A visit to the Daniel Pierce Library will yield views of bookshelves crammed with titles, desks stacked with projects, and storage boxes tucked away in every available nook and cranny – an obvious indication of a lack of space.

     Several years ago, the Board of Trustees recognized that the library was literally at the bursting point and decided to explore the possibility of adding to the existing historical structure.  After approaching representatives of Tri-Valley School, the Town Boards within the library’s service area, local businesses, and patrons, it became surprisingly clear that the community would indeed not only support such an endeavor – but would literally help to build it. 

     The Board of Trustees decided to embark upon an extensive Building Campaign to raise the funds needed for the endeavor.  A Building Committee was formed and chaired by Philip Coombe, Jr., former Commisioner of Corrections for the State of New York.  Building plans were developed, drawn, and revisited numerous times to create a blueprint for a library addition that would meet the needs of the population as it changes and grows over the years to come.

     The 23,500 square-foot addition to the facility will house the Time and the Valley’s Museum and a Children’s Literacy Center, as well as a reading room, computer learning stations and community meeting rooms.  Improved access for disabled and elderly patrons, adequate parking and outside lighting will also be features of the addition.  Shelf space for an additional 40,000 books, audio books, periodicals, videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs will be provided.  Phase II will include the renovation of the original structure.

     Charles Dickens is quoted as saying “The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.”  The Daniel Pierce Library, with its aging, golden-bricked façade, voile-papered walls, and charming fireplaces, contains so much more than books.  It is a center of learning, a place where patrons come first, children meet their first friends, and volunteers are cherished beyond words.  Certainly, without the incredible outpouring of generous support from the members of our community and local contractors and businesses, building an addition of this magnitude would be impossible.   Together, we will “celebrate the past and build for the future.”