Crandall Public Library (Glens Falls, N.Y.)

Collecting of photographs by Crandall Library evidently began through the efforts of Sherman Williams, who was a founder of the New York State Historical Association and an advisor to Henry Crandall. Photographs may have been collected beginning with or near the founding of Crandall Library in 1892. Others who were influential in developing this collection were Robert C. Carter and Arthur S. Fisher. The cataloging and indexing began in the early 1980's through the efforts of Bruce Cole.

From the description of Crandall Public Library photograph collection, 1863-2000. (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155433039

Photographer Frank M. Taft operated a studio from 1895 to 1913, located in the building partly occupied by Crandall Library at Monument Square in downtown Glens Falls. F. Beecher Mead was a photographer in Glens Falls from 1881 to 1911, working with Taft from 1895 to 1911.

From the description of Glass plate negatives collection, [ca. 1895-1915.] (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155421403

In 1892 Henry Crandall (1821-1913), a Glens Falls resident with little formal education, but who had accumulated a fortune in lumbering and real estate, made available the second floor of a commercial building he owned on Bay Street in Glens Falls for use as a public library. In addition he provided $2,500 for the purchase of books. These offers were accepted and Crandall Free Library was dedicated in November 1892. It received a charter from the Board of Regents of New York State in February 1893. A Board of Trustees of sixteen members was established to govern the library. By his will Henry Crandall established the Crandall Trust, the income from which supported Crandall Library and two city parks.

The library from 1919 to 1931 was housed in the former Jerome Lapham residence nearby on Ridge Street, while planning and preparations were under way for a city park and a new library building adjacent to it. The original section of the present library building opened in 1931. A new wing was added in 1970. In 1958 Crandall Library became a charter member of the Southern Adirondack Library System and was designated as the central reference library of the System. In 1992 special legislation was passed in New York State to establish the Crandall Public Library District for the City of Glens Falls, the Town of Queensbury, and the Town of Moreau. In 1993 Board of Regents issued a charter to Crandall Public Library, dissolving the former 1893 charter.

Christine McDonald became Director in 1979, and most of the records of Crandall Public Library in the archives pertain to her administration. The library has accomplished significant growth during this period in staffing, technical services, reference, children's services, and outreach. In addition, many special public programs were developed, funded by grants from the New York State Council of the Arts and various state, federal, and private agencies. These include film, writers, arts, and music programs. Beginning in 1983 folk traditions became a programming focus, which led in 1993 to the establishment of the Center for Folklife, History, and Cultural Programs. In 1995 a new reading room and storage area for archives and special collections were constructed.

From the description of Crandall Public Library records, 1892-2000. (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155418102