Lewiston Public Library celebrates 125 years of service

Submitted

The Lewiston Public Library held a ceremony on Monday, July 6, celebrating its 125 years of service to the community. The event helped kickoff the library’s six-week summer reading program.

Christopher Pannozzo, president of the volunteer board of trustees, welcomed local elected leaders, supporters and area residents for the ceremony.

New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Niagara County Legislator Michael Casale, Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick and NIOGA Executive Director Thomas Bindeman addressed the group.

The Lewiston Public Library was established in 1901 by the Men’s Club of Lewiston. To build the library’s collection, the club hosted a New Year’s party and asked each guest to bring two books. U.S. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was invited to the New Year’s party and, although unable to attend, sent an autographed copy of his book on Oliver Cromwell, which remains on display in the library’s Local History Room.

When the new library was dedicated in 1991, former U.S. presidents Ford, Carter, Nixon and Reagan contributed autographed copies of their books to add to this collection.

The Lewiston Public Library was chartered as a Free Library in 1902. For many years, support was maintained through public subscriptions, with members of the Lewiston Service Guild collecting door-to-door to raise operating funds. Today, the library continues to serve through generous donations and tax dollars.

The library is governed by a volunteer board of trustees with support from the “Friends of the Library” volunteers. Jill Palermo is executive director. 

Local officials and supporters gathered to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Lewiston Public Library on Monday. From left: New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Library Board of Trustees President Christoper Pannozzo, Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick and Niagara County Legislator Michael Casale.