History

In November 1914, eight young women in the community decided to work toward "civic betterment" by establishing a public library. They became the charter members of the Century Club, whose main purpose was to assist the Phoenix Public Library. Funding to raise $1,000 to become a fully chartered library took several forms: food sales, concerts, luncheons, a talent show, lectures and even a circus.

On September 22, 1921, a full charter was granted by the Regents of the State of New York. The library was first located in two rooms in a house on Main Street. In 1924, the library received $2400 as a result of a bequest from Abram Nellis which was used to purchase a residence on the corner of Main & Lock Streets. The library occupied only the first floor to begin with, while the second floor continued to be used as a residence. The upstairs eventually was converted to library space. The library occupied this same building until 1992.

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Severe overcrowding, lack of handicapped accessibility and inadequate parking prompted the library board to explore various possibilities for expanding its facilities
and services. After deciding that a brand new facility would need to be constructed, the Enterprise Volunteer Fire Co. donated a parcel of land to the library for this
purpose. The board received an LSCA Title II Construction Grant to construct and furnish the new facility. Matching funds were obtained through numerous fundraising efforts of the board, the Century Club, the Friends of the Library and many organizations in the community. A grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation also helped the cause. These efforts enabled the library to move in to the new building and open to the public
on May 11, 1992.

As time went by new furniture and equipment was added including two photocopiers, several computers, a fax machine, video equipment and a large screen TV.

In 1998 & 1999 the Phoenix Central School District assisted the library with expanding the technological services by providing computers with Internet connection via a T1 line, software, wiring and support personnel. In 2000, the library automated its cataloging and circulation functions for efficiency for staff and easy of use for patrons.

The library continues to add to its services to patrons by continually updating the print and non-print collection and providing computerized databases for public use.