HISTORY

     The Daniel Pierce Library received its provisional charter in 1898 and its absolute charter in 1907.  The provisional charter was signed by Melvil Dewey who was then the Secretary of the University of the State of New York. 
      The Library was founded by Daniel Pierce, a native son.  He was born and raised in the Town of Neversink and later settled in the state of Illinois where he prospered in the fields of real estate and finance.   Upon returning to Grahamsville later in his life, Daniel Pierce expressed gratitude to the town of his birth by financing the foundation of a library with a donation of $300.00.  The first two books purchased by the library were Westward Ho and The Scarlet Letter—at an astounding 32 cents each!  The current historical structure, a pleasantly comfortable home-like building with its golden stone face and three original fireplaces, was built in 1902 at a cost of $3,100.00.   In 2008, the Daniel Pierce Library will be 110 years old!

TODAY
 

     More than 100 years later, the library continues to be a community center and meeting place.  Community groups, including the Alchemy Poets, the Studio Monday Artists, and the First Friday Book Discussion Group meet on a regular basis.  People of all ages regularly utilize library facilities, ranging from twelve-month old babies enrolled in “Mother Goose Time” to senior citizens who are developing their computer and Internet skills.  During the school year, different preschool programs are offered, including a partnership with Tri-Valley Central School to service the children enrolled in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs.  A broad cross-section of people in the community avail themselves of library resources.  Except for a small addition in the 1980’s, the library continues to operate from its original quarters.  In spite of this, in the past ten years, circulation and holdings have increased significantly.  Our library is literally at the bursting point.