensive research material on French Canadian family genealogies, the histories of the Town of Parma and Village of Hilton, as well as history books on Ogden, Greece, Webster, Penfield, Rochester, and Orleans County. Most of these materials are now available for use in the library; some are still awaiting cataloging but will be available soon. Contact Patty Uttaro at 352-2141 or uttaro@ogdenny.com for a full list of the Bergeron materials.

The Spencerport Lions Club has placed an Aladdin magnifying reader on loan to the library. This table-top reader enlarges print to aid those suffering from a sight impairment. The unit is available for use in the library or can be borrowed for extended home-use. Arrangements for borrowing the reader can be made through Patty Uttaro at the library or through Mary Parkinson of the Lions Club.

Donations such as these serve to enhance the collection of the library and make it more useful for community members. The library accepts donations of books and other materials throughout the year, although generally donations of magazines are not accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the library during regular hours - Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick-ups can be arranged by calling Uttaro at 352-2141.