Albert Wisner Public Library celebrates 80th Anniversary

Warwick - Some of the guests thought they had come to the wrong place when they realized that the normal side entrance to the Albert Wisner Public Library was locked. But, in honor of library’s 80th anniversary celebration the no-longer-used main door had been reopened. On Sunday, Sept. 9, the Library celebrated its 80th anniversary with a reception honoring its “Library Champions 2006/2007.” Library Champions are those who have donated their time or money to the Albert Wisner Public Library. During the well-attended reception, a plaque was dedicated to the “Literary Underwriters” of the 2006 Annual Appeal. All volunteers and donors were also awarded pins in recognition of their service to the library. The historic 1810 House near Lewis Park served as Warwick’s first public library. Then in 1927, Annie Furniss Wisner made a generous bequest of $100,000 to build and maintain a library in memory of her husband, Albert Wisner. The first librarian was Miss Harriet E. Dart from New London, Conn. The Albert Wisner Public Library has since provided Warwick with an important community resource and a legacy of personal philanthropy. The many generous gifts throughout the years include the recent gift of land on McFarland Road, which will soon make the new library a reality. In addition to a birthday cake and other refreshments, guests enjoyed a musical performance by members of the Middle School String Quartet and special historical displays that featured newspaper clippings, clothing and a small collection of new editions of now-classic books published in 1927. Library Director Rosemary Cooper welcomed the guests and introduced dignitaries and speakers, including New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard, Judge Nancy D’Angelo and Warwick Historian Dr. Richard Hull. Chris Lenhardt, president of the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation, reported on recent grants and funding for the new library. “We are well on our way to achieving our overall goal,” he said.