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Phoenix Public Library

34 Elm Street
315-695-4355

On September 22, 1921, a full charter was granted by the Regents of the State of New York. The library was first located in two rooms in a house on Main Street. In 1924, the library received $2400 as a result of a bequest from Abram Nellis which was used to purchase a residence on the corner of Main & Lock Streets. The library occupied only the first floor to begin with, while the second floor continued to be used as a residence. The upstairs eventually was converted to library space. The library occupied this same building until 1992
Severe overcrowding, lack of handicapped accessibility and inadequate parking prompted the library board to explore various possibilities for expanding its facilities
and services. After deciding that a brand new facility would need to be constructed, the Enterprise Volunteer Fire Co. donated a parcel of land to the library for this
purpose. The board received an LSCA Title II Construction Grant to construct and furnish the new facility. Matching funds were obtained through numerous fundraising efforts of the board, the Century Club, the Friends of the Library and many organizations in the community. A grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation also helped the cause. These efforts enabled the library to move in to the new building and open to the public  on May 11, 1992.