Library History

The Cheney Library was a gift to the people of Hoosick Falls from Charles Cheney who, in 1912, left $50,000 in his estate for the construction and support of a library and historical rooms. Mr. Cheney was a long-standing student of history with a keen interest in libraries. In his will Mr. Cheney also left the people of Hoosick Falls many books and pictures for the library.

In 1907, Mr. Cheney petitioned the NY State Education Department for a Charter for a library for Hoosick Falls. The Hoosick Falls Free Public Library was opened in February of that year in the municipal building on Main Street. After Mr. Cheney's death in 1912, the funds he left for the library were invested until they had increased enough for a suitable building. On October 22, 1922 the cornerstone of the Cheney Free Public Library building was laid. The library opened on November 23, 1923 with 4,000 books in its collection and 400 patrons.

Today the Cheney Library has over 17,000 books, 50 videos, and approximately 50 different magazines subscriptions and 2,700 patrons. The historical rooms are no longer used as such, but a room is devoted to historical books and patrons can go there to read. All of the historical material from the library is now at the Louis B. Miller Museum. A Grandma Moses painting is on loan to the Bennington Museum. Some items of interest that remain at the library include an original 1860 map of the village, the Hurlburt Chart, handwritten in 1872 and giving a history of the village from 1832 on, and a Jose de Creeft painting.


 Library Policies

A library card is required to borrow and renew materials. You are responsible for the prompt return of all materials charged to your library card. Borrowers are responsible for the replacement cost of materials which become lost or damaged while out on loan.

All residents of the Town of Hoosick or the Hoosick Falls Central School District are eligible for Cheney Library cards. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for children under the age of 18. The library should be informed of any change in name, address, or telephone number as soon as possible.

The library has loan periods that vary from two days to two weeks. The date the materials are due will be on the items. Most Cheney Library items may be renewed for three additional loan periods. Videos may not be renewed for additional loan periods.

Materials borrowed from the Library are expected back on the due date. The Board of Trustees has decided to abandon the mandatory fines for overdue items and will leave the fine amount up to the patron's discretion. If a patron misuses this privilege, the Library will suspend the patron's borrowing privileges.


Library Staff

Carol Gaillard, Director
Margaret Pine
Marcia Holbrook
Sharon Fleming
Danny Peer, Maintenance

Library Volunteers
Bill Peckham

Board of Trustees

  • President: Paul Miller
  • Secretary: Colleen Doyle
  • Treasurer: James Stevenson
  • Paul Donohue
  • Susan Hoffman
  • Sue Hyde
  • Lynne Teker

Board meetings
Fourth Tuesday every month, beginning in January, at 6:30pm.

Annual meeting
Fourth Tuesday in January, at 6:30pm.


Directions

Directions to the Library
From the South, follow Route 22 north through the business area. The library is on the right.

From the North, follow Route 22 south from North Hoosick. The library is on the left before entering the business area.

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