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Le Roy school district facing unexpected expense of repairing Woodward Memorial Library elevator

By Howard B. Owens

The elevator at the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy is out of service, and the school district is expecting some costly repairs.

While the library operates on its own budget, the district owns the library building and is responsible for its maintenance.

Superintendent Merritt Holly gave the Board of Education a heads up at this past week's meeting and will come back at a future meeting with details on cost.

"Obviously, we will be out of compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) if we don't do it," Holly said.

District Finance Director Brian Foeller explained that because the elevator is seldom used, the oil in the hydraulic system dries out.  If the elevator were used 100 times a day, everything would stay well lubricated, but with dry oil, metal rubs against metal and then shavings begin to impede movement.

The current elevator was installed in 1995 and is inspected annually -- also a significant expense -- but it hasn't been fully serviced before.

"So it comes down to -- we have to evaluate what's the most efficient way to get this done without having more issues with it but also knowing what the full cost is," Holly said.

Woodward Memorial Library hosting childrens' book drive

By Press Release

Press release:

It’s the season of giving, and Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy is doing its part by holding a Holiday Book Drive!

All donated books will benefit the Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund’s Holiday Partnership.

You can participate by bringing new (or gently used) children’s books to the Library from now until Nov. 30.

Need some ideas? You may visit our Giving Tree in the Children’s Room for suggestions on the types of books you can purchase to donate.

All who donate will have their name added to a leaf on our Giving Tree!

New sidewalk at Woodward Memorial Library expected to be safer, completed by mid-July

By Howard B. Owens

The walkway leading from Wolcott Street to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy may look like a mess now, but things will be a whole lot better in about a month, according to Le Roy Central Schools Superintendent Merritt Holly.

As part of a $12.1 million capital improvement plan approved by voters, the district is investing $186,349 in a new sidewalk for the library.

The old sidewalk was no longer up to safety standards.  The new sidewalk will not only be more attractive but its safety enhancements will include a snowmelt system.

"This (system) will eliminate the use of salts and/or other de-icing materials and physical damage from our tractors removing snow," Holly said. "Furthermore, when our maintenance crew leaves at the end of the school day, and the library remains open in the evening, the sidewalks will stay clear of snow and ice.  We have also added a small slope change to the sidewalk as you walk up to the library using the sidewalk."

 Holly said the district expects the sidewalk project to be completed before July 13.

Photos by Howard Owens

As part of the project, a main power line for Woodward Memorial Library and the Wolcott building was replaced, hence the big hole in front of the library during construction

Photos: New 'Story Walk' installed at the Woodward Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

In the age of social distancing, Woodward Memorial Library has created a "story walk" leading up to the steps of the library.

Director Betsy Halvorsen said a new story is posted on signs along the walk every Friday and new stories will be posted through Aug. 21.  

The stories are pages from picture books mounted on lawn signs and are designed to encourage children to continue with their summer reading.

Several libraries in the Nioga system are participating in the program.

As long as I was at the library on a beautiful day, I took a picture of the bust of Lemuel M. Wiles, a highly regarded artist of the 19th century who was director of the art school at Ingham University. Ingham was an all-women university in Le Roy. The bust was created in 1922 by sculpture Chester Beach.

Woodward Memorial Library closed due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Woodward Memorial Library is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in effect as long as deemed necessary.

Our online resources are available 24/7. E-books, e-audiobooks, comics, videos, music, and digital magazines are available through Overdrive, Hoopla, and RB Digital. These are all available as free apps that can be downloaded to smart devices or links are available through the library’s website.

The library’s Wi-Fi works well from the grounds 24/7. No library card necessary.

We will keep you updated through our Facebook page, Instagram, and website. We will also be posting storytime videos and craft tutorials to our Facebook and Instagram stories. Follow us on Instagram @wmlib. Our website is www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org.

We look forward to reopening as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Stay safe and well,

Betsy Halvorsen

Library Director

CANCELLED: Movie Monday at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

CANCELLED: Select Mondays in March we will be showing a movie for Adults. On the 30th come see the film Rocketman, based on the life of international superstar Elton John. Afternoon showing at 1:00 PM and evening showing at 6:00 PM. Popcorn and water will be served. This is an adult program. Please register.

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*NEW* Preschool Storytime at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Join Miss Melissa for stories, songs, activities, and simple sign language with a different theme each week! Gaered towards ages 3-6, but siblings are welcome! Registration is appreciated.

*Signing up for the first one each month will sign you up for the entire month*

11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 5, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 12, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 19, 2020
11:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Movie Monday for adults at Woodward library: 'Yesterday'

By Trisha Riggi

Select Mondays in March we will be showing a movie for Adults. On the 16th come see the film Yesterday. In a world where the Beatles never existed, a young singer/songwriter becomes famous by singing the songs that only he remembers from the famous group. Evening showing at 6 p.m.

Popcorn and water will be served. This is an adult program. Please register.

 

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Kids Create at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Do you love discovering new ways to be creative? Join Miss Melissa one Thursday each month to create your own unique masterpiece! This month, make your own Watercolor Snowflakes out of coffee filters.  Grades 3rd - 6th. Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Color Your Own Coasters at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Join us for a relaxing afternoon of coloring, in our decorative adult coloring books! Then, turn your beautiful pictures into coasters so they can be enjoyed again and again! Teens and Adults are welcome! Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Wacky Racer Derby at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Create your own wacky vehicle using recyclables and then race against your friends! The library will provide all supplies, you just bring your imagination! Great program for those who enjoy Master Builders! Grades 3rd - 6th. Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Puzzle Competition at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Join Bonnie for an afternoon of competitive fun! Show off your puzzle skills and technique during a contest seeing how much of a puzzle you can complete! There will be puzzles, prizes, and refreshments. This is for adults only. Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Movie Monday matinee for adults at Woodward Memorial Library, also show at 6 p.m.

By Trisha Riggi

Select Mondays in February we will be showing a movie for Adults. On February 10th come see the original Murder on the Orient Express from 1974. In this film, detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurred on the train he is currently traveling in. Evening showing at 6:00 PM. Popcorn will be served. This is an adult program. Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Night Storytime at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Join Miss Melissa for stories, songs, flannel board activities, dancing, and simple sign language! Each week will have a different theme! This storytime is geared towards children up to age 6, but all are welcome! Registration is appreciated, but not required.

*Signing up for the first one each month will sign you up for the entire month* (Feb. 4 - Feb. 25)

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Movie Monday for adults at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Select Mondays in February we will be showing a movie for Adults. On Feb. 3rd come see "Clue," the movie based on the original characters in the popular board game. Evening showing at 6 p.m. Popcorn will be served. Please register online www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call 585-768-8300.

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Happy Birthday, A.A. Milne! at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Come celebrate famous author, A.A. Milne's birthday with us.  Read about the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and all of their forest friends! After stories, join us for a themed craft! Program for All ages. Registration is required. call 585-768-8300 or online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org

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