Anita Vandermark
By Anita Vandermark
Time to share information on another special organization - The Josephine-Louise Public Library. The earliest record of any known library in Walden is recorded on a small pamphlet titled “The Alphabet, An anniversary Address,” read before the Walden Library Association on January 31, 1826, by Rev. James R. Wilson, a patron of the institution. There are no records from 1826 until the Public Library Movement in the late 19th Century. In 1896, Mrs. Willis C. Stevens and Miss Louise H. Bradley organized a circulating library society. It was a reading club, to which its members contributed funds and a list of books to be purchased. The books that were purchased were then circulated among the members.
Walden’s first public library was incorporated with a provisional charter from the University of the State of New York on December 20, 1900. In 1901, it was located over a store on Main Street. The collection consisted of books from the former reading club and gifts from individuals and the public school. In 1905, the Village of Walden appropriated $400 to the library, and the Library Board of Trustees applied for and received $100 in State Aid for Libraries. The library received an absolute charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York on March 31, 1910.
The most famous benefactor of the Walden Library was Thomas W. Bradley, shop-boy, resident manufacturer, decorated Civil War veteran, and statesman. As one of the first Library Trustees, he sought incorporation, financial support and a building to house the library. He planned to build a library on a lot he owned on Bank Street; however, he was approached by Fire Chief Durkee, to combine his library with the firehouse on Municipal Square. Bradley matched funds of $30,000 in order that a building be constructed on the site of the existing firehouse, to be removed, and which house the fire companies, the library, and a public assembly hall. On July 5, 1916, the present library opened.
It was named for Col. Bradley’s wife, Josephine , and his daughter, Louise. It was the same Louise Bradley who started the circulating library in 1898.
To learn more about the Josephine-Louise Public Library, stop in anytime during working hours.
Walden P. D. Chief of Police William R. Herlihy sends word that Alexis Barber has been appointed to a full-time Police Officer position with the Village of Walden Police Department.
Alexis started as a part-time dispatcher while pursuing her education. She continued to excel, completing her educational milestones: Associates in Criminal Justice from OCCC; Bachelors in Sociology with a focus on criminology from SUNY New Paltz and her Masters in criminal Justice from John Jay College. As of March 4, 2024, Alexis is attending the police academy where she will continue to hone her skills and contribute to public safety. Please join in congratulating Alexis on this well-deserved appointment!
Happy Birthday greetings from family and friends to Cathy Muller, who will celebrate her special day on March 8.We wish her all of life’s best.
Walden Rotary Club members send Happy Anniversary wishes to John and Perla Revella on March 8. May they enjoy their special day!
M. P. B. Knights of Columbus Council No. 9254 provides take-out Lenten Dinners on Friday Nights during Lent until March 22. On the March 8th menu is Shrimp Jambalaya, (shrimp, onions, peppers and rice in a tomato base), Roll, and Cookies. Meals are $10 each. Pre Orders and Take Out Only. Leave a message by 11- p.m. Thursday, March 7 with your order at 845-972-2303 to reserve your dinners. You will be put on the list. Leave your name, phone number and number of meals. Pick up at M.P.B., Fr. Sullivan Hall. between 5 - 6 p.m. On March 15, the menu is Parmesan Tilapia, Garlic Mashed Potatoes,Vegetable, Biscuit, and Cookies.
Fox Hill Bruderhof, 80 Coleman Road, will host Joel Salatin and James and Helen Bebanks, prominent advocates of sustainable agriculture from both sides of the Atlantic as they discuss the future of farming on Saturday, March 9, 2024, 1:30 -:5:30 p.m.
The event will be followed by a complimentary barbecue with meat and vegetables raised at Fox Hill Bruderhof. Tickets are $15. Children under eighteen years of age get in free.
Get your ticket at plough.com/FutureOfFarming.
The Josephine-Louise Public Library sends the following news:
Please join us for a very special event as we welcome Children’s Author and illustrator Nina Crews on Tuesday, March 12, 4:30 p.m. Nina is known for her distinctive photo collage style. Her books include I”m Not Small, Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change, A Girl Like Me, Extraordinary Magic and many more.
Nina is the recipient of the 2023 New York State Library Association’s Empire State Award. She is a member of SCBWI and the Author’s Guild. Ms. Crew is a graduate of Yale University, where she received a BA in art and participated in the Whitney Independent Study studio program for artists. After Nina’s presentation there will be time for a Question and Answer session. This event is open to everyone – all ages are welcome! For more information please visit our website or call the library at (845) 778-7621.