It was 25 years ago that the Seymour Library opened its doors at the current location, 161 East Avenue in Brockport. During those years the library has become a center of information and activities for the entire community. The Village of Brockport, the Town of Clarkson, and the Town of Sweden are commemorating the silver anniversary of the Seymour Library with a community celebration on December 8.
The journey to the library’s opening day was a long one, filled with remarkable examples of generosity and cooperation. It began in 1936 when James Seymour gave his home on State Street to the Village of Brockport with the understanding that it was to house a public library. The library became a successful and beloved part of the community. After 30 years, it outgrew its home, and a cooperative effort began to build and relocate to a new building. In 1974, the Towns of Clarkson and Sweden joined the Village of Brockport as full partners in owning and governing the Seymour Library. In 1993, Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Duryea donated 3.6 acres of land for the site of the new and expanded library. Ground was broken and construction began in 1995, and the Seymour Library was dedicated on December 8, 1996. As then Seymour Library trustee Fred Gravetter said at the dedication, “This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when people work together.”
The Silver Anniversary Celebration will be on December 8 at the library with fun for the whole family. At 10:30 a.m., Mama Goose on the Loose will present a program especially for preschoolers. Harpist Sandy Gianniny will perform for an hour in the main room of the library beginning at 12:30 p.m. Kathy Goetz, Sweden’s Local Historian, will be available for appointments in the Local History Room and the excitement continues at 4:30 p.m. with drummer Mayukwa Kashiwa performing in the Duryea Room. The finale to the day will be at 5:15 p.m. with the filling and sealing of the Seymour Library Time Capsule to be opened in the year 2046.
The next 25 years will bring the community plenty to celebrate. One of the library’s current highlights is the Local History Room, which features an extensive local history collection. Library Director, Jennifer Caccavale has introduced mini museums to be housed in the Local History Room by some local museums. Currently on display are the Emily Knapp Museum and the Clarkson Historical Society. Along with these exhibits, local historians are regularly on hand to answer questions and discuss the area’s rich history. Schools may arrange for tours of the library and Local History Room.
Seymour Library has many recurring programs to encourage literacy. There are weekly story times for children and dog lovers may read with Tail Waggin’ Tutors Joey and Cissy. B.R.A.T.S. (Brilliant Readers Active in Teen Service), N.E.R.D.S. (New Experiences and Remarkable Discoveries Society) meet regularly. This past summer, Seymour Library promoted reading with the Summer Reading Program. Many readers of all ages participated in the activities. The library also participated in the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week.
The Seymour Library provides outreach to the Brockport, Clarkson, and Sweden communities throughout the year. A successful American Red Cross Blood Drive was recently held and will occur again in December and March of 2022. Each year the library participates in electronic recycling with the local business, Sunnking, and has hosted a community collection of supplies for both Mr. Grey’s Strays and Matt’s Coats for Kids.
Library plans include participation in local events once again, such as Good Neighbor Days, the unveiling of Seymour Library’s mascot, Seymour the Book Dragon, working with Brockport High School to create an area in the Teen Scene for art shows and teaming up with the Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Center to provide events and programs for the community to enjoy. The youngest children of our community will benefit from the library plans to participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The program’s goals are to encourage families to read books together and develop childhood literacy.
The December 8 celebration offers fun for all ages, and it will be another example of the support that the Village of Brockport and the Towns of Clarkson and Sweden give to the Seymour Library. With the efforts of these local municipalities and the local community, Seymour Library is today and 25 years from now, a pillar of education for area residents. Whether it has been five or 25 years since you have visited, all are welcome back to Seymour Library.
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