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Oswego Public Library
oswego, oswego county
saved
threat: disinvestment, abandonment
The Oswego Public Library occupies a prominent
corner location in the east side of downtown Oswego. Its Romanesque
design combined with more Gothic inspired corbels, turrets and
crenellated parapets distinguish this building, designed by Syracuse
architect Hughs and Rhodes, from other public buildings in the
city and region. Famed abolitionist and Congressman Gerritt Smith
donated the land and $25,000 for its construction. Completed in
1855, the Oswego Public Library is the oldest surviving library
in continuous use in New York State. And it’s in trouble.
Among the issues faced by Oswego’s and other library boards across the
state is how to provide services with shrinking budgets and a declining staff
size. One solution is a trend toward one-story, open plan buildings that
can operate with a small staff while providing room for a growing number of computer
terminals. Older, multi-story libraries present challenges when there is
a need to meet technological, safety, and accessibility demands. Residents fear
that if financial support cannot be identified to maintain and improve the facility,
the landmark Oswego Public Library will be abandoned.
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