CASSADAGA - Members of the Cassadaga Branch Library Association met recently at the home of Kathy George for their monthly meeting and the annual cookie exchange.
Each member brought two dozen of homemade cookies, and exchanged them with other members. Recipes were also discussed. Member Susan W. Sipos is working on the new Library Cookbook which should be ready for sale in the spring. The cookbook will include the original library cookbook from 1950, a historical background of the library, recipes from the 2003 cookbook, and new recipes. Chairman Lois Franz opened the meeting with a welcome to all, and secretary Trudy Coulcher read the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer Kathi Runkle gave the financial report, and reported on the success of the recent grocery raffle to help with library expenses. Photographs of the group were taken by member John Sipos, who serves as the Cassadaga village historian. Sipos had on display, photographs of the group dating back 10 years.
The library association was formed in 1938 as a singing group. In those early years, the group sang and entertained at many events, and as World War II began, public appearances were stopped. The group continued their name, The Ladies Chorus, and continued to do community service working with the Red Cross, and sponsoring a recreational program for the children of the elementary school. In 1946, the group decided to sponsor a library, and began gathering used books and storing them. When the library room was ready at the elementary school, books were carried in baskets to the New Library. There have been several moves of the library and a new building was constructed in 1993. It is called the Cassadaga Branch Library, a branch of the Mary E. Seymour Memorial Free Library of Stockton. The Cassadaga building has been closed for a while now, and currently renovations are being done to get the library to open by midyear. A generous donation was received from Margaret Sawkins to help with renovations. Through the years, and with the efforts of many people, the library has seen growth, and kept up with an ever changing world.
Article Photos
Members of the Cassadaga Branch Library Association met recently for their annual cookie exchange. Standing, from left, are John Sipos, Susan Sipos, Ruth Swanson, Kathi Runkle, Diane Shaw, Regina Burlingame and Marcia Murphy. Seated are Lois Franz, chairman; Kathy George, hostess; and Trudy Coulcher, secretary.
The library group will be taking a break in December, and will hold its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. New members are always welcome.